Bilstein 5100 alternative?

Ok, I have researched the hell out of this forum and Bilstein 5100’s to gain a slight lift (mid setting is what I’m leaning towards) and better ride for my 21 Limited Tundra non-TRD. I’m looking to eliminate the ‘rolly’ soft ride. I’ve seen folks add TRD sway bars too to help. Main question…are the Bilsteins the best way to achieve lift and a stiffer ride or do you have a better shock recommendation other than Bilstein?

 

Rear sway bar all the way. No experience with bilstein but had to be an improvement over factory.

 

I've had 5100s for a couple years. They did exactly what I wanted with ride and leveling.

 

Don't forget to include the Hellwig Sway Bar in your research. It's thicker and 'lift adjustable' but it ain't that pretty red color!

 

Running both TRD sway bars front/rear along with 5100s all the way around. Front at top setting and 275/70 tires on TRD Pro BBS wheels. Ride is perfect for me.

 

I have been contemplating the same thing of late, so I will follow this.

My '19 has the base suspension with factory black Toyota shocks but the rear anti sway bar and you know what , it rides really nice like it is. However after riding in different vehicles with factory upgraded shocks I can see a difference in the ride. Part of my brain says "if it ain't broke don't fix it" but the other part says it's a pretty reasonable cost to do and my truck now has 54k on it, what to do, what to do?

 

Personally for a few bucks more I would go with Eibach’s Sports (5100 equivalent) OP for two important reasons.

A) The Eibach’s have much nicer damping for a daily driver. The initial bump absorption is unmatched IMHO. The 5100’s do not well on poor streets especially at slower speeds. I had multiple vehicles with 5100’s that I commuted into NYC with I was not impressed. As an example my wife noticed how much better the truck rode after swapping out my 5100’s for the Eibach.

B) When it gets colder the Bilsteins ride even rougher. I disliked them a lot in the cold.

With this said there was no significant difference between the two when on the highway at speed. They are slightly more composed at speed than the OEM Toyota Bilsteins (not to be confused with 4600’s).

I would install the TRD sway bar before anything (unless your shocks are in bad shape). HUGE improvement on mine. Took away practically removed all the sway WITHOUT adding stiffer damping, which creates rougher ride at lower speeds but more composure at speed. Suspension mods will NEVER come without trade offs.

For the record I am happy with my OEM Toyota branded Bilsteins. My truck rides hands down better than any Toyota my wife and I have owned (Multiple Tacoma, multiple RAV4’s, Highlander, 4Runner).

 

6112/5120 on order and have TRD front & rear sway bars already installed (trd sport came with them), curious how it's affects the ride myself.

 

Where did you find 6112 in stock?

 

Hotshot Off-road. @memario1214

 

Great info Oey12. Most of my driving will be on the highway but there are a fair amount of dirt roads and plenty of potholes here in Alaska plus the colder temperatures make me think about the Eibachs! I looked on the Eibach website at the options. Looks like PRO-TRUCK-LIFT Stage 1 (fixed 2.5” front lift) or Stage 2 (adjustable 0-2.75” front) are the applicable options for me (Limited non-TRD). Which ones are you running? The Stage 1’s show the coils not attached so not sure if that’s a pain or not to install those. I’ve only ever replaced standard shocks and pre-compressed strut assemblies. Stage 1’s are $360 cheaper if I want to go with a fixed 2.5” front lift. Assuming I am understanding it correctly.

 

I am putting the Eibach stage 2r on this week after ordering from Colton at hotshot.
I also installed the ras hd on the rear.

had 5100s on my last 4 runner with ome springs and they were great.

If you search for Eibach stage 2r tundra on here you’ll find the last thread about this set up. It caused me to call Colton and buy the set up. Gives a lift up to 2.75 inches but comes set for 2 inches.

just a few thoughts. But I also like the ability to adjust for lean with the stage 2. They are on sale right now for $1262.

 

I looked into these before I went with the 5100s, some reviews were stating the Eibach seals started weeping. I have no personal experience with Eibach

 

There are more than a few threads talking about the 5100, 6112, 4600 bilsteins failing and leaking as well. But, they sell a ton of them and Eibach does the same.
They all offer warranty for that reason.

 

You have a valid point. This is my 3rd vehicle with Bilsteins and I've never had an issue.

 

Mine have 65k on them and no leaks.

 

I never had any issue with bilsteins either. I had 5100s. I have Dobinsons ims on my Jeep with no issue and I don’t expect any issue with the Eibach but it can happen with them.

most of the name brands have the kinks worked out so it really depends on what your looking for.

the main reason I didn’t go with Billy’s this time is because the Eibach have the adjustable collars and the Billy’s don’t. Same with the Dobinsons. I don’t want to have to use shims if the tundra lean shows up.

I believe all of these are the same type of shock and will please 95% of people.

 

You really can't go wrong with the 3 you mentioned, along with Fox and King, but they are on the higher end of the price scale.

 

The biggest difference in my trucks handling was installing a TRD Front Sway Bar. It was hard to keep my truck in the lane it felt like there was too much play in the steering. Swapping out the sway bar made my steering more responsive. Before I did the sway bar I installed Bilstein B6 4600 Struts. They are ok. To smooth out my ride I swapped out the 20s for 18s. I was running Michelin LTX A/T2. They were harsh. I swapped them out for Michelin Defender LTX M&S. I find they give a smooth and quiet ride. I may install a TRD rear Sway Bar but I like the ride I have.

 

My only experience is with the adjustable Eibach’s. I have a family member that has them installed in his Tundra. And multiple other family members that have them in their Tacomas (again having the Bilstein 5100’s previous). Yes, we loved lifted Toyota trucks in my family, lol. Heck I own a lifted RAV4! He (Tundra owner) went from the 5100’s to the Eibach’s after riding in my 4Runner that had the Eibach’s. The difference is noticeable and I will absolutely stand by that statement. I have factory suspension in mine.

The valving is slightly different…check out post #11. https://www.4runners.com/threads/eibach-pro-truck-sport-leveling-shock-initial-review.8314/

 

I’m going to order the TRD front sway bar for starters, then go with the Eibach setup. Just need to verify a couple things regarding my warranty. I bought my Tundra used and it’s Toyota gold certified, so hopefully those mods won’t affect that warranty.

 

Eibach pro Stage 1 might be worth looking into. I have enjoyed the ride quality on them.Was not a problem to taken them to a shop and get them mounted. Shop charged me $300 with the alignment. YMMV

 

I made the decision to order Eibach Pro-Truck shocks for my truck based on their lift height settings and Eibach's willingness to replace leaking shocks without having to send them back first. Using stock springs I'll be setting them to 1.2". They are also a little bit cheaper than the 5100, which was a nice plus.

I have the TRD rear sway bar in right now. It's been the best mod I've done to my truck for drivability. Completely eliminates the sway and makes it handle curves nicely. My truck is a TRD OR so it has the yellow Bilsteins installed. I felt the stock front sway bar was fine and did not need to be upgraded.

 

Anxious to hear a follow up after installing them and get a few miles on.

 

Maybe the rear sway bar is where I start. My Limited already has a front sway bar but it isn’t a TRD bar. I’m guessing the TRD one is stiffer? I’m anxious to see what you think of the Eibachs.

 

Try the rear first, you might find it sufficient. I’m hoping I can put the Eibachs in next week.

 

Great insight!