Another Bilstein 5100 question

[Naphit]

You might have heard that serious off-roaders will not use spacer lifts. This is because the spacer can limit up-travel (a 1" spacer potentially reduces it by 1"). But keep in mind we are dealing with a minor lift here. And you are also replacing the shocks with better ones.

Will you notice a potential 1" reduction in up-travel on your rear suspension? I don't know. If you are going to do serious wheeling, then you probably want 3" lift anyway and then you are spending money on the better kits. Plus you'll want bigger (and heavier) tires.

Maybe someday I will wish I had done the full kit 3" with new UCAs, etc. But that isn't in the budget. Plus, I need to fit into the same garages, wanted less impact to MPG, and keep the stock spring rates.

Here's what I bought:

Front shocks: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009FU7RL6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rear shocks: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007N6R2NM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rear spacers: 10-16* Toyota 4Runner Cornfed Suspension Lift kits, part 5G4R-1RR

Airlift 1000: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CW6IBU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1.

I only did the Airlift because I will pull a trailer a few times a year for a scout troop.

THANKS!!! Putting in my order today. I don't think I will need the Airlift, I do not foresee any towing in my future.

Now to look up how-to's and write-up's on how to change out all of the parts.

 

[Naphit]

Excuse the newb/dumb question but will I need 2 of the 1" Cornfed spacers? Logically, it should be 2 but I need confirmation.

 

[GearJunkie88]

Is the job of installing 5100s front and rear plus a rear coil something an average (maybe below average) weekend warrior "mechanic" can do? I've called a couple of shops in town (e.g., 4 wheel parts) and they say they won't install anything you didn't buy from them. So I'm either gonna do this myself or have to find a place that will do it (anyone in San Antonio have a shop recommendation?)

 

[cdiset]

Is the job of installing 5100s front and rear plus a rear coil something an average (maybe below average) weekend warrior "mechanic" can do? I've called a couple of shops in town (e.g., 4 wheel parts) and they say they won't install anything you didn't buy from them. So I'm either gonna do this myself or have to find a place that will do it (anyone in San Antonio have a shop recommendation?)

Yeah, I imagine that is standard just for liability. Plus they mark up the parts also. It was $800 to put 5100's all around, for parts and labor, and alignment. They did let me buy the coils myself and installed them for me.

 

[GearJunkie88]

Yeah, I imagine that is standard just for liability. Plus they mark up the parts also. It was $800 to put 5100's all around, for parts and labor, and alignment. They did let me buy the coils myself and installed them for me.

Does "they" refer to 4WP?

 

[Sparky 86809]

Is the job of installing 5100s front and rear plus a rear coil something an average (maybe below average) weekend warrior "mechanic" can do? I've called a couple of shops in town (e.g., 4 wheel parts) and they say they won't install anything you didn't buy from them. So I'm either gonna do this myself or have to find a place that will do it (anyone in San Antonio have a shop recommendation?)

The tricky part doing it yourself is getting a spring compressor to re and re the springs you could remove the struts then have a shop re and re the springs. If you have to do this then take the truck in after for an alignment not sure you would be saving much considering all the running around.

I had mine done at an alignment shop that also does suspension work their supplier was two weeks to get the Bils the owner said if I could get them faster bring them in and they would install. I got them in two days and they charged me 3.5 hrs labour plus alignment. I did the rears my self in the driveway in about 1 hr.

 

[cdiset]

Does "they" refer to 4WP?

LOL, yes "They", 4WP quoted me that, but with a shit load of attitiude, because, well, I imagine because I dont have jeep. So I went to Ramona Tire where I have been going for service for 10 years and asked if they would do it. They quoted me higher but matched the price when I asked. But Ramona was the same deal, I had to let them buy the 5100's.

 

[proimion]

Excuse the newb/dumb question but will I need 2 of the 1" Cornfed spacers? Logically, it should be 2 but I need confirmation.

For $80 you get a set of 2. They are side specific. The one for the passenger side is actually a bit shorter than 1" to compensate for the driver's side lean common in 4Runners. I'm not sure I ever noticed a lean, but this is a nice touch by Cornfed.

 

[proimion]

Now to look up how-to's and write-up's on how to change out all of the parts.

As you can see from earlier in this thread, doing this work can be tricky without the right tools, jacks and stands, etc. i decided to take it to a shop. You're going to need to get alignment anyway. I wanted to do the work myself, I just didn't trust myself.

