Can I install front 5100 Bilstein's on my 2017 Tundra myself?

I'm interested in purchasing a set of Bilstein 5100's to level my 2017 Tundra (middle setting).

Can a guy with the right tools, and a reasonable amount of experience working on cars do this himself?

I do know how to safely use a spring compressor, torque wrench, etc...

What say you?

What do I need to know?

 

Yes you can, and infact you can do it without a coil compressor. There are a few YouTube videos that show how. I've done it that way and it's so much easier and probably safer.
Don't be fooled and think the 5100s will ride like the factory suspension. You're preparing the springs pretty good so it'll be quite a bit stiffer and rougher riding. You may wanna consider going one notch down from "level" for a slightly smoother ride and maintain some rake for if you load the bed or tow. Be sure you get the C clip in well and the sping perch oriented correctly. Also if you arent doing one side at a time, mark driver and passenger could springs. Oh and make sure to get an alignment after.

 

Thanks for your feedback. Do you have a link to a specific you tube video I should use as my guide?

How can the shock be replaced without compressing the spring???

 

Interested in your thoughts on the 5100s ride. At 135k my truck feels like it needs new shocks anyway, and I wanted the balance. But I'd heard it was a pretty good ride on the 5100, not a harsh one as you suggest. Is there a better highway/pothole road shock option?

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=vkVLBOnAifc&t=181s

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5E6u7dC7EHg&t=96s

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jo0FJSi-KYs

 

I did 2 sets of Tacoma coilovers like that and worked well both times, also did 2 sets with compressor and that sucked.

I felt the ride was a little harsh. Its just a result of preloading the coil springs some guys don't mind it. Personally I'd rather use a longer/firmer spring and shock or a set of lift coilovers. Even stiffer springs may ride better than pre loaded OEM springs. But the 5100s are a cheap, safe, easy way to lift up a little bit. And if you dont mind a slightly rougher ride then they're a good choice.

 

Those last two videos look to be exactly what I need to know.

Can I assume the procedure is the same for a Tundra...just different torque specs?

 

Yup same procedure different torque settings.

 

I did mine.
It was a big step since I had never done anything of the nature before, but turned out like a champ.

GREAT feeling

 

I have done several Tacoma’s using those YouTube methods , no issues. Just be careful and take your time. I have not done it on a Tundra. I have no experience with 5100’s on a Tundra, but my opinion is that the 5100’s ride ruff if you use them on any other setting other than the lowest. I have lifted many Tacoma’s with the 5100’s and they were stiff. You hear different on this forum and Tacomaworld... just my opinion.

 

I have 5100’s that I traded my stock headlights for sitting in my garage. For me it’s all about ride quality which has made me reconsider. So long story long, I will probably have a good deal on some 5100’s here shortly.
I read buy once, cry once one too many times so will be grabbing a Toytec lift for Black Friday.

 

I'm wondering why everyone uses the 5100s instead of using a top spacer on top of the factory coil/shock setup.

You retain the stock ride with the spacer, it's cheaper, and you get the front end leveled.

 

Because this...

 

What caused that? The spacer doesn't load up the shock anymore than it is from the factory. It just changes it's mounting position slightly.

My truck is stock so I don't really have a dog in this fight. It just seems like a spacer on the top plate would be the way to go.

 

At stock height your bumpstops stop your shocks from full compression. When you add 3” on top of your shocks, your shocks become the bumpstop.

 

I went with preassembled 6112s on middle setting and little more money but easy install and better ride.

 

I'm still on stock suspension but I am living through all of you!

 

As it was already said, spacers have there place, most of us would never have a problem with a reasonable spacer lift and light off roading. I have no issue using a spacer and know lots of people who have been riding on them for years with zero issues.

 

I added bump stop extensions and i have zero issues with my readylift 3/1 kit. The picture of the broken suspension is most likely due to going over a huge pothole or doing rock crawling which the level kit is not made for. I take my truck on back country dirt roads in colorado with a topper and rooftop tent with no problems.

http://zoneoffroad.com/zone-offroad-products-front-bump-stop-extension-kit/T5301

 

So then, I am at 135k miles and the suspension still feels pretty good, though likely not as good as it could. I want 2-2.5 inches up front, but do not off road and just deal with crappy city roads and highway miles. Is the 5100 overkill? Is Monaco's approach of spacers and bump stock extensions the better option for general road driving?

 

General road driving, yes. IMO with 135k miles, I would probably go with the 5100s, especially if you plan on keeping the truck a while. My stock shocks have 138k on them and I've had a spacer on for 50k miles with no issues. When I have to replace the stock shocks though, I will go with a lift shock/strut instead.

 

With the mileage you have on your current suspension, it might be a good time to just get new suspension whether that be just stock suspension and adding the 3/1 level kit or upgrading to coilovers. But I think just to avoid a double install of the level kit (once on your current suspension and again if you decide to replace with another stock suspension), i would just get new suspension (either stock with level kit or coilovers) but with what you will be using it for, i say stock with level kit.

 

You will be fine either way, both will factor into how your truck will ride. There are thousands , probably millions of trucks of all brands riding on spacers with no issues. Do what your budget allows. Shocks of any brand are pricey if they are decent. If you think you need new shocks get the ones you can afford, and add the spacer. Toytec can provide you pre assembled stuff that will save all the drama for the install. I’m looking at several options, but my truck is new. I’m not taking any of them off the table including the “dreaded” drop bracket kits. There are lots of good people and advice on this forum.