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Bilstein 5100s...Top or Middle setting?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by ToyotaTundraMike, Apr 10, 2016.

  1. Apr 10, 2016 at 3:45 PM
    #1
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    I think the middle is 1.8" and the top is 2.2".

    Getting my shocks put on this week and wondering which setting I should go with on the front shocks. Also getting the 275/70/18 Cooper ST Maxx tires put on this week. Any difference in ride quality between the two settings? Thoughts or recommendations? I tow my boat quite a bit, and don't plan on adding anything in the back. Definitely don't want the nose-up look.

    Anyone have pics of truck on middle setting?
     
  2. Apr 10, 2016 at 5:36 PM
    #2
    CHESSIEMAN

    CHESSIEMAN New Member

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    Been thinking of the same thing, would definitely like to see some pics. after you have it done. Personally I think the top setting is just too much without doing something to the rear.
     
  3. Apr 10, 2016 at 8:00 PM
    #3
    boardude

    boardude I am Batman

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    I think the middle setting is closer to 1.5" of lift. I had these on my Taco and set at the top. The ride was pretty firm with the spring compressed and eventually replaced the spring with a longer OME and set the clip back to stock position. Wished I had done that to begin with.

    I tow often as well including a boat and if you don't want a bro lean then I wouldn't do the top position. I would recommend an AAL or bigger shackles in the rear for towing though. It really does make a difference and you don't sag when towing.
     
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  4. Apr 11, 2016 at 6:44 AM
    #4
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    Thanks, may look into the shackles. My boat and 4wheeler trailer are the only things that I tow, and they don't weigh very much, but I def don't want the lean.

    Nobody has gone with the middle setting? For those of you with Bilstein's on the top setting, do you have a bad lean while towing?
     
  5. Apr 12, 2016 at 6:44 AM
    #5
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    Well according to the specs on toytec website the middle setting is 1.57" and the top is 2.28"

    Decisions decisions....

    I'm thinking the 1.57" may be enough lift in the front for my taste (specially since im only going with 33's). Should give it a more level look without having the lean while towing the boat. Would love to see a picture of someone on middle setting.
     
    Last edited: Apr 12, 2016
  6. Sep 27, 2016 at 2:36 PM
    #6
    harrisdoggy

    harrisdoggy New Member

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    @ToyotaTundraMike - what did you end up doing then? Trying to decide the same thing. Would like as close to level as possible, but don't want anything where the front is too high. Do you have any pics? How is the ride at the top versus middle?
     
  7. Sep 27, 2016 at 3:12 PM
    #7
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    No regrets here @ middle setting. Check the link in my sig and theres some pics in my build thread. A perfect level is 2". Middle setting is about 1.7" so there is still a slight rake whereas the top setting is about 2.2" or so which looks more level but may give you the nose up look while towing.
     
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  8. Sep 27, 2016 at 3:28 PM
    #8
    Law323

    Law323 it’s only weird if you make it weird

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    Toytec BOSS suspension lift @ 3" (front) Toytec BOSS remote resi's (back) 1" Toytec block (rear) 275/70r18 Toyo AT2 Info system mod 3D MAXpider Kagu floor mats LED interior lights 50% ceramic tint front windows 35% ceramic tint windshield brow Bed mounted YETI bottle opener Paracord wrapped oh Sh!t bars 3" stubby antennae TRD sway bar Upcoming: LED backup lights OEM Backup camera Iron Cross Patriot step bars Trifold or roll up tonneau cover
    Airbags in the rear to prevent squat. Done.
     
  9. Sep 27, 2016 at 3:42 PM
    #9
    harrisdoggy

    harrisdoggy New Member

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    @ToyotaTundraMike - thanks for the info. Truck looks great! No issues with 275/70r18 tires rubbing with middle setting?
     
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  10. Sep 27, 2016 at 6:31 PM
    #10
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    Thanks! No issues at all!
     
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  11. Sep 28, 2016 at 6:17 AM
    #11
    PlatinumPro

    PlatinumPro New Member

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    Bilstein 6112+5100s, Rigid Lighting, Fuel 20x9 Bronze Blitz
    while i don't run 5100's i do have 6112's which are bigger and heavier in every way. they are set up on the 3rd setting which is likely very similar to what you'd get on the top setting with 5100's and the result is almost a perfect level with no changes to the rear at all.
     
