So I've read the forums to the point where I've already purchased the 5100's for my rig. I also picked up the Bilstein 36-281817 rear coils in the event that I might want to lift the rear more. That said, I'm torn between the 2nd perch lift of .85" up front and riding stock in the rear and the 3rd perch lift of 1.75" and the 1" coils in the rear. I'm looking for opinions from both camps, preferably someone who has experience with both setups, on things like comfort, handling, any issues with alignment, etc. I'm currently running the Icon Rebounds with the Falken Wildpeaks, so either should make it look good.

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just leveled it and enjoy it, 5100s are a solid entry level shock and good value. I have 6112 with 650lb springs up front and 5100s with stock springs in the rear . Rides great and planted to the ground and nice look to it.

I did the 1.75 in the front and added the 1" Cornfed spacers in the rear. Still has a bit of rake to it. I wished I'd have gone with the highest setting in the front, and may still end up doing it at some point.

I just went from a declining x-reas to 5100's all around. Front set at the 2.5" lift setting with stock springs and I added a Cornfed 1" spacer to the rear springs. Measured from the bottom of the wheel well to the ground (directly above the wheel center caps) the rear now sits at 38" and the front is 37". Only had it a week or so but so far so good. More feedback, more planted, less rake, ready for 33's.

This is what I needed to hear! Saw a YouTube vid and guy complained about ride at full 2.5” height in front.
Thanks


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I have this same set up and my vehicle drives great. The nice thing about the Bilstein shocks is they give your 4Runner a sports car like handling while still giving you good off-road performance. When you brake hard you don’t get any nose dive and almost no swaying when cornering. The only drawback is the Bilstein shock give a firmer ride.

With the heavy spring you bought, don’t install it until you add your bumper. It will make leveling your truck harder. I did this before I got my front bumper and my nose sat too high.

If your bumper weight is between 100-150lb get the 650lb pound spring. My front bumper is 140lb and Bilstein recommended a 700lb spring. It was too much and I had to drop it to 650lb and it’s fine now. Anything under a 100lb I think you can use 600lb spring which is for stocks bumpers and raise it a little.

Also I have the TRD pro which already came with the 2.5 inch lift.

If you lift it you will want to lift your pan hard rod for a better ride. This video will explain why. Do Not Lift Your 4Runner ... Overland Build Recommended Geometry Fix - Do Not Lift Without This - YouTube

To OP, take a look at the description and reasoning for my "Bilstein 5100, Custom lift: front 2.1", rear 1.5"lift" here: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2938235-post744.html
That lift was done 5 years ago and I still love the way it drives and looks, note: my 4Runner has KDSS.

Hope that helps.

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I've seen some negative comments as well, went back and forth between 1.75 and 2.5 for a couple weeks but decided that was the stance I wanted and if it was bad I could always switch. The steering feels slightly 'lighter' but there's more feedback and it feels more responsive (without being 'darty'). Had always seen people complain about nose dive but didn't think it was as bad as made out to be, have been VERY impressed in the few harder braking instances after installing the new shocks.

What are the negative about the 2.5 lift? Just curious. Since I’ve only owned a TRD Pro I’m only familiar with the 2.5 lift.

From personal experience, I did have to replace the needle bearings front left. But that was after 100K miles. I’m not complaining.

What I referred to was a YouTube vid where the guy said the driving was terrible.


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Okay, so my Trail is KDSS and I noticed that you mentioned strapping the pistons. Is that while installing the new shocks?

So there is a lean with KDSS that I'll have to take into consideration. Do I need to buy a shim kit and where would I find an 1/8" trim packer? Would it be better to do that on the rear?

I'll probably go .85 up front and stock in the rear. I'm not a big fan of the rake and would like a more leveled lift. I did buy a set of 1/2" fronts spacers in case I want more lift in the front to level. I think if I go with the 1" coils in the rear I'll get new front coils to level.

Yes, I did strap pistons only while installing new shocks, not necessary to do, but it gave me peace of mind.

I made the right spacer on the front thicker by 1/8 of the inch (1/2" spacers on the front left and 5/8” spacer on the front right) to compensate for possible lean, I believe it made a difference since I have no lean, but considering that it is only 1/8" difference, if removed and in the worst case scenario I would have 1/4" lean… which is nothing anyway.

As I mentioned, I had the luxury to have a machinist at the place I work that was willing to do a favor for me and make custom spacers.
But you can find those spacers as well, see links below.
OME 0.4" Rear Lift/Lean Correction Spacer - 2003+ Toyota 4Runner / FJ (150PR10) | TheYotaGarage
Sagging Leaning 4Runners correction kits

If you go .85 up front and stock in the rear, then I would not worry about any lean spacers.
At the worst, you can always get one of those lean spacers for the rear at any point after the lift.

Went with 1.75 up front with 1.5" Cornfed spacers in the rear and LOVE IT.
I've had this set up since Sept. 2020 and still can't get enough of it.

• It sits right with slightly less rake than stock but enough to not sag when loaded up.
• No more nosedive
• No more extreme roll
• Stiffer but not harsh ride (kinda like a newer sports car)
• Front CVs are barely off horizontal.

I debated between the 0.85 and 1.75 with spacer when I got my 5100s. If I went 1.75, I was gonna do either 1/2 or 3/4” rear spacer cause I rather have a level vehicle. I ultimately decided to go with the 0.85 setting and couldn’t be happier with my choice. I’ve since added a SSO hybrid bumper with a Warn 8000 lbs winch with synthetic rope. It still looks level to me and I love the look.

I put stock size BFG KO2 tires on with this setup. I don’t think I would change anything about my setup.

Also, I stayed with the factory shocks. I have a 2018 TRD Off Road 4Runner in silver.

I'm about to get the Eibach version of this kit installed. I've only got 11k miles on my factory Nittos and want to run them into the ground before upgrading to something a little bigger. Anyone have experience running the SpyderTrax spacers at either the low .85" or 1.75" setting on stock size 265s? I know they tend to rub on stock suspension at/near full tilt, curious if the small lift on the front end will eliminate that rub. Hoping they'll help visually fill out the truck until the upgrade comes in a couple of years. Thanks!