2nd Gen Tundra Bilstein 5100 build/ control arms or not? Springs or not?

Looking for advice! I'm using the Bilstein 5100's to level my 2008 Tundra Crewmax. I am using the toytec Shackles to raise the rear end 1". The front struts will be set to max height, approx 2.5 inches. I've been told you don't need control arms when leveling at this height but I want to do this right the first time. Here are the control arms I'm looking at. Anyone have opinions on these three arms? Are the upper control arms absolute overkill or a good idea to keep things VERY smooth?----To the moderators, I am adding links for each part I am considering please let me know if I am violating user terms/ if so I will delete, I just want you all to know the exact parts I'm looking at:::::
--Option 1: Ready lift Uppers:
https://www.carid.com/2008-toyota-tundra-suspension-systems/readylift-control-arm-240298097.html
--Option 2: Tuff Country EZ flex control arms: (the least expensive/ are they crap?)
https://www.carid.com/2008-toyota-t...ff-country-ez-flex-control-arms-67187901.html
--Option 3: Tuff Country more expensive option:
https://www.carid.com/2008-toyota-t...f-country-uni-ball-control-arms-67187900.html

FRONT SPRINGS: I am also considering these ARB springs to augment the Bilstein front struts. Does it make any sense to do this? Will it help the overall suspension perform better? Will it raise the front end more in addition to the 2.5" Bilstein struts? ( I don't want more than 2.5"-3" max). Would these springs work with the 5100's? Is this overkill? Please help! I only want to do this once!
---ARB Springs:
https://www.carid.com/2008-toyota-tundra-suspension-systems/arb-ome-coil-springs-302102709.html

 

ALSO....on a side note this build is to replace the truck I had that was considered a complete loss due to the drive train damage from being t-boned by a driver who decided to run a stop sign!

 

Ouch! You don't need UCAs with the 5100. I don't know if they'd "function" better than stock, or truly improve the ride, they just look cool. For just a little more I, might opt for SPC.
I don't think the OME springs will work with 5100s. I could be wrong about that though. I think I remember reading something about their incompatibility but not 100% sure. 5100s with stock UCA and springs is a nice/ common set up. I think the rest is just personal preference.

 

THANK YOU so much! You've given me piece of mind and helped me save money! I couldn't ask for more! Happy new year!

I'll post pics of my finished build when she's all done!!! God Bless!

 

Man, that was a nasty accident. Glad you are okay.

OME coils work only with OME struts. At 2.5, I would not bother with UCAs. They are not cheap. Even at maximum height on 5100, if you use shackles in the rear, you will have some rake. I am not sure that's what you are looking to do.

 

Front:
After installing the shocks, you'll need an alignment. If alignment comes in spec, you are good to go. else you'll need UCA's. Most of us that have installed the 5100s did NOT need UCAs.

Rear:
Lifting the rear creates the possibility of needing a carrier bearing drop. If after installing the shackles you notice a vibration or "shudder" when taking off from a stop, you'll need to drop your carrier bearing. Its an easy-peasy mod which I DID need after raising my rear.

 

Thank you all! Do I need any additional parts to drop the carrier bearing? If necessary I'll just have it done for me while it's still in the shop.

--As far as rake goes I'm o.k. with a little rake. I use my truck to haul various items and I'm not a fan of the back end looking lower than the front/ but thank you for the heads up! Had I been looking for a perfect level look I wouldn't have known and you would have saved me, so thank you for looking out!

 

Diff drop kit? My last leveling kit was just a 2.5" front block x 1.5" add a leaf in rear by toytec. That kit cam with a diff drop kit. Is it necessary to add the dif drop on this build?

 

I think the carrier bearing drop kit is about $30. Dave at Coachbuilder makes them and he makes great quality stuff. I've lifted the rear 1" and didn't need one. When I had the 5100s (top setting) the stance was nice, the rear was just slightly higher. This is on a '16 CM.

 

Nice! That's what I'm looking for

 

It wasn't necessary to drop the diff. with 5100s at top setting. Having said that, the drops are inexpensive +or - $30. and I don't think it'll hurt. You kinda install the 5100s then check your CV angles to determine whether it's required.

 

Perfect/

 

The diff drop and CB drop are really easy and fast to install. You might wanna put the 5100s on, get it aligned (as mentioned by Bob) then see how everything is working. If the drops are required, you can install 'em yourself in an hour + or -.

 

BTW, we're gonna need pics. when you're done!!!

 

ABSOLUTELY!!!!

 

If you plan on off-roading I'd recommend ucas if not then don't bother.

I ran 2.5/1 level for awhile check my build out if you want to see the stance and rake I'm currently on 3/1 now.

On my Tacoma I did the 5100 with ome springs and it rode like butter. It will help out with ride quality for sure. But I've been told the ome springs can't be used on any tundra shocks other than ome which Idk why and think it's bs but I'd dig a little deeper before you go that route.

Don't really need the diff drop but it's easy so that's your call

Anything over 1in in the rear I'd do a cb drop

 

I have bilstein's with shims on top and 1.25" shackles. No new UCA's for me and got excellent alignment specs. I'd just do a carrier bearing drop and differential drop and alignment and call it a day.

 

You ok buddy!

 

Carrier bearing drop kit check!

 

After WAY to much deliberation I have FINALLY purchased my components. I bought the Bilstein 6112 Lift kit for the front and plan on maxing it out on its height setting for 2.5"s. I went with Bilstein 5110's for the rear to accommodate the 1inch shackle lift I bought from Toytech. Bought new Shock mounts/ diff. drop kit.......Now on the fence about UCA's.....I know I don't absolutely have to have them at 2.5"s in the front.....but then I had to go and check Zones website and they have these bad boys for 450$ for the pair......uhg, I shouldn't spend the money but they look bad ass!!!