 

[Glandnut]

5100s set at 2.5" front with cornfed 1.5" rear and airlift rear springs. 285 K02's

Stock UCA's? 285's rub?

 

[Thehoppa]

Stock UCA's? 285's rub?

Stock UCA's for now. There was a slight rub which required trimming a sliver of the bumper and removal of the front mud flaps.

All good now.

 

[Adi979]

To those worried about the ride, I have a 2017 TRD off road with KDSS, that was fantastic stock. The KDSS really is special. I just installed 5100s all around, 1.75 with stock front coils, and Wheeler T13 rear coils. Its now even better on the road, not hard at all. And off road? Better than I imagined. Makes me wonder how good it woud be with a real off road suspension. But then again, I am 47 and built for comfort.

It's good to hear that preloading the front springs at 1.75 isn't creating a jarring ride. One of my ideas was to go Billy's x4, T13 in the rear and the toytec 1.6" front coils with Billy's set at 0. Btw would love to see a side pic of your truck.

 

[dawudih]

2015 Trail lift

Just installed 5100's set to 1.75" and the 1" corn-fed rear spacers a couple of weeks ago. As most have said, defiantly looks nice; but it's a sporty feel compared to the stock shocks. The rear can bounce around on bumpy roads as well. Off road is much stiffer, I'm not sure if I like that or not, but overall it was a nice upgrade.

I also got a set of BFG KO2's in 275/70r17 installed yesterday. They look good and gave me just under 1/2" at the fenders, so that was nice. Again, very stiff off road. Something I'd have to get used to I guess.

Overall cost was $1701. Gas mileage after lift but before tires was down less that 0.5mpg. 10 ply tires should eat up maybe 1 mpg? My advice to anyone thinking of doing this is stick with the lighter tires & maybe just set the front shocks to 0.85" & forget the rear spacers. It is really nice looking though. This advise is from a 42 year old married father of 2.

 

[cdiset]

It's good to hear that preloading the front springs at 1.75 isn't creating a jarring ride. One of my ideas was to go Billy's x4, T13 in the rear and the toytec 1.6" front coils with Billy's set at 0. Btw would love to see a side pic of your truck.

This is with about 250 lbs in the back

 

[df662]

Sitting at discount tire. Gave in to temptation and going up to 275/70/17 BFG KO2 from my Nitto ridge grappler 265/70/17. Pretty disappointed that the grappler is not available in that size... Those tires are awesome. The new tire size should look decent with 1.75" front, 1" back.... Will post pics.

One more question. Should I be going in for an alignment check with the bigger tires?

 

[HKSJoo]

Is the job of installing 5100s front and rear plus a rear coil something an average (maybe below average) weekend warrior "mechanic" can do? I've called a couple of shops in town (e.g., 4 wheel parts) and they say they won't install anything you didn't buy from them. So I'm either gonna do this myself or have to find a place that will do it (anyone in San Antonio have a shop recommendation?)

I just got done re doing my suspension today w KDSS. I got it all wrapped up within 2.5 hrs start to finish wo a spring compressor but I've done many many suspension installs. Id say, research research and research some more and it'll be a good day long project for you and a helping hand.

 

[MidWesT4R]

Just installed 5100's set to 1.75" and the 1" corn-fed rear spacers a couple of weeks ago. As most have said, defiantly looks nice; but it's a sporty feel compared to the stock shocks. The rear can bounce around on bumpy roads as well. Off road is much stiffer, I'm not sure if I like that or not, but overall it was a nice upgrade.

I also got a set of BFG KO2's in 275/70r17 installed yesterday. They look good and gave me just under 1/2" at the fenders, so that was nice. Again, very stiff off road. Something I'd have to get used to I guess.

Overall cost was $1701. Gas mileage after lift but before tires was down less that 0.5mpg. 10 ply tires should eat up maybe 1 mpg? My advice to anyone thinking of doing this is stick with the lighter tires & maybe just set the front shocks to 0.85" & forget the rear spacers. It is really nice looking though. This advise is from a 42 year old married father of 2.

