POST INSTALL UPDATE - Eibach vs stock coils now to Dobinsons - 5100 Bilstein settings

Hey Guys & Gals,
I have a 2000 Tundra with a leveling kit (5100 Bilsteins on the highest setting) that I am currently working on. I have done a reasonable amount of research on various coil and shock combinations trying to keep the 2.5" lift up front, while getting rid of the rigid bus feel.

I went with the popular suggestion of keeping the 5100s, dropping the spring cup to the "zero" setting, and putting a set of 2.5" Eibach pro lift springs on.

While I was in the middle of the coil swap, I put the Eibach next to my stock coil, and they are the same height. In theory shouldn't the Eibachs be a bit taller? Maybe I don't understand all the inner workings of coils/struts, but with leaf-springs there's a visible difference between a stock and lifted spring.

So...before I put everything back together, I figured I'd ask those that have tried this.

1. Do Eibach shocks have the lift built into them?

2. Will the "zero" clip setting on the 5100's drop my truck back down to stock even if I use the Eibachs 2.5" springs?

I welcome all suggestions, pics, past experiences, etc.
Thanks

 

From what I have read, the set-up you were planning should give the desired lift you were looking for, I found a thread confirming this for a 3rd gen tundra, but was unable to confirm for a 1st gen.

@Toytec Lifts should be able to answer your question to confirm.

3rd gen link: https://www.tundras.com/threads/bilstein-5100-front-struts-with-eibach-springs.44955/

 

Thanks, @SC_TRD . I will post some pics once I'm done with the install. It's going to take me a few afternoons though. I'm redoing the cv boots, new JBA UCAs, Eibach coils, new rotors and pads, and a new set of tires. Needless to say, I can't wait to see how it looks once it's back on the road.

 

UPDATE...

I just finished replacing the stock coils with the Eibach pro lift coils, stock uca with JBA UCAs, new axles, rotors, and pads. BUT I lost an inch in height after all was said and done.
Here's the "original" setup with the 5100 Bilstein coil perch on the highest setting and a photo of the highest point on the fender (39").




Here's the new setup, which measures to 38" at the same point on the fender once everything was reassembled.


I was sure hoping to have at least the same ride height if not a bit taller. I realize I could raise the spring perch, but honestly I just wrestled with compressing and decompressing 4 coils. I'd rather not do that again for a while.

 

Damn! That really sucks, I am sorry man. Definitely a bummer and not what I was expecting for you. Total PITA to take apart and place on a higher perch too.

 

After taking it down the road for a little brake bedding session, the springs have settled into place. So now I have lost 2 inches of lift, and there's fender rubbing when I turn.

Looks like I'm going to have to redo the spring perch settings, or save up and buy Eibach shocks.

I bet if I had used the Eibach shocks/dampers, things would've turned out better.

Anyone ever use Eibach coils and Bilsteins on a higher than "0" setting?

 

I sort of feel like I'm chatting to the corner, but maybe one day someone will be searching and this info will save them time and $.

Nothing against Eibach but....

DO NOT BUY EIBACH SPRINGS FOR A 1ST GEN. 4x4 TUNDRA!!! BECAUSE THEY DON'T EXIST

I called Eibach this morning, and explained my situation with the drooping front-end. The man I spoke to was very helpful and kind, but they don't make a 4x4 '00-'06 Tundra coil/spring. They only make a RWD version, and while it fits on the 4WD Tundra, it isn't rated for it. The site I bought them from had the springs (E30-82-066-04-20) listed at 2WD/4WD, which led me to believe that I was making a valid purchase. I have emailed them as they do not take calls because their office is empty due to the virus. I will certainly let you know how they handle this - good or bad.

So...back to the drawing board

Any suggestions on what 2.5-3" coil I should put on my Bilstein 5100 (at the lowest setting) to level my truck. It's a 2000 Tundra SR5 Access Cab, 4X4, 4.7liter.

@SC_TRD @Toytec Lifts

 

I ordered a set of Dobinsons C59-302 yesterday with energy suspension isolators from 1stgenoffroad.com. I sure hope this solves the problem.

So far RCA Garage is "looking into the issue" of my Eibachs and their false advertisement.

 

have heard good things about 1stgenoffroad. My prayers are with you man!! Seriously such a bummer

 

Just wanted to let you all know that the RCA Garage where I bought the Eibachs from gave me a full refund. It's amazing how far customer service and integrity will go. I was expecting not such good news, but WOW did they surprise me.

My Dobinsons should be on there way, and my truck is on stands and ready to receive them! I got tired of wrestling with the rental spring compression tool, so I went the ratchet strap way. Let me tell you! It went so much quicker and smoother. I'll add some pics once the new coils and tires are on.

 

Best spring compressor ever!

 

Totally! No scuff marks on those shiny new coils, and the time & energy savings is incredible!

 

I love it, nice!

 

I'm sorry about your misfortunes. Things will get better.

I ordered Dobinsons spring with bilstein 5100 shock, pre-assembled coilovers including the drivers side lean correcting shim from 1stgenoffroad as well. If memory serves they were VERY quick with shipping. (I think a few days. 4 tops?)

I have not installed yet, as I am awaiting for my rear leaf springs to come in to complete the lift. I am ANXIOUSLY waiting.

Seems like you will install before me.

@DRLeonard please let me know how much lift you get, and with what perch. Thank you much.

I have never done suspension work before so this is all new to me. (This is why I ordered pre-assembled) Already installed rear bilsteins 5100s.

