Bilstein suspension upgrade results

[CentcomPete]

Just had Bilstein 5100s (x4) installed on my 2013 SR5 4WD. Fronts set to 1.75 with no rear coil spring spacer. I was looking for improved handling and a more level stance. Prior to the new shocks, the truck sat 2" lower in the front. New shocks set at 1.75 raised the front end almost exactly 2 inches so she sits nice and level now. The improved handling is tremendous, the BFG 275/70/17s look much more proportionate in the wheel wells and overall I am extremely happy with the results.

 

[SigSense]

Experienced the same as you, Billies and new tires fixed most of the SR5's handling concerns.

 

[thebwlife]

Just had Bilstein 5100s (x4) installed on my 2013 SR5 4WD. Fronts set to 1.75 with no rear coil spring spacer. I was looking for improved handling and a more level stance. Prior to the new shocks, the truck sat 2" lower in the front. New shocks set at 1.75 raised the front end almost exactly 2 inches so she sits nice and level now. The improved handling is tremendous, the BFG 275/70/17s look much more proportionate in the wheel wells and overall I am extremely happy with the results.

:worthless

Show us some pics!

 

[omaguz]

Can you install Bilsteins 5100 to a 2013 LE???

 

[Stifler]

Just had Bilstein 5100s (x4) installed on my 2013 SR5 4WD. Fronts set to 1.75 with no rear coil spring spacer. I was looking for improved handling and a more level stance. Prior to the new shocks, the truck sat 2" lower in the front. New shocks set at 1.75 raised the front end almost exactly 2 inches so she sits nice and level now. The improved handling is tremendous, the BFG 275/70/17s look much more proportionate in the wheel wells and overall I am extremely happy with the results.

OK I am sitting inside USCENTCOM right now... which parking lot are you parked in I want to see this bad boy... did you do the install? if not where did you get it done?

 

[Jeremy556]

Can you install Bilsteins 5100 to a 2013 LE???

Yes, but you will be removing XREAS.

 

[BamaRunner]

I'd like to see pics too. I have those same tires with the daystar 2.5/1.5 kit. Considering changing to bilsteins, adding LR UCAs, ditching the XREAS, and leaving the daystar spacer out back. Anyone running similar?

 

[CentcomPete]

OK I am sitting inside USCENTCOM right now... which parking lot are you parked in I want to see this bad boy... did you do the install? if not where did you get it done?

Stifler,

I am not enlisted nor employed by Centcom. I had the install done at Southern Tire (on south MacDill). 4WD Hardware on North Florida Ave wanted $525 for install and another shop I spoke with didn't seem comfortable doing it. I'm in and around south Tampa all the time if you want to meet up.

 

[omaguz]

Yes, but you will be removing XREAS.

Jeremy which is better, XREAS or the Bilsteins 5100. And if I do the swap, will it void my warranty??? Thanks Bud!!!

 

[Jeremy556]

Jeremy which is better, XREAS or the Bilsteins 5100. And if I do the swap, will it void my warranty??? Thanks Bud!!!

Couldn't tell you, haven't tried either one. Only on what you have replaced.

 

[bimrunner]

Jeremy which is better, XREAS or the Bilsteins 5100. And if I do the swap, will it void my warranty??? Thanks Bud!!!

Warranty on the Bilsteins replaces the xreas ones. Lost mine at 2 months old and never looked back. Love the ride in comparison. No other warranties are voided. Toyota would have to prove the Bilseins caused something else to fail... not going to happen.

 

[omaguz]

Warranty on the Bilsteins replaces the xreas ones. Lost mine at 2 months old and never looked back. Love the ride in comparison. No other warranties are voided. Toyota would have to prove the Bilseins caused something else to fail... not going to happen.

Thanks Ben, I was thinking of getting a set of Konig Countersteer X for my 2013 LE, not sure what tires yet. Do you think that with the Bilsteins and those wheels I shouldn't have any rubbing???

