1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Bilstein 5100 + Eibach Lift Springs : First Impressions

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by cko, Jan 13, 2023.

  1. Jan 13, 2023 at 5:54 AM
    #1
    cko

    cko [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2022
    Member:
    #86944
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra Platinum
    Hi everyone,

    First, forgive me if I'm adding to the clutter. But I think this data point would be useful for others. I think this might be my first post (or maybe 2nd post). I have a 2018 Platinum Crewmax that had a lift/level kit installed. I'm not quite sure which was the manufacturer. My guess is Rough Country by the look of the parts.

    The truck also has 12" x 33" MT Baja Boss on factory 20" rims. Overall, the ride with the these tires and original lift (with factory struts and leafs) and level wasn't bad. This setup looks like it was a 2" spacer (roughly) for the front struts and a 1.5" block for the rear leafs. My impression of the ride was generally positive but I was not a fan of the wallow in turns and dive on hard braking. Perhaps the factory stocks were starting to go at 65k miles - the ride was also a little chattery.

    After installing the the Bilstein and Eibach combo on the truck, overall I felt the ride had a good balance between firmness, vibration, bumps and controlling for body movement on turns and braking. I'm kind of use to a firmer (but controlled) ride given the other vehicles we keep in the family - which is a selection of mostly European SUV's and sports cars. So for now, I think the ride is reaonably firm, not jarring, and way better on body control. As this suspension settles in time, the performance may change.

    This is the current setup...
    • Bilstein front: 24-232173 (5100)
    • Bilstein rear: 24-186971 (5100)
    • Eibach Lift springs kit E30-82-067-03-20. Note that the springs are stamped with different numbers: 31 82 067 03 FA
    • Front struts were assembled with circlips 1 up from bottom. I believe this is the middle setting assuming that there are 3 notches on the shock body.
    • Front struts have 1 coachbuilders 1/2" lift shim one each side. (Slight lean still, but not enough to put in another shim on the drivers side)
    • 1.5" thickness block left in the rear
    Given this setup, there is a 1" rake from front to rear. This looks about right for my taste (and purpose) The lift is just about right for me, more clearance, beefier stance (fit for some not-crazy overlanding tasks), and the geometry is not so janky that I need to worry about new control arms for now.

    I can attach some pictures if people are interested. Thanks. Hope this helps others that are doing research on their next suspension upgrade (or downgrade) :)

    Best,
    Charlie
    2018 Tundra Platinum Crewmax
     
    ATV25, rruff, 18DCTRD and 3 others like this.
  2. Jan 13, 2023 at 6:26 AM
    #2
    HulkSmurf14

    HulkSmurf14 ...Weighted Average...

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2019
    Member:
    #34377
    Messages:
    1,907
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra Limited
    Tastefully enhanced...
    Always attach photos! I'm glad your refined suspension is checking the boxes of being a good setup!
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2023
    LS3 likes this.
  3. Jan 13, 2023 at 7:44 AM
    #3
    MyActualName

    MyActualName New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2019
    Member:
    #37817
    Messages:
    105
    Gender:
    Male
    Thanks for the review, I'm on the hunt for new shocks and trying to decide where to put my money.
    Also, adding the part numbers is a huge help, much appreciated.
     
  4. May 16, 2023 at 6:03 AM
    #4
    mrscullini

    mrscullini New Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2021
    Member:
    #62919
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    resurrecting a bit of an old thread here, very good data point. i'm considering the same. currently have the 5100s middle setting on my '16 trd with the oem springs. would like a bit more lift and was considering the Eibachs. what has me scratching my head is that the Eibach say must use with the Eibach shock, apparently that is only a recommendation given your experience, and i've seen others with the Eibach/5100 combo.

    can you offer any additional insight on this conundrum? did you have to drop the diff or make any other mods up front? also, a pic would be awesome. thanks so much!
     
  5. May 16, 2023 at 8:01 AM
    #5
    1UP

    1UP Truck Gang

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2020
    Member:
    #53887
    Messages:
    2,268
    Vehicle:
    2019 Red CM TRD sport 4x4
  6. May 16, 2023 at 8:06 AM
    #6
    mrscullini

    mrscullini New Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2021
    Member:
    #62919
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
  7. May 16, 2023 at 8:37 AM
    #7
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    Member:
    #2252
    Messages:
    2,247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Missoula, MT
    Vehicle:
    '21 Limited MGM CrewMax
    Please feel free to call us anytime here at Hotshot Offroad and we'd be happy to help answer questions 406-936-0206. That said, I'll try to take a stab at your question here. I'm going to make the assumption that you have a 2.5G Tundra as well based upon the subforum that we're in.