This does look really good. Im against the wall as well.. I just joined this site in search of answers. Im a 31yr married man with a 4 year old and do camp/fish/canoe some, and dont want to get too far out of OEM. It is my DD and i prefer the subtle practical yet capable look... I did just order a set of the FN countersteer wheels wrapped in BFG KO2s 265/70r17.... I will also be doing the 5100 all around.. My only issue is, I love the way the 1.75 looks up front with my selected wheel config, but I think from pics I've seen on here, that some trucks(not all) with the 1in spacer in rear makes for too large of a gap in the wheel well for my personal taste(with 265s). Yet doing 1.75 up front and stock height in back seems to yield a "too level/reverse rake"... Im wondering if there is a setup that consists of a 1.75 front and maybe a 1/2in rear spacer. Or just say screw it and do .85 front and leave rear stock :decision:
any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

 

[df662]

This does look really good. Im against the wall as well.. I just joined this site in search of answers. Im a 31yr married man with a 4 year old and do camp/fish/canoe some, and dont want to get too far out of OEM. It is my DD and i prefer the subtle practical yet capable look... I did just order a set of the FN countersteer wheels wrapped in BFG KO2s 265/70r17.... I will also be doing the 5100 all around.. My only issue is, I love the way the 1.75 looks up front with my selected wheel config, but I think from pics I've seen on here, that some trucks(not all) with the 1in spacer in rear makes for too large of a gap in the wheel well for my personal taste(with 265s). Yet doing 1.75 up front and stock height in back seems to yield a "too level/reverse rake"... Im wondering if there is a setup that consists of a 1.75 front and maybe a 1/2in rear spacer. Or just say screw it and do .85 front and leave rear stock :decision:
any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

I just had the bilsteins 5100 installed with a 1.75 front/1 back setting. Had the 265/70/17 nitto ridge grapplers on. The 265's definitely did not look bad however the 275/70/17 I upgraded to yesterday do look better. I would love to upgrade to 285's but I do not want to take the huge mpg hit.....

 

[MidWesT4R]

I just had the bilsteins 5100 installed with a 1.75 front/1 back setting. Had the 265/70/17 nitto ridge grapplers on. The 265's definitely did not look bad however the 275/70/17 I upgraded to yesterday do look better. I would love to upgrade to 285's but I do not want to take the huge mpg hit.....

Makes sense. I think I might be leaning to the 5100s all around with .85/0 because of my wheel config. I just want it to look proportionate with a little more of a aggressive look compared to stock. Like you said, the 275s might look a little more proportionate with the 1.75/1 setup. And yea mpg is still for sure a consideration since this is a DD with occasional highway driving.. the BFG ko2 I ordered is a C rated tire so it will have better mpg than the E rated tire. I'm only "offroad/wheeling" a couple times a month. So I really dont think I need a higher ply tire. Im just thankful we have this forum with bunch of like minded guys to bounce ideas off of. layball:

 

[dawudih]

This does look really good. Im against the wall as well.. I just joined this site in search of answers. Im a 31yr married man with a 4 year old and do camp/fish/canoe some, and dont want to get too far out of OEM. It is my DD and i prefer the subtle practical yet capable look... I did just order a set of the FN countersteer wheels wrapped in BFG KO2s 265/70r17.... I will also be doing the 5100 all around.. My only issue is, I love the way the 1.75 looks up front with my selected wheel config, but I think from pics I've seen on here, that some trucks(not all) with the 1in spacer in rear makes for too large of a gap in the wheel well for my personal taste(with 265s). Yet doing 1.75 up front and stock height in back seems to yield a "too level/reverse rake"... Im wondering if there is a setup that consists of a 1.75 front and maybe a 1/2in rear spacer. Or just say screw it and do .85 front and leave rear stock :decision:
any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

You sound like me & you'd be right; the rear wheel well would look large with a 265 (it looks a little large with a 275). These Toyota's are kind of goofy looking from the rear anyway. People will tell you that there is only a 0.3" difference between 265 & 275, but I put them side by side & there was a noticeable difference in size. HIGHLY recommend the 275!
If you're doing 1.75 up front, I wouldn't do less than a 3/4" spacer. Stick with what others are doing, 1" rear. You could just use the 0.85" front for leveling, that's probably the best overall option.
I've been parking in the driveway these last few days to admire the lift & 2 neighbors asked me why my Toyota looks different. They couldn't tell, but they did notice it looking bigger. Post some pics when you get it done & get to work on a few more rug rats...