Front leveling kit for 2014 Trail w/ KDSS

zech80

New member
I just got the 2014 trail edition with KDSS and really want to get rid of the factory rake. I assume the suspension is the same as the previous year but I havent found any leveling kits that just raise the front. I dont want a lift in the rear. On my jeep I was able to just put a 1" coil spacer to level it out. Does anyone know of anything like this for the 5th gen and have there been any issues using it with the KDSS?
 
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I just got the 2014 trail edition with KDSS and really want to get rid of the factory rake. I assume the suspension is the same as the previous year but I havent found any leveling kits that just raise the front. I dont want a lift in the rear. On my jeep I was able to just put a 1" coil spacer to level it out. Does anyone know of anything like this for the 5th gen and have there been any issues using it with the KDSS?

Here you go. Front only.

Daystar? - Driven by Design

Can purchase here.

I would personally get these if I were getting a spacer lift.

http://wheelersoffroad.com/product/daystar-137739/2-5-front-coil-spacer-kit/
 
Last edited:
In 2012 I had Bilstein 5100s on the front of my 2011 TE installed by Kalispell Toyota in middle position. It leveled the vehicle and reduced the dreaded nose dive. I had to get on the brakes hard yesterday trying to pass at 65-70 MPH. I had to duck back in b/c of on coming vehicle. Brakes felt very strong with a positive feel, minimal nose dive, and was very confidence inspiring. You may want to test for the nose dive on a deserted back road by trying some trial panic stops so you will know what to expect when it happens for real.
 
Billy's set to .85 in the front, and don't look back. I should've done this as a day 1 mod.

So this Billy 5100 at .85 topic is getting me a headache. This was my plan, and then I called a 'dealer' in a neighboring city on the west side of the hills to see about installation. Was told to avoid Billys because they would only last a year and would leak, and would need to be replaced. A lot. Huh? Makes no sense to me because of all the posts, but . . . . . .

So tell me again that Billy 5100 at .85 on front is a good idea to simply level my TE.

Thanks.

:usa2:
 
So this Billy 5100 at .85 topic is getting me a headache. This was my plan, and then I called a 'dealer' in a neighboring city on the west side of the hills to see about installation. Was told to avoid Billys because they would only last a year and would leak, and would need to be replaced. A lot. Huh? Makes no sense to me because of all the posts, but . . . . . .

So tell me again that Billy 5100 at .85 on front is a good idea to simply level my TE.

Thanks.

:usa2:

The Bilsteins do tend to fail that way, but not in that time frame.

I've got 5100's on my '07 Tacoma (about 4 years and ~100K miles) - they don't work as well as they did new, but no leaks or failures. This truck has been wheeled a moderate amount.

I also have Bilsteins on my '12 Tacoma, about 55K miles, again no failures, feels/drives like new (or nearly!).

That's a sampling of two, but no problems within normal time frames. Regardless of what kind of warranty is included on a shock, they are starting to get old at 60K miles.

My wife's new 4Runner I put Icon's on, but that was about superior performance, not a perceived lack of longevity in the Bilsteins.

David
 
So this Billy 5100 at .85 topic is getting me a headache. This was my plan, and then I called a 'dealer' in a neighboring city on the west side of the hills to see about installation. Was told to avoid Billys because they would only last a year and would leak, and would need to be replaced. A lot. Huh? Makes no sense to me because of all the posts, but . . . . . .

So tell me again that Billy 5100 at .85 on front is a good idea to simply level my TE.

Thanks.

:usa2:

I just now realized you are in Colorado. The shop you are talking to may be seeing 5100's that have been wheeled hard in harsh conditions. The 5100's won't stand up to that kind of hard use, but few will. You've really got to step up to the larger diameter heavy duty (expensive!) set ups if you are planning on driving your truck through hard use wheeling. For the types of wheeling that most members on here are doing, mild to moderate use on fire roads, mild to medium trails, the 5100's will hold up just fine.

David

David
 
I just now realized you are in Colorado. The shop you are talking to may be seeing 5100's that have been wheeled hard in harsh conditions. The 5100's won't stand up to that kind of hard use, but few will. You've really got to step up to the larger diameter heavy duty (expensive!) set ups if you are planning on driving your truck through hard use wheeling. For the types of wheeling that most members on here are doing, mild to moderate use on fire roads, mild to medium trails, the 5100's will hold up just fine.

David

David

MY hardest trails would probably be Black Bear, Imogene, etc. At reasonable speed. I think I'm going to go with the 5100s and see what happens. Since budget is an issue, I can get the slight lift I want without breaking the bank right now. If they don't work out, then I can deal with it then. Thanks for your help!!

John

:usa2:
 
OP, the Bilsteins 5100s would be a great option, but if you don't want to change out your new shocks, then a Daystar Spacer for about 1.25" of lift would level you out and work great.
 
MY hardest trails would probably be Black Bear, Imogene, etc. At reasonable speed. I think I'm going to go with the 5100s and see what happens. Since budget is an issue, I can get the slight lift I want without breaking the bank right now. If they don't work out, then I can deal with it then. Thanks for your help!!

John

:usa2:

You won't regret it. Just don't go over .85 on the front without lifting the rear. I wanted to keep a stock look, eliminate some rake, and nose dive.

The 5100's have a limited lifetime warranty, just keep your receipt.
 
OP you're in good hands with Wheelers. Ordered both my Billy's and Daystar kit through them. Great service and price. They deserve the recognition.
 
Bilsteins

It was difficult to remove the factory shocks with only 6k miles on them but in the end I'm happy I did. It does help with the nose dive but does not eliminate. I had bilsteins on a Taco and currently have them on a Suby that gets more offroad action than my TE due to the potholes...err craters....around Denver in the winter. I say drive it for awhile and do lots of research here before you decide. Plugging Toytec now because they're just down the street from my office and they're really nice folks (if you decide to go the spacer route). :beer:
 

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