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Access Cab 4x4 Bilstein 5100 issues

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by 1stgenike, May 20, 2020.

  1. May 20, 2020 at 10:16 PM
    #1
    1stgenike

    1stgenike [OP] New Member

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    Hey guys,

    Ordered some 5100's for my 2003 access cab 4x4, and only a max 1.1" of lift is achievable (or at least recommended) on the third clip setting, and "do not use" is listed for the 4th and 5th clip.

    Now I know it is not recommended, but I was curious if any of you are running your 4x4 AC on the 4th (next up) setting without issues with UCA clearance. If you are, have you had any problems? I just am trying to go a bit higher than 1.1" without having to drop $700 on UCA's.

    It just does not make sense to me that literally every other 4x4 tundra and sequoia of this era is able to achieve at least 1.7" of lift, but the AC is stuck at 1.1".

    Thanks for any input.

    [​IMG]
     
    SC_TRD likes this.
  2. May 20, 2020 at 11:42 PM
    #2
    SC_TRD

    SC_TRD Big BASTRD 4x4 Enthusiast

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    I can’t follow that logic either. The crew cab clearly weighs more, You should be able to hit the 4th notch for the Circlip on the access cab. I always defer to the professionals though. @Toytec Lifts are you able to provide some insight?
     
    1stgenike[OP] likes this.
  3. May 21, 2020 at 4:59 AM
    #3
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    We've tried to get answers, but nobody got a clear, definitive answers to why it cant go above 3. Maybe @Professional Hand Model will Guinea pig for us and set his on 4...
     
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  4. May 21, 2020 at 5:07 AM
    #4
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Nah. I like a little forward rake at setting #2. I’d imagine the ride would be very harsh towards the upper limits on Access Cabs based on others knowingly (or unkowingly) choosing those settings.
     
  5. May 21, 2020 at 7:12 AM
    #5
    Toytec Lifts

    Toytec Lifts New Member

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    The reason that I found to believe is because of how heavy the front of the Tundra compressing it that far will cause your coil springs to "clash" and cause serious damage overall.
     
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  6. May 21, 2020 at 8:15 AM
    #6
    TX-TRD1stGEN

    TX-TRD1stGEN Privileged

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    Just run them in clip POS 1 with different coils (dobinsons or wheelers).

    Do some searching I think you can get the lift you are looking for
     
  7. May 21, 2020 at 9:57 AM
    #7
    1stgenike

    1stgenike [OP] New Member

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    Excuse my ignorance but wouldn't a longer shock have the same issue with UCA clearance as putting the clip higher?
     
  8. May 21, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #8
    revtune

    revtune New Member

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    2006 Tundra: Stock air intake 3 inch catback Magnaflow 13742 2.5 inch front lift 1.5 inch rear blocks 2014 sr5 4Runner wheels (17x7) 1.5 inch hub centric wheel spacers p285/70/17 Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Weathertech floor liners
    This is pretty odd. So you can run them on the 4th or 5th clip on a 4x4 sequoia, but not the 4x4 tundra?
     
  9. May 21, 2020 at 10:37 AM
    #9
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    With DCs being heavier shouldn't they be the ones limited to the 3rd spot?
     
  10. May 21, 2020 at 10:46 AM
    #10
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    IIRC, I’ve read a few AC guys go to the knucklehead upper notches and complain about harsh rides and clicking/popping noises from the front ends. BEWARE!!!:rofl:
     
    1stgenike[OP] likes this.
  11. May 22, 2020 at 6:53 AM
    #11
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    2000 Limited TRD AC 4X4 Thunder Grey 270k miles. 2019 Limited TRD CM 4x4 Cement Grey 75k miles
    2000: Bilstein 5100's 16x8 589's with 265/75/16 and 1.25" spacers Flowmaster 50 series over the axle dump Pioneer touchscreen with backup camera Full interior and dash LED conversion Trailer brake controller with 7 pin Bedliner coat bumpers & trim ARE topper 2019: ARE topper with full Bedrug kit and Vortex rack TRD shifter 1.25" wheel spacers (I like to live dangerously) Red tow hooks for that +15 grip bonus
    2000 AC TRD springs with 5100's on the 4th notch for 90k miles here. Leveled the truck completely and hasn't exploded yet. Ride is firmer than it was before I put them on, but not harsh, jarring or skipping around on the pavement. I'm guessing the recommendation has more to do with CV angles than geometry problems since you can run them at 4th or 5th notch on the 4x2 with no issues. I've upgraded both of my CV axles at this point anyway. A diff drop or better CV boots may be the answer. Regardless, you do you, just don't blame them for issues outside of their recommendation. Curious about the Sequoia, wonder what's different over there?
     
