I know it's been asked... but I need help!

Matt Hightower said:
Not trying to hijack this thread, but as the general consensus seems to be Bilstein 5100s for mild leveling, can someone help me understand the impact to on- and offroad ride and handling characteristics compared to stock (Limited) X-REAS?
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It is highly subjective... but I liked the ride of the 5100s better than x-reas. X-REAS is great if you do not plan to do much more than moderate offroading and don't want any sort of real lift. On-road ride is stiffer but well behaved with 5100s (which I personally like) and handles well off-road. X-REAS is an all passive dampening system that is cross linked to minimize sway and helps some with nose-dive. For on-road manners it is nice, but is not really an off-road specific suspension. MOst people do the 5100s to get to level or lift for either looks or wheeling.
 
BackpackingDad said:
How does that look when you take the rocker panels off? Do you expect the sliders to cover the "untrimmed" space previous occupied by the panels?
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Mine do. I know Shrockworks also sells a trim piece to put in there to dandy it up a bit. Some have not been bothered by the look but if you go that route you will find some pretty colored clips that become visible (unless you spray paint them black...).
 
BackpackingDad said:
How does that look when you take the rocker panels off? Do you expect the sliders to cover the "untrimmed" space previous occupied by the panels?
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It looks unfinished. There are colored tabs visible, and the edge is rough. So... it looks like a real off-road vehicle :laugh:

But, as it's my wife's daily driver, a rough off-road vehicle look isn't acceptable. Plus she's only 5'2 so she and my kids have trouble climbing in after the lift. So the trim and running boards get reinstalled after I get back. :tsk:

Again, simple process.

When I install the sliders my plan is to buy the higher "Trail" versions and cut the trim pieces so they'll fit. There's a how-to on that here as well.
 
Just a quick update... My work life took a weird turn and allotted me some time next week to get my stuff done. I have an appt Monday morning to get the 5100s put on... And, I've changed my mind to put the front settings at 1.75 (which should level the fenders but give a possible 1/4 or so negative rake). I'll explain Monday when I'm sitting around while they're working on the Rnr why I changed my mind. I get back in town tomorrow night, and I will take pics and measurements of everything at stock heights Sunday morning. Then I'll compare post after the 5100s are on.
 
It's done. And personally, I think it looks freekin' great (at the 1.75) setting. I'm not at a spot where I can do a full post with before and after comparisons, etc. But I will post an after pic here in a few mins.
 
6510e4971e288f20c958c6b388b4adbf.jpg


This is about the best I can do guys on quick notice... IPhone for now.

I'm betting once I do actual measurements, there MIGHT be about 1/4 (in) negative rake... But coming from one seriously OCD a-hole, I'm telling you from flat ground on a visual perspective, you cannot see it at any angle. If anything, the eyes play tricks on you and still seem to sometimes show some normal rake exists (tho I know that's not accurate).
 
Well, the deed is done and I like! Thanks to [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] and [MENTION=85467]BobsTrail[/MENTION] for all your helpful advice. Thanks to [MENTION=51725]mybabydaddy[/MENTION] for blazing the trail. So as expected, the net gain in the front is 1.5 inches according to my measurements. The rear increased by 1/4 inch, so basically the same. The overall rake is one inch compared to the original 2.5 inches. I have not driven it long enough to fully appreciate the new ride, but I like what I feel so far. I would post some pics, but the truth is... I don't know how.
 
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Now that's a nice ride! I know I would give it a second look. Good work!
I have a list of "wants" that I will eventually work through, but the bilsteins were first on the list. Once I restock the coffers, I would like to get a set of the nfabs, a nice rack and some new wheels. But for now... I will enjoy the new ride.
 
