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Installing 5100s...need new control arms?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by hockeyjake94, Jun 25, 2018.

  1. Jun 25, 2018 at 7:26 PM
    #1
    hockeyjake94

    hockeyjake94 [OP] New Member

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    Hi Everyone,

    Decided to level my 2017 Tundra with the Bilstein 5100s in the front on the 2nd highest setting.

    I called a local shop which specializes in offroad trucks to purchase my 5100s and install and they said they wouldn't touch my truck unless I bought their kit which included the front, rear, and new control arms. He also mentioned it wouldn't ride as well and because my truck does see trips to Baja once every two months... he almost insisted it.

    Newbie to these forums , but I see a ton of posts with owners just leveling it with the 5100s or 6112s and calling it a day. Do I really need to purchase the full kit/ is it important to install new control arms? Or was this a case of him selling something I don't need. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
     
    Brad_Ny likes this.
  2. Jun 25, 2018 at 7:33 PM
    #2
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    My suggestion is if you’re going to 3”+ of lift I would.
     
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  3. Jun 25, 2018 at 7:38 PM
    #3
    ToyotaTundraMike

    ToyotaTundraMike Not A New Member

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    Don’t need it with 5100’s
     
  4. Jun 25, 2018 at 7:39 PM
    #4
    BuckWallace

    BuckWallace Ball don't lie.

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    Welcome! I believe the consensus is that if you're using the middle setting on the 5100s you don't need new control arms.
     
    4x4_Angel likes this.
  5. Jun 25, 2018 at 8:11 PM
    #5
    JMB

    JMB Not new, just a little old.

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    5100s all around, 295-70-18 Defenders, 1.25 Spidertrax spacers, BD reverse lights, de-badged, interior LEDs, footwell LEDs, reverse LEDs, ARE cap, front receiver hitch for cooler holder, cooler holder/rod rack, backup camera, Kenwood HU, Westin nerf bars, Husky floor liners, folding rear seats, remote battery posts, plastidip grill chrome, Powder coat bumpers.
    Nope. Even on the highest setting I didn't. If your alignment is marginal maybe but not on the middle setting.
     
  6. Jun 25, 2018 at 8:11 PM
    #6
    bobeast

    bobeast really old member

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    - Bull Bar - LED Bunny Burners - AMP retractable running boards - Headlight leveling retrofit - P3 Brake Controller - 60% rear seat delete - relocation of Sub to rear wall - Bilstein 5100 x4, top setting with 2 shims per side - Coach builder +2 rear shackles w/carrier bearing drop - Firestone Air bags - on-board compressor with auto-leveling - Dual Undercover Swing Boxes. - P285/65/R20 (34.6") BFG TA KO2's - TRD Front skid plate - Pop & Lock Tailgate lock - Remote Tailgate mod - LED Headlights - Nav Bypass - iPhone integration - Serius/XM retrofit - 25% front tint - Bizon electric tonneau cover - Power folding tow mirror upgrade - 2010+ leveling Headlight mod - Auto-fold mirror mod. - one-touch lane changer mod - Flash to open garage opener mod - Rigid H/L fog light upgrade - Pushbutton / Remote start mod.
    The need for new control arms should be dictated by actual alignment results or intended usage, neither of which can be decided by any rule of thumb. The good news is by changing to 5100's you should already be lining up an alignment.
     
  7. Jun 25, 2018 at 8:35 PM
    #7
    duece292

    duece292 Appalachian American

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    Sounds like they're just trying to sucker you into buying something that you don't need. There's no need for new uca's with 5100's on the middle or top settings. Mine are on the middle setting and I had no problem getting it within factory alignment specs with the stock uca's. Not sure why they said your ride wouldn't be good either. I think most of us have experienced just as good, if not better ride quality.
     
    mattyd170, sr5shark and JMB like this.
  8. Mar 28, 2019 at 12:48 AM
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    Ob1

    Ob1 New Member

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    Mine is on the high setting of 5100's and yes, I suggest you do install UCAs made for 3 inch lift. Mine aligned "fine" but tends to wonder due to caster being on the lower end of "acceptable". Will be replacing my UCAs as soon as able and will be having to realign again at my expense.
     
  9. Mar 28, 2019 at 4:03 AM
    #9
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

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    On middle setting not needed. What you need is a different shop.
     
    mattyd170 likes this.
  10. Mar 28, 2019 at 4:20 AM
    #10
    conlons26

    conlons26 High speed dirt mobile

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    King 2.5's, Toytec shackles, FN BFD 18", 295/70r18 NItto Ridge Grapplers, Dirty Deeds 8" SS, no more chrome, 17' pro grill, Husky mats, TRD Pro shifter + 15hp...
    Some shops only install what they sell, they make more $$ that way, I would look for another shop not trying to scare you into an upgrade. 5100's you shouldnt need the uca's like others have said. You should be ok up to 3", however if your going to baja and driving fast for longer periods of time the shop is right, you will probably want to invest in better shocks, remote reservoir and such. Not knocking 5100, they have their place, just not in serious off road application.
     
  11. Mar 28, 2019 at 4:59 AM
    #11
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    ^^^ This! I replaced mine with SPC UCAs. See my build thread below. vvv
     
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  12. Apr 23, 2019 at 8:30 AM
    #12
    Marco

    Marco New Member

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    I changed to 5100 upper setting which for me was 2 5/16, I had it aligned and the caster camber were right on and the left toe
    was at 40 degrees spec is 10 -25 degrees.
    Do i want new control arms .. Yeah... do i need them probably not.
    heavy suspension compression off roading ... yes you need new UCA.