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  12. May 22, 2020 at 10:07 AM
    #12
    1stgenike

    1stgenike [OP] New Member

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    Looks like this is the plan for me. Just ordered diff drop, planning on running the 4th clip and seeing how it goes. gonna report back once its all installed.
     
    Last edited: May 22, 2020
    TX-TRD1stGEN and bmf4069 like this.
  13. Jun 4, 2020 at 10:30 AM
    #13
    1stgenike

    1stgenike [OP] New Member

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    Install complete, 4th clip with a 1'' diff drop raised the front end 2" with no issues so far. Truck is completely leveled now and ride quality is fantastic, bit firmer than stock. Will update if anything bad happens.

    However I think I discovered the reasoning for bilstein not recommending running the 4th or 5th clip setting on the access cab; the spindle is about a millimeter away from the shock at full droop with the 5100s on the 4th clip. Now I do not think this will ever cause me issues, but maybe it would if you go to the 5th clip. Also the CV Axel angle was pretty steep before the diff drop, so if you are going to do this, buy a diff drop as well.

    Heres some before and after.

    IMG_8496.jpg
    Before^ IMG_8545.jpg
    After^
     
  14. Jun 4, 2020 at 10:52 AM
    #14
    revtune

    revtune New Member

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    2006 Tundra: Stock air intake 3 inch catback Magnaflow 13742 2.5 inch front lift 1.5 inch rear blocks 2014 sr5 4Runner wheels (17x7) 1.5 inch hub centric wheel spacers p285/70/17 Nitto Terra Grappler G2 Weathertech floor liners
    Looks good! Please take some center of hub to bottom of fender measurements if you get a chance.
     
  15. Jun 4, 2020 at 9:07 PM
    #15
    1stgenike

    1stgenike [OP] New Member

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    22 1/2in after the lift. floor to bottom of fender is now 37 1/8th
     
    revtune[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jun 4, 2020 at 10:04 PM
    #16
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    It does look good..
     
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  17. Jun 5, 2020 at 5:38 AM
    #17
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    That's a very clean truck. Nice work!
     
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  18. Jun 10, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    #18
    Surf_spear_Mex

    Surf_spear_Mex New Member

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    Looking forward to your review of performance after install. I was baffled by the 3rd position limitation. I want a full 2" in the front but just replaced lower ball joints etc and would hate to wreck them. Cheers
     
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  19. Jun 11, 2020 at 3:01 PM
    #19
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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  20. Jun 11, 2020 at 3:36 PM
    #20
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    When I asked Josh @ FirstGenOffroad, he said they don't recommend running them past #3 because of drivetrain angles. When/if I do a lift on my truck, I will be buying new springs as well as 5100's so I don't have to worry about it.
     
  21. Jun 14, 2020 at 10:33 AM
    #21
    1stgenike

    1stgenike [OP] New Member

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    can you explain more on this? and how would adding a new spring eliminate this problem?
     
  22. Jun 14, 2020 at 11:08 AM
    #22
    TX-TRD1stGEN

    TX-TRD1stGEN Privileged

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    If you run certain aftermarket springs you can run at bottom clip on the 5100 and still achieve lift.
     
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  23. Jun 15, 2020 at 12:43 PM
    #23
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    A new spring is longer and thus won't stretch your stock one to the max.
     
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  24. Jul 16, 2020 at 5:48 PM
    #24
    Surf_spear_Mex

    Surf_spear_Mex New Member

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    Any updates on the setup man? I'm really between getting taller springs or just going 4th clip on the 5100s. I need functionality more than looks and will be going off road on 5k mile plus trip soon so just want your review of the setup. Cheers
     

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