 

[bimrunner]

Thanks Ben, I was thinking of getting a set of Konig Countersteer X for my 2013 LE, not sure what tires yet. Do you think that with the Bilsteins and those wheels I shouldn't have any rubbing???

I really do not know. I think it is highly probable that you would have some but a little fender mod might take the worst of it out. I had to go up more than Bilsteins alone (I'm about 2.5 in front and 1.5 in back effectively - a bit rough numbers there) and still had to do BMC to get all the rubbing out, but offsets, UCA settings etc. make a difference there too. Really hard to guess so I will refrain from predicting, but if you backed me against a wall I'd bet you'd have some even if it is minor.

 

[philsey]

.... Do you think that with the Bilsteins and those wheels I shouldn't have any rubbing???

Be aware that only the front Bilsteins are adjustable.

 

[FatTiresRollin]

I'd like to see pics too. I have those same tires with the daystar 2.5/1.5 kit. Considering changing to bilsteins, adding LR UCAs, ditching the XREAS, and leaving the daystar spacer out back. Anyone running similar?

I have an SR5 (no XREAS) with bilsteins and the Daystar spacer. I can't speak toward XREAS, but I have been loving my set-up. I am about to upgrade to superflex coils in the rear (whenever I get around to the install), but its really just a need for a little more load capacity in the rear and the extra offroad articulation will come in handy sometimes as well. I know it must be hard deciding to ditch that XREA suspension that costs extra in the first place...but you will not likely find too many (if any) negative statements about the Bilsteins. They are pretty much the standard across the industry for a budget friendly lift/level...you really do get the most bang for your buck.

 

[1000MPH]

Just had Bilstein 5100s (x4) installed on my 2013 SR5 4WD. Fronts set to 1.75 with no rear coil spring spacer. I was looking for improved handling and a more level stance. Prior to the new shocks, the truck sat 2" lower in the front. New shocks set at 1.75 raised the front end almost exactly 2 inches so she sits nice and level now. The improved handling is tremendous, the BFG 275/70/17s look much more proportionate in the wheel wells and overall I am extremely happy with the results.

You set the fronts to 1.75" and did nothing to lift the rear?
Others have set the fronts to .85" and that looks reverse raked to me.
Can you post some pics?

 

[BamaRunner]

Thanks FatTiresRollin!

 

[Newf4R]

I'd like to see pics too. I have those same tires with the daystar 2.5/1.5 kit. Considering changing to bilsteins, adding LR UCAs, ditching the XREAS, and leaving the daystar spacer out back. Anyone running similar?

Many... [MENTION=84527]FatTiresRollin[/MENTION] is who gave me the idea to go with the billys and use my daystar rear spacer. I initially jumped the gun and ordered the spacer kit, but quickly realized that it would not improve the ride at all. Recently ordered the 5100s and will set the front @ 2.5 and use the 1.5 rear spacers out of the Daystar kit. Spoke with a couple other members on it since, some SR5, others LE and they all speak highly of the set-up.

 

[Stifler]

Many... [MENTION=84527]FatTiresRollin[/MENTION] is who gave me the idea to go with the billys and use my daystar rear spacer. I initially jumped the gun and ordered the spacer kit, but quickly realized that it would not improve the ride at all. Recently ordered the 5100s and will set the front @ 2.5 and use the 1.5 rear spacers out of the Daystar kit. Spoke with a couple other members on it since, some SR5, others LE and they all speak highly of the set-up.

you are running 265s? can you post a pic of your rig from the side?

 

[CentcomPete]

You set the fronts to 1.75" and did nothing to lift the rear?
Others have set the fronts to .85" and that looks reverse raked to me.
Can you post some pics?

Yes. Fronts at 1.75 and NO spacer. I was hesitant at first but after much due diligence and speaking directly with others, I pulled the trigger. It's def not an exact science but I measured a full 2" of rake down in the front so with assuming about a 1.75 raise in front, thought I might be pretty close to level after new shocks. I was prepared to circle back around a get a spacer in the rear but had to see what this setup looked like first. I am between 1/8" and 1/4" lower in front which appears dead level to me.

Pics to follow!