5100 settings, tire size and impact on performance

I have purchased some Bilstein 5100’s on all 4 corners and have been contemplating my upgrade. I definitely want larger more aggressive looking tires than the 275/65 road tires I currently have. Which setting, top or middle? What size tires? Should I use coachbuilder shims (1 or 2)? Should I lift the rear? How high? 1” block? Shackles? Add a leaf? What about gas mileage? What about cutting and trimming. What about loss of power and the gear shifting changes that happen? What are my driving expectations? Is it really just all about the “look”?

And I after much consideration have made my decision for now, lol.

1) 5100 Middle setting and I will jack the truck up first to the 1.57 distance it will give me, raise it up another .5 which a CB shim should give me (supposedly that’s level). Take a look at it and decide from there. I am choosing the middle setting because I don’t want to sacrifice ride quality. I don’t want the stiffness you get from the top setting. It’s a daily driver.

2) Not lifting the back. There is absolutely plenty of wheel space there as it is and I don’t need to climb in and out of the bed risking life and limb every time.

3) I have decided on Nitto Ridge Grapplers 285/70/18. I am hoping to have some level of cool and be capable of going on beach sand and very occasional washboard roads. That’s it, other than that, every day driving on pavement and highways. I know you don’t buy a 15mi per gallon truck and say MPG is a concern but people are talking about as many as 3MPG less which goes from obnoxious to absurd with 395’s.

I’ll post some pictures before and after and give a review for anyone who’s in the same boat. I am grateful for all the threads on this forum and the people who have contributed their pictures and input.

Update 1/18/24
295’s
Bilstein 5100 Middle setting with one .50 Coachbuilder shim on the R & L upfront. Didn’t add any thing to the back except new 5100 Rear Shocks. I have some minor rubbing in reverse on the passenger side inner plastic which I can trim or just let the rubbing do the work. Gas mileage took a 1-2 mpg hit. Pictures when I first got the truck, the 5100 lift, and the new 295/70/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers.

 

First, welcome from the Great State of Texas!

Second, you'd be best asking your questions over on the 2.5 gen side 2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021) | Toyota Tundra Forum
Third, check out other posts on the subject by using the search function at the top right of your screen.
Fourth, we deserve some truck porn after reading your into. Post up some pics

 

Thank you Texas! I appreciate the info and I will definitely get some before and after porn pics once it’s finished.

 

In that case, there is also a Build Thread section too 2.5 Gen Builds (2014-2021) | Toyota Tundra Forum (tundras.com)

 

Why not go with the 295/70? It's only 3/8 bigger and cheaper than the 285.

 

Welcome! I went with exact same setup and tire size as you. Except I went with falken wildpeak r/t. What I noticed most is the extra weight of the tire vs stock size a/t. I added the banks pedal monster to even things out.

 

but also heavier

 

b6graham
Yes, 10lbs heavier per tire, thus worse MPG and ultimately I would probably have to lift it 3” which is the top setting and stiffer ride also would need another 1” in the back to level and some trimming. Also apparently the 295 is really close to the UCA’s.

 

Welcome from NY.

 

I ran two sets of the 285s before moving up to the 295's. All Ridge Grapplers. I didn't notice any significant mpg change between the 2, but I did have to do a speedometer calibration with the 295's due to gear hunting. I run a 4/2 lift on 0 offset wheels and still average about 14 mpg.

 

Tundra 234, Well, that’s helpful because I would like 295’s to work and I know they look great. I am just trying to not to sacrifice too much. Thanks for the monkey wrench

 

Plenty of us running 295's so there are plenty of opinions available .

 

285/70r18 recon grapplers here. Falcon adjustable coil overs set at 1” up front. Bilstein 5100 in rear with no lift. Stock trd off road wheels. Some skid plate rub full lock forward. Nothing in reverse.

if you have a crew max 1” up front *looks* level. If you have a double cab, 2” *looks* level if that makes sense. Obviously 2” up front is technically/ measured as leveled.

if you’re concerned about mpgs, stick with the recon/ridge grapplers in this size. Or Toyo AT3. They’re gonna be your lightest tire with some aggressive looks and performance.

Godspeed

 

Thanks PermaFrosty! I have the Nittos stuck in my head since I did have 295 Terra Grapplers on my old Silverado. I am going to look outside my box and see about at the Recons and the Toyos! Thanks for the 411

 

You won't have to lift it any higher for 295/70/18. Hell, I ran them on my truck BEFORE I even lifted 1-1/2 inches. You might need to trim your skid plate, unless you have the TRD Pro or an aftermarket one. Yes, it is very close to the UCA.
Wheel offset is important, too. Stock +60 is helpful.

Stock TRD Sport suspension, zero lift.





Lifted/leveled 1.5" front.

 

BillyB thanks for the 411 and posting the pics. Your truck really looks great! Actually it looks perfect. Maybe I’ll man up and go with the 295’s. I am going to roll it over to Discount Tire after I get the 5100’s on and see what they have to say. Thanks again

 

Welcome from LA (Lower Alabama)!

 

No problem. I did remove the little front mudflaps also.

 

Just went through this last week on my truck. I have a 2020 CM limited with TRD off road package. Truck came with 4600 Bilsteins on all corners. I left the rear as is and installed the Bilstein 5100's on the front at the mid setting. OEM tires were the Michelin 275 65 18 and I changed to Nitto Recon Ridge Grapplers 275 70 18. The front has gained 2 7/8" and I am within 1/2" difference front to back. Very happy with the stance and the 70r has filled the wheel well space perfectly. The only issue I had was both front mud flaps had to be removed. I did change the OEM factory wheels prior to all this. I have a Vision 18 x 9 wheel with a +25 offset.

 

Thanks Don C for taking the time to post! It’s really helpful and I appreciate insight from a “been there done that” perspective. Getting the right tire and lift set up on a Tundra isn’t as straightforward as one would think.
Happy Trails

 

Wheel offset makes a big difference in what fits.

 

For sure ! I see a lot trucks with much larger tires and still able to keep the mud flaps. Losing the small front flap is not too bad . However, I would have preferred to still have the larger front flap to protect lower rail. All in all I am very happy with the look and stance

 

Stock offset wheels definitely woulda/shoulda allowed you to keep the rear (big) front mudflap. I removed mine on my truck for looks, but I had no rubbing with stock offset (+60) wheels and 295/70/18. Even without any lift or leveling.

I will also be switching to a +25 wheel at some point this year most likely. Just need to figure out what size tire I want to do. 35 or 37.