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  12. Sep 28, 2016 at 6:23 AM
    #12
    CaptTyler

    CaptTyler Life’s too short to have an ugly boat.

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    I have the 5100's on top setting and when I initially installed them with no lift in rear, the front looked way too high but measured very close to perfectly level. Like @Law323 has mentioned before, these trucks are funny. They need at least 0.5" lift in rear to look level.
    The middle setting will look just right if you don't want to lift the rear at all. Just my opinion...
     
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  13. Sep 28, 2016 at 6:50 AM
    #13
    PlatinumPro

    PlatinumPro New Member

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    even though my measuring tape tells me i'm higher in the back end but very close to level i still find i'm tilting my head. they appear to sit cali-style without a little rake.
     
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  14. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:52 AM
    #14
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    Installed 5100s yesterday. Seems higher in front.

    IMG_0775.jpg
    IMG_0776.jpg
     
  15. Apr 18, 2018 at 8:57 AM
    #15
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    Did you read this thread at all? Lol..
     
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  16. Apr 18, 2018 at 9:08 AM
    #16
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    I did how was your response helpful?
     
  17. Apr 18, 2018 at 9:10 AM
    #17
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    You seemed a little surprised it was nose high after install but literally every post in this thread said the same that it would be lol. Just curious if you happened to read here before the install and that was what you were actually going for or if you saw this thread afterwards.
     
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  18. Apr 18, 2018 at 9:13 AM
    #18
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    My truck has 170k & was ready for shocks (although still felt fine) I bought & installed the appropriate 5100s and it seemed nose high so searched 2010 Tundra front end high after 5100 install & found this thread.
     
  19. Apr 18, 2018 at 9:16 AM
    #19
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike [OP] Not A New Member

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    Ahh. Well that’s unfortunate that you didn’t find that info beforehand but there are things you can do if it bothers you that it’s nose high a little. Coach builder makes a .6 inch shackle that slightly lifts the rear. That may be an option for ya. Personally don’t think it’s that noticeable until you have to tow something though
     
  20. Apr 18, 2018 at 4:56 PM
    #20
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    Thanks.
     
  21. Apr 20, 2018 at 8:50 PM
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    Odb1987

    Odb1987 New Member

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    My local 4 wheel parts said they had a lot of complaints at top setting about the ride being rough. They recommend middle setting. I had them remove a 3/1 spacer lift and install 5100’s at middle setting. Nothing in the rear. Very happy with the results.
     
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  22. Apr 20, 2018 at 11:05 PM
    #22
    HOTDAM

    HOTDAM Feeling Dangerous

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    Same here. Middle with stock rear. Rides and looks great to me.
     
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  23. Apr 20, 2018 at 11:25 PM
    #23
    tlr641

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    Trd dual exhaust, bilstein 5100’s, tint
    Middle setting for me too...
     
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  24. Apr 21, 2018 at 9:36 AM
    #24
    e30cabrio

    e30cabrio I'm e30cabrio, I'm a modaholic

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    I took pictures & measurements for Coachbuilder (great guy btw) 39" is where the front sits & where I'd like the back to be.

    First pic is where it sits, second is lifted to 39" by my jack at the hitch.

    IMG_0829.jpg
    IMG_0832.jpg
     
  25. Apr 21, 2018 at 9:53 AM
    #25
    saybng

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    Middle setting here and she sits level..

    20180403_165807.jpg
     
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  26. May 30, 2018 at 6:34 PM
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    Crewmax34

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    What size tire are you running on the middle setting and do you have aftermarket wheels.
     
  27. May 30, 2018 at 8:38 PM
    #27
    saybng

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    Who are you asking?
     
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  28. Jun 6, 2018 at 6:07 PM
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    Crewmax34

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    Saybng what size tire are you able to run on the middle 5100 setting.
     
  29. Jun 7, 2018 at 9:22 AM
    #29
    saybng

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    Method Nv's, falken wildpeak 275.65.20 Dirty deeds exhaust, 5100's all around...nothin fancy.
    275.65.20

    20180403_171323.jpg
     
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  30. May 29, 2019 at 12:50 PM
    #30
    the mailman

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    Just starting
    I'm thinking of going with the 5100 at the middle setting with one coachbuilder shim on driver side to eliminate the 1/2 inch lean
     

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