    And no differential drop. Tidewater off road said 2" to 2.50 not required
    and actually causes more CV ware.. they do all mod for checkered flag toyota here.
     
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2019
  13. Oct 15, 2021 at 1:37 PM
    #13
    Kalashnikov 47

    Kalashnikov 47 New Member

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    What UCA are you guys running? I plan to do the same thing, With the bilstein 5100 at top setting with 1 inch cb in rear to keep the rake.
     
  14. Oct 15, 2021 at 2:27 PM
    #14
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

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    We recommend SPCs to most folks for being the cost vs adjustability king.
    We've got them here - LINK
     
  15. Oct 15, 2021 at 2:39 PM
    #15
    Kalashnikov 47

    Kalashnikov 47 New Member

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    Since we are on this subject, so guys what do you think. Like I was saying earlier I'm going to do top setting on the 5100s... to give the back a rake should I do +1 or+2 cb shackles I'm fairly new to all of this so don't be too harsh lol
     
  16. Oct 15, 2021 at 2:39 PM
    #16
    matictundra

    matictundra New Member

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    3"/1.5" Lift (Fox 2.5 DSC all around, JBA UCA's and Toytec Shackles at 1.5") Front and Rear TRD Sway Bars Nitto Ridge Grappler 37x12.5R18 w/ Brz 18x9 +25mm Methods MR701 Wheels AFE Dry Filter with TRD Flow Acc Dirty Deed No Muffler Exhaust Nitro 5.29 Gears RCI Engine, Trany/Trans-Case and Fuel Skid Plates Relocated Rear Diff Breather | Rear Brake Line Extension Jomax ABS Sensor Armor Colored Matched Front Bulge and TRD Pro Grill Assy Modded ADD Stealth Fighter Front Bumper Custom High Clearance Rear Bumper with Modded Tow Receiver Behind Plate and Chopped Rear Fender Custom Bed Stiffeners 2019 TRD PRO LED Headlights w/ Ihacker Harness | BD 40" ARC AMB/WHT DC OnX6 BD 10" Onx6 in the Grill (2X) Rago Low-Profile Ditch and Extended Brkt with Daul BD Squadron Pros - AMB & WHT AMB LED Chase Light (Cargo) | Dual BD Squadron Sports in Rear Bumper Prinsu Roof Rack with a Pair of BD S1 For the Sides and Rear Mictunning C2 Rock Lights, 2 per wheel, and Toyota style switch 2X 55" Quick Light Whips with Toyota style switch Switch Pros SP-9100 with Custom Switch Mount, Custom Engine and Roof Terminal Junction Boxes 12K Lbs Smittybilt Winch with wireless remote and Factor 55 FlatLink E Amp Power Step EVO-One Remote Start Limo Tint (All Around) | De-Badged LED Interior lights with Front / Rear Interior Footwell LED Blue LED Lit Lock/Window Switch Mod AJT Full Chrome Delete Kit w/ 3R3 Painted SHCS Toyota LED Bed Lights Leather Perforated Wrapped Steering Wheel Black TRD Shift Knob ESP Long Box BakFlip MX4 Bed Cover Thinkware Q800Pro Dashcam (Front & Rear) Rago Dashmount w/ Ram Phone Holder
    They are selling you stuff...need to head to another shop. I'm still on stock LCA but I do have the JBA UCA to clear the springs.
     
  17. Oct 15, 2021 at 2:59 PM
    #17
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

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    So the top setting on 5100s is roughly 2.25 inches of lift. Stock rake is rear 1" higher than front.

    If you wanted to be level I would recommend the +2 shackles (1.25" of lift). If you wanted the rear to be slightly higher then I would recommend the +3s (1.75" of lift).
     
  18. Oct 15, 2021 at 3:03 PM
    #18
    Kalashnikov 47

    Kalashnikov 47 New Member

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    Dude you are awesome thanks for the knowledge!!!
     
    memario1214[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Oct 21, 2021 at 6:56 PM
    #19
    Kalashnikov 47

    Kalashnikov 47 New Member

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    What size tires are you guys running with the 5100 top setting? Or what's the biggest size you can fit? Say 295 70 r18? Or is that a tad too big
     
  20. Oct 21, 2021 at 7:22 PM
    #20
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

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    Too many, but not enough....
    Think you can do those with the right offset wheels and some light fender liner work.
     
  21. Oct 22, 2021 at 3:08 PM
    #21
    Jhon

    Jhon New Member

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    You may not need upper control arms with less than 2.5” of lift but you will benefit from having them especially with heavier tires. My opinion is pretty much any lifted Toyota with oversized tires will benefit from more caster.
     
  22. Oct 24, 2021 at 9:05 AM
    #22
    sillydadztrksR4momz

    sillydadztrksR4momz New Member

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    I have a 6” lift with 35” tires and have stock control arms. Is that not a good idea? It’s more or less a pavement princess except for when I got bird hunting but that’s mostly just fire roads. Would you all suggest I change them? I’ve had them on for almost 2 years with the lift
     
  23. Oct 24, 2021 at 9:20 AM
    #23
    jeffw6236

    jeffw6236 New Member

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    I can’t speak to 5100s but my Falcons provide about 2.25. I’ve got a CB +1 and still have a very slight rake. It’s all but level.
     

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