Bilstein 5100 Height Settings

[crenkas]

I've got a set of Bilstein 5100s waiting to be installed next week and I'm super torn between using setting 2 (0.85") or setting 3 (1.75"). I've searched all through the forums and a couple guys have used setting 3 and posted pics. They seem to think that it raises the front a touch too much relative to the rear. But no one has talked about setting 2. Has anyone used setting 2? Thoughts?? I'm throwing Nitto T/G 285s under at the same time, so looking for a little clearance to avoid rub.

Thx
Cam

 

[Als VARunner]

Bilstein 5100

I am not sure if there is a difference between the TE versus the SR5 and Limited original heights. I used the 1.75 because the difference is a little over two inches from front to back on my TE. The back is still about 1/2 inch higher, but looks leveled. I did not want to spend the money for just a .85 lift.

 

[4RunnerTrail]

I am not sure if there is a difference between the TE versus the SR5 and Limited original heights. I used the 1.75 because the difference is a little over two inches from front to back on my TE. The back is still about 1/2 inch higher, but looks leveled. I did not want to spend the money for just a .85 lift.

I too would like to add the Bilsteins. I'm thinking the 3rd raise. Did you have to realign your truck? did you notice any handling differences with raising front 2 inches? What are the negatives of raising the front. (curious as to why they did this from the factor with lower in the front)

I'd love to see more pics. I don't think i'm ready for a 3/2 lift and was thinking this may be the way to go. On the fence with upgrading too 285s... may keep stock size in new tread.

 

[crenkas]

I am not sure if there is a difference between the TE versus the SR5 and Limited original heights. I used the 1.75 because the difference is a little over two inches from front to back on my TE. The back is still about 1/2 inch higher, but looks leveled. I did not want to spend the money for just a .85 lift.

Thanks for the reply. I think the stock height differences are the same as my sr5 is 2-1/4 front to back on the passenger side and 1-7/8 on the drivers side. I'm good with 1.75" lift on the front, but on the FJ forum regarding the 5100s posters were saying the were actually getting over 2" of lift. I think this was because the 5100s were actually 1/2" longer than the stock shock. Wondering if this is the case with the 4runner as well. Doesn't sound like it. Also, any comment on the handling once its been leveled? Does it get that light washy feel like when towing a heavy load?
I don't mind a little rake so still considering the second setting so long as it gives me clearance on my 285s. Anyone out there using setting two?
Thx
Cam

 

[Als VARunner]

Bilstein 1.75 level

The ride seems a little less loose in the front and because of the front level, the hard nose down during breaking is not as bad. This is because the momentum of the truck is now going more forward instead of down (direction of nose). Others in the forum might have had different results. I am very happy with the new ride and lift.
The shop that installed them said I needed an alignment.
I believe my 1.75 lift was really 1.75 since my rear is slightly higher than the front. I did not personally measure it, but the shop said it is very close. There is another notch to raise to either 2.25 or 2.5 (do not remember which it is), but then you would need to raise the back also so you do not have a negative rake with the front higher.

If you want to see more pictures, I have pics in the 5th gen picture thread on 9 August.

There are many other threads if you do a search on larger tires with lifts concerning the clearance. There are also other threads on the front rake and the bilstein 5100's if you do a search.
I have never changed a stock vehicle before, but the information I gained from this forum has given me the knowledge and confidence to know what to do.

 

[crenkas]

The ride seems a little less loose in the front and because of the front level, the hard nose down during breaking is not as bad. This is because the momentum of the truck is now going more forward instead of down (direction of nose). Others in the forum might have had different results. I am very happy with the new ride and lift.
The shop that installed them said I needed an alignment.
I believe my 1.75 lift was really 1.75 since my rear is slightly higher than the front. I did not personally measure it, but the shop said it is very close. There is another notch to raise to either 2.25 or 2.5 (do not remember which it is), but then you would need to raise the back also so you do not have a negative rake with the front higher.

If you want to see more pictures, I have pics in the 5th gen picture thread on 9 August.

There are many other threads if you do a search on larger tires with lifts concerning the clearance. There are also other threads on the front rake and the bilstein 5100's if you do a search.
I have never changed a stock vehicle before, but the information I gained from this forum has given me the knowledge and confidence to know what to do.

We're in the same boat as I have never made any major changes to stock before either. I knew going into the 5th gen 4runner after my 4th gen that I wanted to beef it up a little. Not planning a major lift or much larger tires, but thought 285s in a more aggressive tread would be just right. These Bilsteins sound perfect for my need to get a little extra clearance in the front without spending too much or drastically changing the suspension. The added bonus is that they seem to improve the ride (especially nose dive). With all the great info and pics in these forums, not to mention willing guinea pigs , it makes it pretty easy to choose the right setup.

I will poke around a little more using the search function and see if I can get more info, but I've been pretty thorough so far (maybe even a little obsessed). Probably thinking way too much into the height adjustment, but it will need to be completely redone if I choose wrong and that will cost $$$.