    So there's 2 different ways to go about the Eibach stage 1 lifts.
    1) OEM Spring and Eibach Pro-Truck Sport shocks - Using the circlip (or snap ring) you can adjust height from stock ride height up to 2.5" of front lift.
    2) Eibach Pro Lift Spring atop Eibach Pro Truck Sport shock - Since the lift spring is a longer spring you're getting more height and are limited on the amount of snap ring positions that you can use. The bottom location yields 2.5" of lift and the next notch up gets 3.1" of lift. The further ones up cannot be used due to the risk of coil bind.

    Here's the "other" scenario, but not discussed much -
    3) If you were to put an Eibach lift spring atop a Bilstein 5100 it "might" work. However, we've never tested it. With an OEM spring the 5100 provides ~.8" of lift on the bottom perch. The Eibach provides the .6" of lift a the 2nd perch. On paper, that would mean that an Eibach lift spring on a 5100 lowest perch should put you around 3.3" of lift. Will that cause coil bind? I don't know, but we don't put this recommendation out there for customers.
     
    rruff likes this.
  8. May 16, 2023 at 12:57 PM
    #8
    mrscullini

    mrscullini New Member

    Joined:
    May 11, 2021
    Member:
    #62919
    Messages:
    6
    Gender:
    Male
    thanks for the insights, good info. seems as though the eibach/5100 combo is questionable at best.
     
  9. Jun 19, 2023 at 4:04 AM
    #9
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's
    This scenario has me curious.
    I have a set of 5100's on the way and need a solid 3" of lift to match the spacer blocks that are coming out.
    Using my stock springs with 5100's, the highest setting is only 2.5" of lift... which means I need to stuff coachbuilder spacers in it to get the last 1/2". I would prefer a longer spring and the lowest setting on the 5100's for obvious reasons... since a preloaded (shorter) spring means a stiffer ride.

    Not sure if I want to be that guinea pig though. lol
     
  10. Jun 19, 2023 at 8:54 AM
    #10
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    Member:
    #2252
    Messages:
    2,247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Missoula, MT
    Vehicle:
    '21 Limited MGM CrewMax
    I can send a set your way and you can give it a whirl! I have seen people do it, and likely have had no issues... But if we do I definitely didn't tell you to :rofl:
     
    Dragracer_Art[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Jun 19, 2023 at 11:16 AM
    #11
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's
    Yeah... thanks. lol
    Ive never been much of a gambler... so im not sure what to do here.
    Either way... I want the longest spring so I can ditch the spacer blocks but still want to maintain identical ride height.

    Not sure why the 5100's dont have a groove cut in them for zero lift.

    I'd almost lean toward the 2" eibach springs combined with the lowest 5100 setting to put me at 2-7/8" of lift... but no matter what I decide, it's under 3" of lift or over... with no exact 3" combo. lol

    I assume the 2" Eibachs are softer than the 2.5's ???

    If I re-use the factory springs and use the top groove, it gives me 3" with the coachbuilder +1/2" shim... but I fear it will ride like an empty schoolbus.

    I actually have a set of upper control arms under my workbench.
    Maybe I will just toss those on too and deal with getting another alignment. (trying to avoid)
     
  12. Jun 20, 2023 at 6:57 AM
    #12
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's

    OK... Im ready to pull the trigger on a pair of front springs. Which ones do I need ???
     
  13. Jun 20, 2023 at 7:59 AM
    #13
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    Member:
    #2252
    Messages:
    2,247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Missoula, MT
    Vehicle:
    '21 Limited MGM CrewMax
  14. Jun 20, 2023 at 8:24 AM
    #14
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's

    OK, I'll get them ordered shortly.
    Any problem shipping them to a work/business address that differs from my home address ?


    Edit to add...
    Used my work address for shipping (Buford, GA) but during paypal payment process it defaulted the billing address to my shipping address. Hopefully that doesnt skew anything.
     
    Last edited: Jul 11, 2023
  15. Jun 20, 2023 at 8:26 AM
    #15
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    Member:
    #2252
    Messages:
    2,247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Missoula, MT
    Vehicle:
    '21 Limited MGM CrewMax
    :rofl:

    No problem at all.
     
    Dragracer_Art[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Jun 20, 2023 at 8:36 AM
    #16
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's
    Thanks for being hands-on and staying active/involved in the discussion here. It directly resulted in you getting a (small as it may be) sale instead of Amazon.
    Thanks again !
    Art
     
  17. Jun 20, 2023 at 8:47 AM
    #17
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    Member:
    #2252
    Messages:
    2,247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Missoula, MT
    Vehicle:
    '21 Limited MGM CrewMax
    I do my best to stay in a discussion anyway. I try to not do fly-bys. Glad it helped!
     
