Adjustable Billie 5100 mod ?

[Gstick]

I know that it has been talked about, but has ANYONE milled a 5th groove into the shock body of the 5100 beteeen groove # 2 and groove # 3 ?

After reading some horror stories with front end alignment after setting the snap ring in the 3rd groove up from the bottom (1.75"), I am concerned.

I realize that if I ever had a warranty issue with Bilstein, that they wouldn't cover anything.

I have a friend who is a tool/die maker that could mill the groove to the precise depth/width.

All replies welcome.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

I can't remember how close the grooves are to start with, but would there be room for another? Would it be safe structurally? I have mine set at 1.75, no alignment issues.

 

[sn_85]

I think you're better off just buying the adjustable toytec/bilstein 5100 coilovers from Toytec. If you're afraid of horror stories from alignment issues then milling your own grooves and completely voiding the warranty sounds like a terrible idea. Just my 2cents.

 

[Ducmonsta]

You can actually just purchase the adjustable collars to use on the 5100s. That's what I ended up doing after the bumper and winch install. Then you'll have an infinitely adjustable front end.

 

[Gstick]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm probably just going to use the 3rd groove up from the bottom and ask the alignment shop to set the :

Camber to zero

Caster to 4.0

Toe in .18

And hope for the best.

 

[1engineer]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'm probably just going to use the 3rd groove up from the bottom and ask the alignment shop to set the :

Camber to zero

Caster to 4.0

Toe in .18

And hope for the best.

Please don't do that. Every 4Runner is different from the factory. That's why they have adjustable alignment! Your buddy's 4Runner specs might be different than yours yet they both drive just fine. Just have them set it in the correct RANGE as specc'd by Toyota and you will be fine. If (big IF) you think it really feels "twitchy" at 70 mph on the interstate then go back at see if they can't adjust the caster up a bit.

 

[4Surfin]

I would just say get my alignment in spec with caster as high as possible... I ran a 2.5/1/5 lift on my 2011 and they were able to match factory spec acceptable range... not the best but not horrible

 

[Gstick]

Please don't do that. Every 4Runner is different from the factory. That's why they have adjustable alignment! Your buddy's 4Runner specs might be different than yours yet they both drive just fine. Just have them set it in the correct RANGE as specc'd by Toyota and you will be fine. If (big IF) you think it really feels "twitchy" at 70 mph on the interstate then go back at see if they can't adjust the caster up a bit.

Thanks for this info. After researching much about front end alignments (on this forum) I just assumed that the specs that I posted were the ultimate numbers to shoot for. I will just ask the alignment shop to set it to Toyota Specs.

Much obliged !

 

[cjacob316]

You could always get new UCA's if you're worried about alignment, but you should be fine under 2 inches of lift. Good luck.

 

[4Surfin]

You could always get new UCA's if you're worried about alignment, but you should be fine under 2 inches of lift. Good luck.

why no one will spend $400 - $800 on UCAS to do their suspension right is beyond me. Spend $3k in tires and coils but wont add UCAs or wait until they can do it right..... SMDH

 

[jasonv]

its because most after market UCA come with shit ball joints (IMO) that end up causing way more hassle than its worth. add in pressing Moogs etc and all the ****ing around and that = not worth it when most of the time you can get the alignment in spec anyway.

 

[4Surfin]

its because most after market UCA come with shit ball joints (IMO) that end up causing way more hassle than its worth. add in pressing Moogs etc and all the ****ing around and that = not worth it when most of the time you can get the alignment in spec anyway.

theres a thing called uni balls..... and sorry if you are over 2" of lift you might get the alignment in OK range for daily driving but not in optimal specs without UCAs