Suspension overhaul plan - Bilstein 5100s, new leaf springs, Air Bags too?

Starting this thread as my situation is pretty specific ... I'm strongly considering B 5100s all-around on my 2016 Tundra SR 5.7L 4WD double cab with 6.5' bed (with towing package and extra-large oil cooling / capacity). What a GREAT vehicle!

As I prep the truck for a camper install (Tune Outdoor M1 ~ 500 lbs) early October. The camper, like the Leer cap I recently removed, will be permanently installed. Would love to hear from the experts and/or folks with similar experience.

I bought the Tundra in 2017 with 10K lucky as it was a 'boss' truck coming off a short lease. It appeared to never have carried loads, etc and shortly thereafter I added a Leer cap and DECKED drawer system. It now has 125K miles mostly local paved roads, ALOT of highway, some rough forest and dirt road and scenic byways, very little 4WD.

Now as I prepare to put another 100K+ on it; the Leer Cap (~400 Lbs) has been removed and sold. The truck bed sealed to prevent dust and water intrusion, and rail covers prepped (sealed-up with AC tape, silicone and butyl tape). I plan to keep the original DECKED drawer system (+200 Lbs) and add the Tune M1 camper, so at least +700 over stock without supplies, etc. I also recently added 1up bike rack and swing-arm (+100 lbs). After the upgrades planned below, and prior to the camper install I'm going to have the truck weighed so I have pre-camper install axle weights recorded.

With the 1up rack and swing-arm and the DECKED system installed the Tundra's stance on level ground measures 37" front, and 38" rear. Ground to center/top of wheel well in fender.

I've posted to Tune M1 Owners group on FB and have the following recommends from it, I'd like to have 2nd opinions here. My Tundra has been serviced regularly and kept up with Toyota recommended service schedule. Other than brakes, etc it is almost entirely stock and I have noticed sway and it getting more bouncy. I know its due for suspension and steering overhaul.

Planned work prior to Tune M1 install:

• Replace original leaf springs w/ HD +700 lbs over stock
• Replace stock shocks with B8 5100s all around (ride height adjustable)
• Air Bags rear (tbd - seeking recommends) - if yes, I prefer simple set-up manually adjustable
• Replace alternator (near EOL)
• Steering - having mechanic assess expect replacements soon (check: ball joints, control arm bushings, tie rod ends, etc)
• Alignment after the above (i'll be putting a few thousand on it prior to the install) & again once camper is installed
• Measure stance after suspension work, and after camper & have weighed again after partial build-out
• Strong recommends from other Tune M1 owners to consider stiffen truck bed (per others front of bed, 1st 18 inches don't have any dedicated 'factory' support and tend to flex alot on highway) some folks recommend add-on braces either welded with cross-bar (or newer bolt-on) solutions available that install under the bed that help minimize the flex due to portion of the M1 camper that extends over the cab (57") that can accommodate a fairing, but due to flex of camper over cab get alot of complaints about fairing rubbing roof or from similar vehicles that are older or have carried heavy loads and or prior heavier campers and towing

I appreciate your comments and recommends

 

Personally I would probably go for some higher end shocks (bilstein or others) if I was constantly carrying around that much weight. 5100s are great for a budget weekend warrior type build but definitely have their limits.

 

Well organized truck owner and questions list ; 2 thumbs up !

Where i can related is that i have a Tall topper , 8 foot bed and regularly load that tall topper to the roof way beyound Payload , probably more heavy then your camper with a full load ready for adventure .

I Highly suggest you add the rear TRD sway bar ; huge improvement over stock for sway on the road and tall load center
Some air bag have build in bump stop that bounce a lot...

I would suggest you look intoo Sumo springs ; these things are awsome to support load and very comfortable ( Barrely noticable on my truck outfit with blue sumos all around ) . With the right combination of Sumos and Leaf pack ; you'll have a perfect truck rake with your fully loaded set-up and these are install and forget kind of parts . as simple as it gets and no maintenance required .

i Notice on my truck thats its the cab bushing that mooves a lots combine with frame flex ( Our chanel frame flex a lot ) ... maybe up-grade cab bushing + bolt on bed brace would be a solution to help bed failures. no issues with my truck since the 8 foot bed have OEM brace up-front that 6.5 dont have .