    Dragracer_Art[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Jun 22, 2023 at 8:00 AM
    #18
    Dragracer_Art

    Dragracer_Art New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2020
    Member:
    #49576
    Messages:
    746
    Gender:
    Male
    Dawsonville, GA
    Vehicle:
    2020 Crewmax 4x4
    5100's/+2.5" Eibachs, 18x9 +25 Methods,37x12.5 BFG KM3's
    Springs arrived a few minutes ago.
    Thanks!!!

    20230622_105203.jpg

    I may try to get them on after work tonight. The rear shocks went on yesterday already so im halfway there.

    20230621_175739.jpg
     
  19. Jun 22, 2023 at 8:10 AM
    #19
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Dec 13, 2015
    Member:
    #2252
    Messages:
    2,247
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Colton
    Missoula, MT
    Vehicle:
    '21 Limited MGM CrewMax
    :woot:

    Glad to hear that they showed up quickly!
     
    Dragracer_Art[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Aug 22, 2023 at 2:43 PM
    #20
    lukedias00

    lukedias00 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2023
    Member:
    #95274
    Messages:
    73
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 4x4 Off-Road Limited
    Are you running with or without front sway bar?
     
  21. Sep 4, 2023 at 9:53 AM
    #21
    DCRB4X4

    DCRB4X4 Making it up day by day since '64

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2023
    Member:
    #98167
    Messages:
    17
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    BLACK 2015 DCRB SR5 4X4
    3/1 SPACER LIFT BY PO
    Any updates? I have a set of 5100s, ready to buy springs and am curious how yours turned out.
     
  22. Sep 4, 2023 at 10:02 AM
    #22
    Rodtheviking

    Rodtheviking New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2021
    Member:
    #57282
    Messages:
    709
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Chris
    Vancouver, WA
    2017 Limited Crew TRD, Ironman Pros with JBA uppers. Prinsu rack. RSI, RCI sliders
    I did this on two different trucks, V8 4runner and on my Tundra. The 4runner I ran this set up (toytec) for about 2 years, never had an issue. I did the same on my Tundra for a good lift before adding a bunch of weight and needing a heavier spring, never had an issue. I used the lowest setting paired with a 1/4" Coachbuilder shim on drivers side for the lean.
     
    memario1214 likes this.
  23. Sep 4, 2023 at 10:44 AM
    #23
    lukedias00

    lukedias00 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2023
    Member:
    #95274
    Messages:
    73
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 4x4 Off-Road Limited
    Haven’t gotten it back yet. Should be done by the end of the week.
     
    DCRB4X4[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Sep 13, 2023 at 5:07 PM
    #24
    lukedias00

    lukedias00 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2023
    Member:
    #95274
    Messages:
    73
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 4x4 Off-Road Limited
    What are you planning on putting on the rear to lift it? I put a +2 coachbuilder shackles (1.25” lift) with the 5100 with eibach 2.5 up front and I’m sitting ever so slightly front high (which is driving me crazy)
     
  25. Sep 15, 2023 at 6:10 AM
    #25
    lukedias00

    lukedias00 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2023
    Member:
    #95274
    Messages:
    73
    Vehicle:
    2014 Tundra 4x4 Off-Road Limited
    I did the same front set up. @memario1214 said he netted 3inch up front. I definitely got more then that, maybe 3.5" not really sure how to measure exact. I have a 1.25" shackle in the back and have to add a 1inch block to the back to level the back with the front. I love the ride quality though! Good set up, the front UCA needed I'd recommend SPC, I bought the JDA's and the shop said they couldn't quite get the alignment where they usually want it due to the JDA limitations.
     
  26. Sep 16, 2023 at 6:55 AM
    #26
    DCRB4X4

    DCRB4X4 Making it up day by day since '64

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2023
    Member:
    #98167
    Messages:
    17
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    BLACK 2015 DCRB SR5 4X4
    3/1 SPACER LIFT BY PO
    The rear currently has 1.5 inch blocks. Now leaning towards 5100s on middle setting with stock springs and remove rear blocks. Tires are 275/70/18 Kenda A/T2s on stock TRD wheels. Already have 5100s, correct bolts and nuts for front diff and new OEM stock u bolts and nuts.
    If I end up with a slight rake it will be fine. If too much I will have left over shims to install.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top