CV angles with bilstein 5100 settings

[bob3dsf]

Hey all,
Gonna start getting equip. to replace my stock suspension with the 5100's. I'm at 88k on the OEM's, they don't seem to need replacing yet but it's coming so I want to be ahead of the curve. Gonna keep stock springs for now and originally thought of setting the fronts at .85. Now I'm thinking I want to set them at the next setting up (1.75 I think). Can anyone say what the 1.75 setting does for the CV angles? I seem to remember reading the the .85 won't create any issue and also that the dif. drop kit won't do a whole lot (based on Ark_Swamp_Rider's info thread). So just wondering about the 1.75.

Also, for the rears, I don't mind some rake. So to get the thing lifted somewhat proportionally, would I be looking at a spacer for the springs? Is that what the daystar spacers do?

How are people getting the stock springs onto the front shock? Just rent a spring compressor and be careful? I likely won't have anyone to help and run the stuff to a shop for the spring install. Maybe I'll start looking to see who wants to help around work...

Thanks.

 

[having fun]

More of an angle you do on your CV'S, the more of the chance the bands on them will start to leak. Mine did. Don't have sight, but, you can do a search on these clamps-5574k24 smooth clamps and DB1266704032, 2 different sizes. They work better. Just stay under a 3" lift and your all good with the CV'S and no differential drop needed.

Do a search on replacing the struts, there is a procedure you can do to pull out and adjust your setting and install without a spring compressor.

 

[BigNuge]

I just did something very similar. Having something to compress the springs is very necessary! I did my whole lift by myself as well, the spring compression was the toughest part.

Just be safe with the jack stands and such. Sounds like common sense but there are strange people out there....

As far as CV angles, you will not have a problem...no diff drop needed. I set my 5100's at the top setting and my CV's look great!

 

[28.]

You can actually do this without a spring compressor. Alot easier IMO as well. Just use jackstands to keep your truck lifted then use your jack to compress the spring(place jack under A arm). Then simply undo your LBJ and lower your jack SLOWLY.. I actually have my own compressor and still prefer this method over using the compressor.. Much safer I think as well. Another thing to note is to mark your alignment cams. You will need to loosen them in order to be able to lower your A arm enough to clear your coil and shock.. PLEASE be very careful when doing this. A compressed coil is something to respect and can hurt you in an instant.

Pic of alignment cam marked..

Pic of LBJ unbolted and lowered.. Notice bottom shock mount on A arm(shock already removed) and alignment cam marked as well on front side..

 

[bob3dsf]

Thanks for the replies. I know there have been other threads about installing shocks and the different strategies but I think these other pics just help out even more. I'm on the hunt for some FJ springs so that I can simply take the fronts to a shop and pay them to fit the coil onto the shock. Not sure I'll have a way to get my OEM coil (if I can't get FJ coils) onto the 5100 once my front end is in pieces. So....

Tell me how crazy this strategy would be: Using the jack, as in the shock mounting procedure detailed here by 28 and others, to also compress the spring onto the Bilstein. IOW: use the jack to assemble the coil/shock AND install the whole unit.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[28.]

Well if you decide to do both buy everything you need before getting started.. And I would recommend looking this up on Youtube. There are very detailed vids on this very procedure. Works same on Tacos as well if Im not mistaken.. And I know most ppl come here and say how easy something like this is but you have to be realistic. If you have no experience working on your own vehicle Id suggest letting someone more knowledgeable help you or do it for you. I mean no offense by this but just not trying to make this seem like a cakewalk. Just do be careful.

 

[BigNuge]

Thanks for the replies. I know there have been other threads about installing shocks and the different strategies but I think these other pics just help out even more. I'm on the hunt for some FJ springs so that I can simply take the fronts to a shop and pay them to fit the coil onto the shock. Not sure I'll have a way to get my OEM coil (if I can't get FJ coils) onto the 5100 once my front end is in pieces. So....

Tell me how crazy this strategy would be: Using the jack, as in the shock mounting procedure detailed here by 28 and others, to also compress the spring onto the Bilstein. IOW: use the jack to assemble the coil/shock AND install the whole unit.

Cheers,
Bob

I think it depends on how much lift you are going for. With mine, I was going for the top setting. That damn spring is really compressed just to get it assembled. Im glad others have found success without the use of a spring compressor, but that method is not for me...

Good luck!

 

[bob3dsf]

Well if you decide to do both buy everything you need before getting started.. And I would recommend looking this up on Youtube. There are very detailed vids on this very procedure. Works same on Tacos as well if Im not mistaken.. And I know most ppl come here and say how easy something like this is but you have to be realistic. If you have no experience working on your own vehicle Id suggest letting someone more knowledgeable help you or do it for you. I mean no offense by this but just not trying to make this seem like a cakewalk. Just do be careful.

Well it looks like I've scored some FJ springs so I think the most challenging thing, logistically, is solved. The front coils will go to a shop and have the big boy strut compressor take care of that. I hear you on the experience aspect. I've been doing a bunch of my own work on the Runner so I feel very confident, and I'm fairly mechanically inclined. I try to carefully and realistically evaluate how my skills stack up against the job I'm looking to do. I know there are many "shadetree" techniques that work really well and really only need the average amount of care in planning and execution. But I also realize there are some things that specialized tools and experience. The biggest thing I mess up with is my estimation of how long it takes me to do stuff. If I ever get a garage I'll be so close to heaven... How I'd love to have all my tools right there where the work will be done... I've looked over a couple threads on the install. I stumbled on one where the guy said his method didn't require loosening any alignment-related parts (like the lower A-arm). I'll have to look over that one again to see his procedure.

Planning on going with the 1.75 setting and some 1.5" spring spacers in the rear. Not looking for anything crazy with the lift.
[MENTION=98468]BigNuge[/MENTION]
Are those after market stabilizer links (i.e. longer, etc.)?

Cheers.

 

[BigNuge]

Well it looks like I've scored some FJ springs so I think the most challenging thing, logistically, is solved. The front coils will go to a shop and have the big boy strut compressor take care of that. I hear you on the experience aspect. I've been doing a bunch of my own work on the Runner so I feel very confident, and I'm fairly mechanically inclined. I try to carefully and realistically evaluate how my skills stack up against the job I'm looking to do. I know there are many "shadetree" techniques that work really well and really only need the average amount of care in planning and execution. But I also realize there are some things that specialized tools and experience. The biggest thing I mess up with is my estimation of how long it takes me to do stuff. If I ever get a garage I'll be so close to heaven... How I'd love to have all my tools right there where the work will be done... I've looked over a couple threads on the install. I stumbled on one where the guy said his method didn't require loosening any alignment-related parts (like the lower A-arm). I'll have to look over that one again to see his procedure.

Planning on going with the 1.75 setting and some 1.5" spring spacers in the rear. Not looking for anything crazy with the lift.

[MENTION=98468]BigNuge[/MENTION]
Are those after market stabilizer links (i.e. longer, etc.)?

Cheers.

The link I used was A/M but not longer, it was a direct replacement (has to cut the old one off). I also did the bushings. I think that in combination with the fresh shocks is what really improved the handling so much!!