Leveling Recommendations

Hey All,

I have a 2002 SR5. Just installed Bilstein 4600's in the rear (it also has some relatively new leaf packs). After looking more at the truck I am starting to think about leveling the front end.

What are my options for achieving a nice level? I am okay with buying new springs and shocks and prefer to avoid puck kits if at all possible. I also plan on installing a dif drop and the CV's after getting all the suspension figured out.

Here is how it sits as of today.

 

Bilstien 5100's are the route I went. Here's a pic of mine. I'm running 17" wheels and 285/70/R17 tires.

 

That is a great looking truck. Did you just run 5100's in the factory springs? It looks like you have lifted the rear as well?

 

Yes, I kept the factory springs as they were still in good shape. I have 5100's on all 4 corners. Only the fronts are the adjustable ride height and set to the 4th notch which gives 1.6" lift. The rear are factory height.

I believe the '05 trucks have a slightly higher stance than the '02, but I may be wrong.

 

They do look a bit taller. That sounds like the easiest option, I think I will install 5100's in the front (unfortunately I already installed 4600's in the rear, oh well). I need to find some factory springs, the previous owner of this vehicle installed some Monroe quick kit and I do not want to reuse those springs.

Thanks for the input.

 

No problem. The 4600's will be just fine in the rear. Don't worry about those. I agree that you need to swap those springs out for OEM or a quality aftermarket. I won't let Monroe anything anywhere near my vehicles after my experience with their Sensatrac shocks in my first Toyota pickup.

 

The previous owner cut every corner imaginable, after getting underneath it I started to learn how much I have to make right again.

 

New(er) TRD Springs in the front with some Billy 5100’s. Looks like you have some mechanical skills and could steal some springs off another Tundra.

Warning: The Billys are firm riding. Great for tow, haul, and road use. Off road maybe another option $$$ will $uit you.

 

I just need to find another TRD to steal some springs out of, that would be a dream come true. Looks like another trip to the salvage yard is in order this week.

 

You're on the right track. Even if you wanted to, I believe it's been stated those monroe springs won't work on others. So you couldn't put those over 5100's even if you wanted to. In just mentioning that as an FYI.

 

Called a buddy and he has a set of TRD springs for me. Going to pick up the 5100's and hopefully get it all buttoned up by the end of the week. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Do the 5100's ride {much} better than spacers? I'm close to pulling the trigger to remove the spacers and install the 5100's to improve the ride (99% pavement). Do you have experience with both?

Sorry for the brief hijack, just a great time to ask the question...

 

I noticed a significant difference when I replaced the spacer lift with a 5100 on my 3rd gen 4Runner (it was used mostly off-road), which is the main reason I hesitate to use a puck lift anymore. As far as pavement driving you probably won't notice a change, you might even feel the 5100's are worse (they arestifferf and tuned towards off-road use).

 

I cannot speak with experience on spacers. I can say that I really like the 5100’s. I am mostly pavement like you, but tow/haul on occasion and they are outstanding in those areas. If you are mostly street maybe consider a rear sway bar for body roll stability. I have the Hellwig 7700 and in conjunction with the OEM front sway bar the truck handles like a sport car more than a truck.

 

Nice, thanks!

 

Sure thing buddy. Chime in anytime as everyone here is pretty cool and willing to help.