Bilstein 5100 front adjustable shocks or front spacers?

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sporty87

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First let me say tis forum is Great! I have a 2010 5th generation SR5/ 4Runner that is exactly 1 year old and it is time to get rid of that ugly front rake look and possibly put the next size larger tire which I hope will not rub onto the stock rims.
If I measure the front rake the front end is 2" lower than the rear end measured at the center of the wheel wells.
My question is am I better off with the front Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks or the strut spacers (I know there are 2 different front spacers but which is better)? I would like to get the most bang for my buck and not make a mistake and have to redo the job. Cost is a factor but not at the expense of ride quality or what I really expect from this project. I most likely will have this installed at a shop.
This truck is my daily driver and I only do moderate beach 4 wheelin or some camping so I do not want to jeopardize the ride or I'll never hear the end of it from my wife.
I also would like to improve the front end brake dive which I believe the Bilsteins will help with this condition.

Can anyone please direct me and tell me what I can expect from which ever route I choose? Also if I go either of these metods what else do I have to expect to do, UCA'S, Alignment, etc. (I just want to know about hidden cost's I may expect)? As of right now I have no intension of raising the rear end or changing any of the rear suspension components, I just want the front to be level.
Also what happens when you raise the front end and then load up the rear of the cargo area? I don't do much haulin but just asking.
I do pull my motorcycle trailer with my Harley on it though so I don't know if I should have a concern with that issue.

Thanks everyone in advance for any info you can give me.
 
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some guys that start out with spacers go to something else later down the road, so, imo, its better to go with the 5100s over a spacers,even when using the stock coils, they will give a much improved but not too firm ride on & off road, & help with the dive & cornering. if u tow maybe look into airlift 1000 or firestone bags for the rear coils. these will cost about 500 before before labor & alignment .
 
Spacer lift is the easiest way and the most economical to level the front rake. A minimal 2" spacer lift hould have no problem during normal driving and also increases clearance for tires and your front offroad like other leveling lifts - many have good feedbacks on that.
But for me, comparing it to Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks..I'll choose the Bils 5100 Adj because:
1. Its Bilstein (known for its durability)
2. Height adjustable (compared to fixed height)
3. Ride Quality ( Spacers do correct the nose dive and improve cornering feel, but the restricted uptravel and the overextended downtravel of the suspension should have effect sometimes - nobody gives a big deal to that :)..you can read from Bilstein's comparison with spacers in their website)
4. Upgradeability ( in the future ..you might want to buy the coilover from toytec, so you will not buy the whole front kit anymore. - I have lifetime warranty on mine reflected on my receipt from 4 wheel parts)
 
I'll put my vote in to go with the Bilstein 5100s as well. I just installed them on my 4Runner yesterday. As the guys above have said, they will cost you a bit more up front, but to me, they are worth the little extra cost. I ordered the shocks online, had them installed at a local truck shop, & had an alignment done at goodyear...all for around $380 total. Not too bad in my opinion!

The bils so far are awesome! The ride is very comparable (to me) to the stock shocks as far as comfort goes. They leveled the front out perfectly too! Now the rear fender wells are about an inch higher than the fronts.
 
Billies for more than just the brand.

1. Reputation
2. Performance for the $$
3. Upgrade over stock whereas the spacers give you nothing except a sagging suspension later down the road.
 
Thanks for answers so far. It seems Bilsteins are the way to go but I want to make sure that I won't have to correct anything else. When I raised my Blazer (4") the problems that I had to correct just escalated and I do not want to go thru that again. I just want to address the brake dive and the rake.
So far I guess all I will have to do is get an alignment and possibly put air bags in the rear for when I carry heavy loads, which is very rare.
Does anyone know what air bags to use for the 2010 4Runner and do you have to remove the coils to install them?
Thanks again.
 
Bilsteins for the win! I actually just did a write up of how to install them in the 4th gen section of this site with some helpful tips. I had never done a suspension before, and it took a total of 3 hours using hand tools, a floor jack, and 2 jack stands. I didnt even have anyone help me....that is how easy it is. Do it yourself and save a ton of money!

FYI---I feel as though the ride is perfect in the front now. You can hit some nasty stuff (potholes, speedbumps) and not even feel them, but they are stiffer int he corners. It is amazing what Bilstein did with their valving on these things. Also, they come pre-set for 1 5/8" lift using the OEM springs, so the rake will be down to about 1/2", which is what mine is at.

Here is a link to my thread (I also included a place to donwload the directions from the shop manual and the torque settings for all the bolts): Front Bilstein 5100 Install Tips and Tricks
 
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