I will be watching this thread, and hoping all the best for you. Best of luck.

Cheers.

 

Wow, now that's impressive!!! Hopefully those straps are super tough! I'd hate to think of what would happen if the strap gave way under tension. Glad it worked for you though.

 

I'll definitely report back with settings, final ride heights, and photos

 

I'm pretty much sold on this method now. It's so much quicker and requires way less effort on my part.
If a strap did fail, there's a chance I might get a lashing across the face, BUT if one of those rental tools failed, I think there could be a lot more than a lashing happen.

An old man once told my dad "Never smile while compressing springs, so you'll walk away with a busted lip rather than a missing tooth."

 

Thank you much.

I will reply to this thread when my leafs come in, and after install.

Are you measuring from center of hub to fender, or ground to fender?

Whichever you are measuring I will do both. Just in case some here asks for either.

 

Looks like he was measuring ground to fender with that many inches. The problem with that measurement is the variables that could change it.
Tire size
Tire pressure

Measuring from the center of the hub up to the fender is a measurement anyone can use as it disregards the tire size and will produce more accurate results.

 

Good point, crikeymike. I will use the hub to fender measurement from now on. Kind of wish I'd done that before the mod. adventure started.

 

As promised, here are photos and measurements after the install. I will say this before we start, the photos were taken with my cell phone, and I did my best to hold it level. I would give the measurements a +/- of 1/2 inch due to possible errors based on angle of the camera.

The Dobinsons springs and Energy Suspension Isolators were delivered Thursday and Friday from 1stgenoffroad.com, so my youngest son and I got them installed as soon as I was finished with work.


The springs were packaged well, so there was any damage to the powdercoating.




Before we got to work installing, I took a little time to gather some measurements on the springs I have begun to accumulate during this adventure.


I believe these were the stock springs, but I can not guarantee that.


These are the Eibach Pro Lift Springs E30-82-066-04-20 that I bought thinking would work with a 4x4 Tundra. They are actually for a 2x4 ONLY.


Here are the Dobinsons Springs C59-302 - I chose black, because 1-I preferred it 2-It was in stock


This morning I got the new tires installed and had it re-aligned. Unfortunately, the tire shop killed all my center caps.
For reference, 285/75R16 on a 16x8 wheel with a zero (0) offset, 2" Dobinsons springs on 5100 Bilsteins on the bottom setting



I measured from the hub with a level, and had some help with the camera. Remember the +/- 1/2inch with these measurements




I realize the sun/shade are not helping, but here's a before and after.



Well that's all I have for now. In a few weeks I'll be taking it to the woods for one of my older sons' birthday. I can't wait to hit the dirt roads and see how those Dobinsons smooth things out. I can already tell a difference just hitting small things like manholes and other bumps in the road.

Thanks for all your help, suggestions, and encouragement. I hopefully this thread will help someone else out with their front suspension adventures down the road.

DRLeonard

 

Wow! Big improvement I think. (Granted I never saw any pictures of it before, but from reading your posts I gathered some kind of an idea.)

I hope you are satisfied with them, as I hope to be also.

Looking forward to my install now.
Heard from Alcan, and my leaf springs should be ready to ship in a few days .

I will post here (if you would like), and also on the "what have you done to your 1st gen" thread.

 

MONTH OR SO UPDATE: I've had the new setup for a little over a month now, so I thought I would report back with my thoughts so far.

In the past month I've had my truck in deep sandy arroyos, rough bed-rocky mountain roads, highways, and local roads (in need of major repairs). The "bus" (super-rigid) feel is completely gone. Some bigger bumps and rocks are still rough, but I think that's just part of driving in rocky environments. Higher speed bumps (driving over train tracks at 40mph) is where this setup really shines. I love how smooth it is at speeds 35 and up. The first few times I took it on the interstate, I was shocked to look down and see I was doing 80mph. It felt like my truck was some fancy new rig just soaking up anything the road threw at it.
I live in the desert, and everything thus far has been bone dry, so I can't really say how the tires are in the mud.

Overall I am super happy with the Bilstein 5100 shocks (bottom clip setting) in combination with the Dobinsons Springs (2.5" lift) and the JBA Offroad UCAs! The truck is a pleasure to cruise around town, fly down the highway, and to take up to the cabin. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a leveling solution.

 

Did you have to add a spacer to correct “Toyota lean”?

We will have similar setups and I am still waiting parts for the build. I’m about to tackle the job and have been doing research. Any helpful tips or things to look out for? Thanks

5100
Dobinson coils
Isolator
Jba uca
Moog lca
Kyb mounts
Oem lbj

 

So I just went with the same setup from 1stGenOffroad. I was replacing OEM coilover and a 1.5in spacer. I actually lost lift By 1.5in! I am over an inch shorter than you DrLeonard (20 7/8 hub to fender) and I just don’t get it. AnyOne have thoughts?

 

Was it a 1.5" thick spacer? That would have been 3" of lift if it was. Just a thought.

 

Yes it was a 1.5” spacer. How does that work out to 3”? ...I don’t understand that concept.

 

Toyota IFS setups average a 2:1 ratio of lift at the coil versus lift at the wheel. When adding a 1.5" spacer to the strut, it would double and be a 3" lift.

The same way a 5mm OME trim packer lifts 10mm at the wheel.

 

Thanks for posting this! I was about to go with the full Eibach set up, but I'll skip that and get OME or Dobinson coils