5100s w/ Daystar vs Toytec

[4OYOTER]

2008 4.7 4x4 with 118K miles. My Xreas is leaking, so I'm looking at which lift to go with. I've narrowed it down to two choices.

1) A full set of 5100s. Front set at 2.5, Daystar spacers in the rear

2) 3" Lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Front Coilovers

This is the preassembled Toytec/Eibach springs in the front, with the Superflex springs and Boss shocks in the rear.

I will be going off road on occasion. Obviously there is about a $500 difference between the options. Do y'all think the Toytec kit will perform THAT much better? I also pondered the OME kit, but without any extra weight I hear it might ride a bit rough.

What would y'all do? If the first option is good enough, I figure I can use the extra $500 to add some armor.

Thanks for any input!

 

[Three50Bowtie]

I'm curious to hear the opinions as well. I just did my lift and debated quite a bit on the options. I ended up with FOX 2.5 coilovers in the front but it was definitely expensive. However, I love the way it drives.

 

[blackoutt]

I haven't had the coilover version of the 5100, just the bare one with FJ then OME 885 springs before going to Fox so discount my opinion some. In my opinion a 5100 is a 5100, gussy it up with different springs and threaded collars and aluminum mount bits but it's still only going to get you so much performance and durability. I will say that the 885's set at 0 lift notch rode much better than the FJ springs preloaded to all hell to get 3" of lift, but then the Fox's blew both of those out of the water and are well worth the money (or maybe I'm just trying to justify it in my mind lol). Seriously though ask yourself what you really want out of your rig now and in the future, while 5100's are a great first lift you might save yourself some $$ by waiting a little longer and getting the good stuff now. If you just want it to sit higher for cheap and don't care about performance then put spacers on.

 

[4rcybr]

Armor before upgraded suspension, IMO.

Don't get me wrong-better suspension is a great thing, but basic things like sliders and better wheels are going to allow you to do more (safely) than the more expensive suspension you're looking at here.

Also, since a lot of kits use the 5100s, you can always look at adding springs in the future, not needing to purchase a full package.

Side note here-if you're considering adding armor-why are you worried about the OMEs needing extra weight? Just talking armor I've got probably 200-300 lbs. Unless you go with aluminum the whole way underneath you'll be looking at the same.

In my case, add in a front/rear bumper, gas cans, winch, fridge, roof rack, rtt, water container, recovery gear, etc. and I've always got 600lbs extra (just with what's bolted on), and sometimes up to 1000lb or so.

That said, it also sort of depends how often 'on occasion' is, as you'll definitely have a nicer ride from coilovers.

Anyways, as with everything in life there are tradeoffs. Choose what you think will be best for you.

 

[S p a r k y]

1. Your factory springs are getting pretty warn as well. So with this set up, you will need new springs at some point. This is the cheaper route, lots have done this and it worked fine. But what happened. For the most part 90+% ended up getting more!
1a. If you go this route use that $500 savings to get UCA's then come back later and get springs to replace the spacers and worn spring.s That's what I did

2. Best option between the 2 for sure. You won't need to upgrade anything. You will need UCA's eventually

As far as armor, many think differently on this because we use our rides differently. I have no need whatsoever for armor. If I wheel I would, but I don't. Your typical weekend outings do no need armor. Sounds like what you plan.
[MENTION=145222]4rcybr[/MENTION] is a type that needs armor and he said it best do what is best for you.

If your mall crawling 90% and running to the lake taking dirt roads or driving to the local UV park on occasion no need for armor until your looks department is taken care of.

 

[Powder_Hound]

IMO and from what I have read spacers preload springs and will limit travel. I would go for the Toytec kit and call it a day. You can adjust the front to your desired height to get the look you are looking for as well as improving travel.

If your XREAS is leaking and your springs are tired I would recommend doing it all at once.

 

[4OYOTER]

Armor before upgraded suspension, IMO.

Don't get me wrong-better suspension is a great thing, but basic things like sliders and better wheels are going to allow you to do more (safely) than the more expensive suspension you're looking at here.

Also, since a lot of kits use the 5100s, you can always look at adding springs in the future, not needing to purchase a full package.

Side note here-if you're considering adding armor-why are you worried about the OMEs needing extra weight? Just talking armor I've got probably 200-300 lbs. Unless you go with aluminum the whole way underneath you'll be looking at the same.

In my case, add in a front/rear bumper, gas cans, winch, fridge, roof rack, rtt, water container, recovery gear, etc. and I've always got 600lbs extra (just with what's bolted on), and sometimes up to 1000lb or so.

That said, it also sort of depends how often 'on occasion' is, as you'll definitely have a nicer ride from coilovers.

Anyways, as with everything in life there are tradeoffs. Choose what you think will be best for you.

My Xreas is leaking, so the suspension needs some attention soon regardless. My price limit is around $900 right now, so if I did the OME kit I wouldn't be adding any armor for awhile.

 

[4rcybr]

My Xreas is leaking, so the suspension needs some attention soon regardless. My price limit is around $900 right now, so if I did the OME kit I wouldn't be adding any armor for awhile.

Right. You were asking whether to do bilsteins plus starting to add armor or get a full lift kit.

What I said is that if you need armor, you should just get the basic suspension fix and get armor before a full kit (because lack of armor is expensive in terms of repair costs-if you actually need it). If you don't, then get whatever you prefer. Either way you're still fixing the problem with your leaking suspension.

 

[alhang]

I have the bilstein 5100's set at 2.5 and a rear daystar 1.5 inch spacer on a 2003 v8. I say go for the toytec, even if you're only doing a few trips a year, if you have a family, or just haul lots of stuff I think you will like the stronger springs. Personally i'm going with OME 864 front with a 1/4 spacer and rear 898. Looking for 3in front and 3.5in rear.