2017-Bilstein 5100

Can not find the exact information I need, so I am planning on buying Bilstein 5100's and replacing all four shocks instead of buying a strut spacer leveling kit so I plan on adjusting the 5100's to the max in the front. I will then be putting on new tires 35x12.5r18, is there anything a guy should be concerned about or anything I am missing in order to level my truck? Main concern is if I need to replace the OEM spring since I am doing the new shocks, upper control arms, CV axle wear and tear, and or any driveline issues. Thank you!

 

Upper control arms are recommended if going past 2” of lift in order to correct alignment. CV’s should be GTG as long as you don’t try stacking spacers. 35x12.50 will typically require some trimming, but wheel offset and width dictates how much trimming and where. Stock is +60; between stock and +28 mm usually requires less trimming.

 

Any recommendation's for uppers? I have 18x9+25 for offset and from what I have seen/researched it looks like it will take very minimal trimming. But, we will see!

 

I just ordered a set of Dirt King UCA's but haven't installed them yet, so I can't personally speak to their quality or longevity. I chose them based partly price but the OE style balljoint; I don't care for the extra maintenance of other styles of joint and I don't need the extreme articulation that those other styles of joint provide. But that's just one guys opinion. IIRC, the new Bilstein UCA's are either the same thing or a rebranded Dirt King. Perhaps somebody can correct me on that if I'm wrong.

@memario1214 would be a good resource to reach out to about UCA options.

 

I wouldn't run the 5100 on the top setting. I did that on my old Tacoma and it was rough. On my 3rd gen 4 runner I used toytec springs, which I am sure are just eibach with 5100's and the ride was so much nicer with the same amount of lift. It may be different for Tundra's but I doubt it.

 

Tacoma suspension geometry is very different from the tundras in terms of lift height. 2" of lift on the tacoma put a lot of things out of their optimal range and makes for a rough ride, partially because you are losing most of your down travel. New, softer springs, helped but required different valving. Since 5100's retain the factory springs, max height on a tacoma was very suboptimal. The tundra is much more forgiving in that regard; a tundra at about 4.5" of lift is about the same as a tacoma at 2" of lift in terms of suspension compromises. I'm by no means a suspension expert, but that is what I've gleaned from other suspension experts (and Bilstein themselves) in comparing tacoma and tundra leveling kits. That said, I stick to 2" or less of front suspension height, but I tow and haul a lot and don't like the saggy diaper look when hitched up.