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On the fence about leveling...

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Tophergt99, Dec 27, 2016.

  1. Dec 27, 2016 at 7:11 AM
    #1
    Tophergt99

    Tophergt99 [OP] Back in black

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    Chris
    Weston, Wisconsin
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    In progress....
    Been thinking of leveling my crew max but don't want to create problems down the road. I am 90% blacktop and 10% that drive to the cabin or snowy roads. I know a lot of guys say the puck is bad and to do replacement struts, if I do it would be 5100s.
    I have some questions that I'm pretty sure can be answered here ;)
    If I do a 2in puck or 5100s at the top setting I know I need an alignment, am I going to be able to align it without causing future problems? Should I do a differential drop? They don't at the dealership when they level. Do I need new uca's if I want a proper alignment? If I need them not going to waste the time on the level.
    I also have the trd edition, am I going the lose ride comfort if I do any of these two? Wife and my kid love chillin in the back on trips.
    Thanks!
     
    YotaDan likes this.
  2. Dec 27, 2016 at 7:28 AM
    #2
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

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    I will always vote against spacer lifts. Even though they would probably be fine for what you are using them for, I just see them as the padded bra of suspension.
    If you are keeping it at 2" in the front, an alignment will be needed but that is it. No UCAs or or diff drop are required. The TRD Pro is raised 2 inches higher than the standard Tundras and doesn't have either one of those items from the factory. If you go anything above 2.5" is when you'll start needing extra parts.
    If you replace the stock Bilsteins with the 5100's, I doubt you will notice a difference in ride.
     
    Law323, CM-LENNY, joonbug and 2 others like this.
  3. Dec 27, 2016 at 8:14 AM
    #3
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Just the 5100s and alignment, nothing else required and no future problems. The 5100s are a bit of an improvement to the ride quality IMO.
     
  4. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:03 AM
    #4
    Carlos@Camburg

    Carlos@Camburg Carlos @ Camburg Vendor

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    5100s over the spacer lift
     
    Law323 likes this.
  5. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:28 AM
    #5
    Tophergt99

    Tophergt99 [OP] Back in black

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    In progress....
    I was planning on going with 5100s the whole time just want to make sure it can be aligned without issues. Mine will be 2 years old in April and still have 5 years on the warranty;)
     
    YotaDan and BlueFalconActual like this.
  6. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:29 AM
    #6
    Tophergt99

    Tophergt99 [OP] Back in black

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    Is if I go top setting on 5100s should have no issues?
     
  7. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:33 AM
    #7
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

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    I personally would keep it around the 2 inch range unless you want to lift the rear as well. Anything over 2" in the front will give you the "bro lean". Also, the higher you go on the 5100's, the stiffer the ride is going to be. You still should be fine though with the alignment and stuff. That is pretty much maxed out before you'll start needing UCA's and possibly a diff drop.
     
  8. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:49 AM
    #8
    Tophergt99

    Tophergt99 [OP] Back in black

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    In progress....
    The middle setting is 1.57, top setting is 2.28. Won't it settle some if I put it at the top setting?
     
  9. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:51 AM
    #9
    Carlos@Camburg

    Carlos@Camburg Carlos @ Camburg Vendor

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    your factory springs are pretty "settled in" so id plan on it staying where it is.
     
    Tophergt99[OP] likes this.
  10. Dec 27, 2016 at 6:33 PM
    #10
    StRanger7032

    StRanger7032 New Member

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    GNTundra likes this.
  11. Dec 27, 2016 at 7:24 PM
    #11
    CM-LENNY

    CM-LENNY No Complaints

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    Hey Chris I have a 2015 4x4 CM and ran the 5100 top setting and still sat a hair low in the front. Stock UCAs and no alignment issues at all. I actually lowered my rear, but just my preference on look. Diff drop not required at top setting but sure helps extend life of all other suspension components. Diff drop is cheap insurance. Ride is great . Good luck with all.
     
    831Tun and Tophergt99[OP] like this.
  12. Dec 27, 2016 at 7:58 PM
    #12
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    As others have said go with the 5100s over a spacer lift for just a little more money. Will be a better ride in the end. Adding a front level lift of ~2" won't hurt the truck down the road. UCAs are not needed for under 2.5" lift.
     
    YotaDan and Tophergt99[OP] like this.
  13. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:26 PM
    #13
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    I had the same experience with 5100 on top setting.
     
    Tophergt99[OP] likes this.
  14. Dec 27, 2016 at 9:37 PM
    #14
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

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    I have a 3" coilover lift and have yet to replace UCAs, although I do plan to do so. My alignment is within factory spec.
     
  15. Dec 28, 2016 at 5:19 AM
    #15
    FumundaTundra

    FumundaTundra Director of civil unrest

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    I like the price on those. Can you/anyone tell me who makes the 5100s please? I've been tossing around the idea of levelling mine.

    NVRMND, I forgot I have the world at my finger tips. Found it.
     
  16. Jan 17, 2017 at 4:00 AM
    #16
    Fly'n Family

    Fly'n Family New Member

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    Newbie question obviously - but what is "bro lean"?
     
  17. Jan 17, 2017 at 4:48 AM
    #17
    PlatinumPro

    PlatinumPro New Member

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    well to me "bro lean" is an issue toyota's suffer where the left side of the vehicle seems to sag a little more in comparison to the passenger side due to the driver/ fuel tank weight. "cali lean" or the "pre-runner" look is when the front of the truck is lifted higher than the back.
    to be honest i'm not exactly sure which issue he's referring to but i suspect he means the pre-runner look.
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  18. Jan 17, 2017 at 5:02 AM
    #18
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

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    Bro lean is when the front end is higher than the rear.
     
    zcarpenter92 likes this.
  19. Jan 17, 2017 at 5:04 AM
    #19
    BlueFalconActual

    BlueFalconActual Field Day Inspector Extraordinaire

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  20. Jan 17, 2017 at 5:32 AM
    #20
    mdavis

    mdavis I need a beer.

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    Saw one of these "Bro lean" trucks on my way to work this morning. Dumbest shit I have ever seen. :smack:
     

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