Your ride looks great by the way. I will check out more of your pics.

 

[Narkhelek]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of front Bilstein 5100 to level out my TE and was wondering what's a reasonable amount to pay to have them installed. Don't want to get taken since I'm not sure what's involved in putting them in.

 

[Als VARunner]

I'm thinking of getting a pair of front Bilstein 5100 to level out my TE and was wondering what's a reasonable amount to pay to have them installed. Don't want to get taken since I'm not sure what's involved in putting them in.

I do not know if I got a good price, but the shop figured 3 hours labor, which was $225. Maybe someone else can tell you if I paid a good price or not.

 

[westwind77]

I do not know if I got a good price, but the shop figured 3 hours labor, which was $225. Maybe someone else can tell you if I paid a good price or not.

Thinking of doing the 5100's as well, is the price above close to what others have paid? Well, I guess I should ask labor time since each shop charges different rates depending on where you are.

 

[PracticalFJ]

Does anyone know which model 5100's? Where is the best place and price for purchase?

Thanks

 

[Will733]

Just installed

Finally got my 5100s put in today (Set at 1.75").

Total cost out the door was $330 after tax, installation, alignment, etc...

 

[pmdata]

Very nice. Very nice.

 

[2010riddle]

How's the handling/nose dive after these were installed? I know your running 275's, but do you think 285's would clear with the fender liner mod & this 3rd height setting? It sounds like the TE will clear but I think the sr5 has a bit less space under there.

BTW it looks great man. crazy how much better it looks with just 1.75" of lift. I see wheelers website & my CC meeting soon....

 

[Will733]

How's the handling/nose dive after these were installed? I know your running 275's, but do you think 285's would clear with the fender liner mod & this 3rd height setting? It sounds like the TE will clear but I think the sr5 has a bit less space under there.

BTW it looks great man. crazy how much better it looks with just 1.75" of lift. I see wheelers website & my CC meeting soon....

Thanks man, the handling and especially the nose dive has been much improved... Amazing how much better these are than stock. I'm running stock tire size (265's) but AT tires so their a bit more aggresive looking. Not sure how 285's would fit, sorry.

 

[1traildriver]

So was it exactly 1.75" of lift? I just got a set of 5100's and am gonna have the fronts installed this week (still waiting on the rears). Just wondering if the rumors filtering in from the FJ forum are true (about 2" of lift on the 3rd setting).

Thanks.

 

[Falls]

Thats one of my concerns is what if anything to do with the rear end . As soon as I load it up or hook a trailer on she will be nose high. I just dont like that look. I had an inch of rake with heavier FJ springs on my 06 and that worked perfect.

The front of my 4R is now at 2.25-2.5 lower in front.

Ive also dealt with Wheelers off road in the past and they usually were the best on price and there tech team and customer service was wonderful. Just an FYI. Toytec was also very good tech and customer service . Can't go wrong with either IMO.

 

[Will733]

Thats one of my concerns is what if anything to do with the rear end . As soon as I load it up or hook a trailer on she will be nose high. I just dont like that look. I had an inch of rake with heavier FJ springs on my 06 and that worked perfect.

The front of my 4R is now at 2.25-2.5 lower in front.

Ive also dealt with Wheelers off road in the past and they usually were the best on price and there tech team and customer service was wonderful. Just an FYI. Toytec was also very good tech and customer service . Can't go wrong with either IMO.

Can't give you any feedback yet on towing, it may become nose high due to lifting the front 1.75" since it is almost perfectly level when not towing. I think it's maybe 1/4 an inch lower in the front now.

 

[Will733]

So was it exactly 1.75" of lift? I just got a set of 5100's and am gonna have the fronts installed this week (still waiting on the rears). Just wondering if the rumors filtering in from the FJ forum are true (about 2" of lift on the 3rd setting).

Thanks.

Mine didn't go up 2 inches... thinking about possibly choosing the 2.5" setting later on. 1.75" left it still about 1/4 an inch lower in the front (Was 2" lower when stock). Maybe 2.5" of lift in the front would still look good making it only 1/4 of an inch higher upfront, like the old 3rd gens look.

 

[jca21]

any longterm updates on this route?


are you guys happy with the third setting of 1.75? anyone with the .85s?

 

[WhiskeyCop]

I've got a set of Bilstein 5100s waiting to be installed next week and I'm super torn between using setting 2 (0.85") or setting 3 (1.75"). I've searched all through the forums and a couple guys have used setting 3 and posted pics. They seem to think that it raises the front a touch too much relative to the rear. But no one has talked about setting 2. Has anyone used setting 2? Thoughts?? I'm throwing Nitto T/G 285s under at the same time, so looking for a little clearance to avoid rub.

Thx
Cam

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/102288-bilstein-5100-85-pic-s.html