BackpackingDad said:
Now that's a nice ride! I know I would give it a second look. Good work!
I have a list of "wants" that I will eventually work through, but the bilsteins were first on the list. Once I restock the coffers, I would like to get a set of the nfabs, a nice rack and some new wheels. But for now... I will enjoy the new ride.
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Thank you. As you stated, there are definitely other things I would have/would like to do... And down the road, I just might. But for now, this accomplishes my wants/needs and still keeps it respectable for a pavement princess. If I did much more than this, I would have to continually laugh at myself for being a complete douche (like the thousands here in DFW with their 60K Rubicons that only get dirty from road-tar).
 
mybabydaddy said:
Thank you. As you stated, there are definitely other things I would have/would like to do... And down the road, I just might. But for now, this accomplishes my wants/needs and still keeps it respectable for a pavement princess. If I did much more than this, I would have to continually laugh at myself for being a complete douche (like the thousands here in DFW with their 60K Rubicons that only get dirty from road-tar).
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have you got your spidertraxx on in any of these pictures? And who did the install of your 5100s?
 
-dustin said:
have you got your spidertraxx on in any of these pictures? And who did the install of your 5100s?
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Hola. No, no Spidertrax in those... And since then, I’ve gone back and added 1 inch Cornfed spacers to the rear as well. My profile (the post links) have some newer pics with the spidertrax and 1 inch rear spacer lift... but they are all from the side, so you can’t really tell/see the spidertrax difference. [MENTION=127657]codyHTX[/MENTION] has some pics/links that show & compare a stance difference. But I’m here to say, every comparo pic I’ve ever seen really doesn’t do the (difference) true justice. You have to see a Runner with them on in-person to really understand the look/difference.

Also, in 100% complete honesty, I love the spidertrax look/stance; it’s so much better especially running stock rims... but I’m still not sure I’m leaving them on permanently. Just going to keep mulling it over for the next several months...

Sorry (edit)... All installs were done by All Out Off Road in N. Richland Hills TX. They just opened their shop up here about a month ago. Good peeps. I would love to do all this stuff on my own... but my free time is few and far between these days with my job and two young kiddos.
 
mybabydaddy said:
Also, in 100% complete honesty, I love the spidertrax look/stance; it’s so much better especially running stock rims... but I’m still not sure I’m leaving them on permanently. Just going to keep mulling it over for the next several months...
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What's your hesitation?

I really dig my Trail rims, I just wish they were a little more broad in the stance. I've looked at aftermarket rims, but none really do it for me.
 
-dustin said:
What's your hesitation?

I really dig my Trail rims, I just wish they were a little more broad in the stance. I've looked at aftermarket rims, but none really do it for me.
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You may want to check out the FN f(x) pro wheels, same design as the TRDs but 1" wider and poke out roughly 0.75" or so more if I recall. Keep the oem toyota look with a beefier stance
 
bane said:
In other words, in order to get more ground clearance you need taller tires.
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My opinion on this is yes AND no. If your center pumpkins are the part that is dragging from ruts in a trail, then yes larger tires are what you really need to clear the ruts.

However if your body is dragging between the frame and the ground, perhaps a body lift can improve the situation.
 
-dustin said:
What's your hesitation?



I really dig my Trail rims, I just wish they were a little more broad in the stance. I've looked at aftermarket rims, but none really do it for me.
Click to expand...


Excellent question... No clear answer. Best I can give at this time? I'm old (lol 40 yrs young), with young kiddos and an unforgiving job with zero free time most weeks... Which translates to (after tons of reading & research) do I really want to take a chance on a possible (part) failure? Or the extra maintenance? Or possible extra bearing wear? Or just the simple change of geometry from stock engineering in general? In my 20's with no family and tons of free time, who gives a shiote, ya know? Now, my time, and most obviously the safety of my family is paramount. Do I want to really take any extra chances (even tho it's slim at best in my opinion).

I truly believe that Spidertrax has created a safe, well-built product, that when installed correctly (and maintained correctly) will work just fine. Your chances of additional failure are no greater or worse than adding any other aftermarket part to your truck. But then again, I'm no expert nor an engineer... So what the hell do I know?! These are just my drawn conclusions from 40+ yrs of living and lots of reading...
 
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