Bilstein 5100's at 1.75" questions & install

[kip dyno-mite]

Hi Everyone,

So after almost a year of owning my 2012 TE and reading this forum, I think it's time to pull the trigger on the 5100's. I do still have a few questions (that I've tried to answer via the search option) and figured I'd bounce them off of the folks here since a lot of you have poured loads of time and knowledge into your 4Runners.

My plan is to get the 5100's all around with the fronts set at 1.75" and add spacers in the rear. I spend a good amount of time in the mountains but I don't plan on anything extreme off road.

1) For those that have the fronts set at 1.75" - is it a true 1.75" (i.e. did you actually get 1.75" of lift, less, or more)?

2) With that setup, what size spacer for the rear is recommended? I'd like to leave a little bit of rake (roughly 1") so during those times the back has some gear/passengers, I can avoid any reverse rake. Right now, I'm thinking about going the Cornfed route with either .75" or 1" rear spacers. I'd welcome any thoughts/advice on this (no plans to add more weight via new bumpers, sliders, etc.).

3) The biggest concern for me right now is the install and dealing with the KDSS. I'm going to have it done at a shop but since the KDSS is still relatively new, I'm trying to understand the install process best I can and, if possible, have some detailed instructions for them. I have looked at all of the build threads and pulled some really good info. I've also downloaded a few instruction sheets and the most detailed one I've found is from Slee Off Road that details an OME install. From some of the posts, it seemed like OW had really good instructions for their lift but since they've gone out of business I couldn't find any of their info online. So, if anyone has any step by step instructions on installing a new suspension on the Trail Edition please chime in.

4) With respect to the install, install the front or rears first?

5) If I'm going to add 285/70/17s to this setup, any thoughts on the order - lift first, then add the tires or vice versa?

Thanks in advance - this forum has been really helpful.

 

[Ramzey28]

Hi Everyone,

So after almost a year of owning my 2012 TE and reading this forum, I think it's time to pull the trigger on the 5100's. I do still have a few questions (that I've tried to answer via the search option) and figured I'd bounce them off of the folks here since a lot of you have poured loads of time and knowledge into your 4Runners.

My plan is to get the 5100's all around with the fronts set at 1.75" and add spacers in the rear. I spend a good amount of time in the mountains but I don't plan on anything extreme off road.

1) For those that have the fronts set at 1.75" - is it a true 1.75" (i.e. did you actually get 1.75" of lift, less, or more)?

2) With that setup, what size spacer for the rear is recommended? I'd like to leave a little bit of rake (roughly 1") so during those times the back has some gear/passengers, I can avoid any reverse rake. Right now, I'm thinking about going the Cornfed route with either .75" or 1" rear spacers. I'd welcome any thoughts/advice on this (no plans to add more weight via new bumpers, sliders, etc.).

3) The biggest concern for me right now is the install and dealing with the KDSS. I'm going to have it done at a shop but since the KDSS is still relatively new, I'm trying to understand the install process best I can and, if possible, have some detailed instructions for them. I have looked at all of the build threads and pulled some really good info. I've also downloaded a few instruction sheets and the most detailed one I've found is from Slee Off Road that details an OME install. From some of the posts, it seemed like OW had really good instructions for their lift but since they've gone out of business I couldn't find any of their info online. So, if anyone has any step by step instructions on installing a new suspension on the Trail Edition please chime in.

4) With respect to the install, install the front or rears first?

5) If I'm going to add 285/70/17s to this setup, any thoughts on the order - lift first, then add the tires or vice versa?

Thanks in advance - this forum has been really helpful.

From all my research and what I did with my TE.......I would do a 1.5 spacer in rear or spring lift that gives 1.5 lift, and 1.75 in front with 5100s. I would do tires at the same time due to alignment, save you alittle cash. Don't think install front vs rear first matter. Not sure on install with kdss. If you want alittle reverse rake, 1.5 rear lift...trust me. Let's put it this way, my .85 lift with 5100s in front is even to alittle bit of reverse rake. 5100s seem to be exact.....another words .85 was .85 lift. Measure from rocker panel to measure if truck is level, not from fender flares. IMO

 

[Hawaiian4runner]

Hi Everyone,

So after almost a year of owning my 2012 TE and reading this forum, I think it's time to pull the trigger on the 5100's. I do still have a few questions (that I've tried to answer via the search option) and figured I'd bounce them off of the folks here since a lot of you have poured loads of time and knowledge into your 4Runners.

My plan is to get the 5100's all around with the fronts set at 1.75" and add spacers in the rear. I spend a good amount of time in the mountains but I don't plan on anything extreme off road.

1) For those that have the fronts set at 1.75" - is it a true 1.75" (i.e. did you actually get 1.75" of lift, less, or more)?

2) With that setup, what size spacer for the rear is recommended? I'd like to leave a little bit of rake (roughly 1") so during those times the back has some gear/passengers, I can avoid any reverse rake. Right now, I'm thinking about going the Cornfed route with either .75" or 1" rear spacers. I'd welcome any thoughts/advice on this (no plans to add more weight via new bumpers, sliders, etc.).

3) The biggest concern for me right now is the install and dealing with the KDSS. I'm going to have it done at a shop but since the KDSS is still relatively new, I'm trying to understand the install process best I can and, if possible, have some detailed instructions for them. I have looked at all of the build threads and pulled some really good info. I've also downloaded a few instruction sheets and the most detailed one I've found is from Slee Off Road that details an OME install. From some of the posts, it seemed like OW had really good instructions for their lift but since they've gone out of business I couldn't find any of their info online. So, if anyone has any step by step instructions on installing a new suspension on the Trail Edition please chime in.

4) With respect to the install, install the front or rears first?

5) If I'm going to add 285/70/17s to this setup, any thoughts on the order - lift first, then add the tires or vice versa?

Thanks in advance - this forum has been really helpful.

I have Toytec coilovers which are 5100s. Lift comes out considerably higher than the setting. Installer predicted it, and it came out true. Came from Toytec preset to 2.5" but came out 3.75".

I think you should be good with either the 3/4" or 1" spacer. Back also lifts higher than the spacer spec. Cornfed has lots of options and will even custom make spacers.

KDSS is not an issue at all. Easier install than Xreas Limited and SR5.

Front first then you can decide if you need a rear lift.

I think lift first then tires.

 

[kip dyno-mite]

Thanks Ramzey and Hawaiian4runner!

Hawaiian4runner, so you got almost 4" of lift from your Toytec setup?