5100 installation vs. spacer lift installation

B

bandaman

New member
I've been searching and reading like crazy, but can't seem to find the info I'm looking for.

Do you need a spring compressor to install 5100s?

I've done a coil spacer leveling kit on a 2006 F250 and a top of the strut spacer leveling kit on a 2007 GMC Sierra in my driveway by myself with normal tools.

I can't seem to find a write up or video on the installation. I just want to make sure I know what I'm getting into. The GMC front suspension is a pretty similar setup to the 4Runner and it was quite a bit of work to get the strut out.

If using a spacer I prefer the type that bolt to the top of the strut without taking it apart and removing the coil spring. Like this: 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma-4Runner-FJ Cruiser 1-1/2 inch Level kit [TT250F] - $102.95 : Auto Spring Corporation, Idaho's Largest Inventory of Auto and Truck Springs.
So that looks pretty straight forward for about $100.

Another $100 or so gets me a set of 5100s which seems like the way to go...unless I need to drag the strut to a shop and have them swap the coils to the new shocks before reinstalling... Then I've got more tune money and hassle.

I appreciate the expertise!
 
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when you can get front 5100's for 214 shipped or the full set for 349, its really a no brainer. Add the daystar rear spacer for 40 bucks and you have a hell of a lift for under 400 dollars. No spring compressor needed. I just did the full install in 3 hours a few days ago.
 
You can do it quick then. I used a spring compressor... You can rent them from autozone... actually they just loan them to you. I wouldn't want that shock top shooting out. It's really just for peace of mind.
 
uood8 said:
when you can get front 5100's for 214 shipped or the full set for 349, its really a no brainer. Add the daystar rear spacer for 40 bucks and you have a hell of a lift for under 400 dollars. No spring compressor needed. I just did the full install in 3 hours a few days ago.
Click to expand...

who sells the full set for 350?
 
Look up the Antman no spring compressor install. You dont NEED a spring compressor. There's a video of it done on a Tacoma on YouTube as well.
 
I ordered a set of 5100s off EBay then got a message about them being backordered 2-4 weeks. If you know of some, please post up some suppliers that have them, preferably that take PayPal. They were $210 shipped off EBay but I don't really want to wait a month.
 
bandaman said:
I ordered a set of 5100s off EBay then got a message about them being backordered 2-4 weeks. If you know of some, please post up some suppliers that have them, preferably that take PayPal. They were $210 shipped off EBay but I don't really want to wait a month.
Click to expand...

I got mine from amazon from a place that listed them in stock, you just have to look around. Bilstein had a machine down for a while. I used the no spring compressor method and it was quite easy, just follow the instructions and be careful.

single shock rear
http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-33-1...367&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=RFJ-BIL+(33-187174)

single front
http://www.amazon.com/Bilstein-24-1...UTF8&qid=1425670476&sr=8-1&keywords=24-196499
 
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I had a good experience with Autoanything on the Bilsteins. They were the lowest at the time, plus they price match I think it was for one year if you find them elsewhere cheaper. Plus they were in stock.
 
NSW550 said:
http://www.4wheelparts.com/Lift-Kit...1&t_s=90&t_pt=3306&Manufacturer_AMAN=Bilstein

$291 for set of 4 with free shipping.
Click to expand...

have you bought these? I wonder if they switcharoo the price once you order...

Technical Details

Buy now with confidence. A service rep will contact you to confirm fitment before your order ships. If you modified your vehicle, well ensure you receive the correct shock application
Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Set
Includes Set of 4 Shocks
Strut and Ride Height Adjustable Application Prices Are Slightly Higher.
 
What about on a Limited? Im just looking into leveling out the stance. From what I understand the XREAS system is a pain and not just as simple as swapping over to 5100's.

Would that spacer kit in the link on the 1st post be a solid option?
 
Hey All - I've been following this post a bit and doing some reading up on the 5100 lift. I'm a little confused on some of the different combinations available. I'm looking to achieve the same thing as the OP - a more level stance and a slight lift.

I get putting the 5100's in the front. But what is the difference in putting the 5100's in the rear over the daystar spacers - is it just price? I've also seen that the rear 5100's (33-187174) are not height adjustable. So assuming this, the height adjustable 5100's go in the front and the rear 5100's in the back which achieve no lift in the back, hence the day star spacers (??) Am I smelling what people are stepping in?

Do you achieve better ride quality if you put 5100's all the way around as apposed to stock suspension or front billi's + spacers?


I'm also wondering why ToyTec offers the "complete" 5100 lift for $400!!!! What is the difference there?

I'm a newbie when it comes to "lifts" and any info on how it will effect my ride quality in a '15 Trail Premium w/KDSS would be very helpful?

Thanks for any shared wisdom.
 
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MATTYDIRT said:
Hey All - I've been following this post a bit and doing some reading up on the 5100 lift. I'm a little confused on some of the different combinations available. I'm looking to achieve the same thing as the OP - a more level stance and a slight lift.

I get putting the 5100's in the front. But what is the difference in putting the 5100's in the rear over the daystar spacers - is it just price? I've also seen that the rear 5100's (33-187174) are not height adjustable. So assuming this, the height adjustable 5100's go in the front and the rear 5100's in the back which achieve no lift in the back, hence the day star spacers (??) Am I smelling what people are stepping in?

Do you achieve better ride quality if you put 5100's all the way around as apposed to stock suspension or front billi's + spacers?


I'm also wondering why ToyTec offers the "complete" 5100 lift for $400!!!! What is the difference there?

I'm a newbie when it comes to "lifts" and any info on how it will effect my ride quality in a '15 Trail Premium w/KDSS would be very helpful?

Thanks for any shared wisdom.
Click to expand...

Just get this
3" Lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Height Adj Coilovers FJ/4Runner


Bilstein does not make a 5100 for the rear that is adjustable. So if you want a lift in the rear, you would need to get lift springs or spacer. Im a newb as well, but from what I know, having 5100 in the rear will give you better ride quality and articulation over stock shocks or spacers.


The $400 Toytec kit is probably just lift springs only with no shocks.

You could piece together the front and rear 5100s (cheapest i've seen is $350 delivered) and front and rear springs, but the good thing about the Toytec 5100 kit listed above is that the front coil over comes to you assembled preset at 3" so its a direct swap.

Since I'm not going to be doing serious offroading, this is the kit I'm looking to get.

If I have provided any incorrect information, I'm sure somebody will advise.
 
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I've had sets of 5100's on both of my Tacomas, and the ride improvement + the lift options are great. The toytec lift kit is nice, but for almsot $1000 I think that is a little much if you just want to lift the 4Runner with no plans on off roading it. I will be buying a set of 5100's for the 4Runner and probably just raise the front to 1.75" Your ride quality will suffer slightly if you raise the front to 2.5", but will still be better than stock just a little stiffer compared to 1.75" or the 0.85"

Trust me you don't want to get a spacer lift on the front, ride quality will suck.
 
I have 5100s in the front. Originally set to 1.75" then raised up to 2.5". Honestly, I feel like the stiffness is the same when it was at 1.75".
 
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