[Mike G.]

I did not want to hi-jack the other thread, so here are some pictures of what the .85 setting looks like with no lift in the rear, the tires are 275-70-17 Destination`s. I had a hard time finding some good comparison pic`s of before and after with this set up, so I figured this may help someone else down the road.

Before;


After;


Before;


After;


It`s not a huge difference, but it was exactly what I wanted, it still has some front rake to it, but it looks a lot better than stock. I do not think it`s going to be huge difference in handling either, but I have already noticed less nose dive during braking. I think the 1.75 setting may actually level the truck, but I was not looking to do that, due to towing a camper.

My next item`s will be a Defiant light bar and a set of PIAA lights and then I am done. I may go with a more aggressive tire when the Destinations wear out.

[Crit Rat]

Thanks for taking the time to document and post the images. They are helpful for me to see as that is what I would contemplate doing. I for one don't want a higher vehicle. It's best to keep the vehicle as low as possible for betting driving dynamics but keeping just enough clearance for the tasks it takes on.

Any other impressions on the change to handling and ride characteristics?

[11TEBLK]

Noticable difference for sure, it looks really good man! Did you do the install yourself??

[Mike G.]

I had a local shop do the install ($150.00), I hate messing with the spring compressors and I just had shoulder surgery, so no wrenching from me for awhile.

The truck rides a little firmer, but in a good way, and the biggest improvements I have noticed is the front brake dive is reduced and the truck feels a lot more composed on the highway. The truck is more stable and really drives nice, just the improvement in ride and handling are worth the cost, the better stance is a nice side benefit.

[jca21]

so 5100 shocks with stock springs?

looks nice.

[Jtraskell]

Thanks MikeG. I hope DEKA see's this.

[11TEBLK]

Man that's a good deal! I've had a set of 5100's in the box for about a month. The quotes I've got are closer the $500!! I thought about installing them myself but am a little hesitant to do it after a couple guys had some trouble with the install.

[8086bruce]

That looks good! IMO that's what it should look like stock! Thanks for the pics!

[Mike G.]

Originally Posted by 11TEBLK

Man that's a good deal! I've had a set of 5100's in the box for about a month. The quotes I've got are closer the $500!! I thought about installing them myself but am a little hesitant to do it after a couple guys had some trouble with the install.

The install is pretty straight forward and can be done in a few hours in your driveway, the main problem is dealing with hand held spring compressors, they can be dangerous if not used properly or they fail. Most shops have wall mounted compressors that make the job a lot safer and easier. You could just remove the whole strut/spring assembly and take it to a local shop to RR the struts, this would save you some money and be a lot safer.
Working on new car suspension parts is easy, nothing is rusted together yet and everything is easy to remove /replace.

[jca21]

so are you running the 5100s on factory springs with the shocks set at .85?

btw were these the ones you ordered?

http://www.toyteclifts.com/index.php...mart&Itemid=72

also wondering if i install the rear shocks, the rear ride height will increase?

thinkin of swappin out the fronts to bilsteins and set the fronts at .85 and then swap out the rears for bilsteins while i'm at it.

[Mike G.]

I just did the shocks, front and rear. The link looks correct.

[Ramzey28]

Originally Posted by jca21

so are you running the 5100s on factory springs with the shocks set at .85?

btw were these the ones you ordered?

Bilstein Height adjustable front and matching 5100 Rear shocks - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

also wondering if i install the rear shocks, the rear ride height will increase?

thinkin of swappin out the fronts to bilsteins and set the fronts at .85 and then swap out the rears for bilsteins while i'm at it.

Rears will not give you addtl height. They will firm up the ride, that is about it.

[Antman]

You can do the install yourself WITHOUT a spring compressor.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-ge...tml#post754964

The link shows a spacer lift install, but the procedure for taking the front shocks out still applies. Once removed, just swap in the 5100's.

[keeganxt]

Looks nice and clean!

Hopefully picking up my magnetic gray sr5 on wednesday. This may be an option as I'm not sure I want to invest in a full blow lift. I've heard nothing but good things about the 5100s from my days on the frontier forum, very popular option when mixed with OME lift springs.

[jca21]

seems like this is the best way to go.


thanks for the pics mike