My Bilstein/FJ Lift: Did they do it right or am I crazy?

[bradentyrer]

A few weeks ago I got my Bilstein 5100 all around lift with FJ springs front and back. It was all good until it settled. The ride is great, but I just don't know about the rake. I told the shop to put the 5100s at their highest setting, but the settling (with the 1.5 daystar in the rear) seems to suggest perhaps the 1.75 setting. I measured a 3 inch difference between the front and rear from the ground to the fender through the center of the rims. What do you think???

Thanks!

Here's a pic of one of the struts. Two indentations (0 and .85 setting) are visible below the spring seat.

Thanks!

 

[Casper421]

A few weeks ago I got my Bilstein 5100 all around lift with FJ springs front and back. It was all good until it settled. The ride is great, but I just don't know about the rake. I told the shop to put the 5100s at their highest setting, but the settling (with the 1.5 daystar in the rear) seems to suggest perhaps the 1.75 setting. I measured a 3 inch difference between the front and rear from the ground to the fender through the center of the rims. What do you think???

Thanks!

Here's a pic of one of the struts. Two indentations (0 and .85 setting) are visible below the spring seat.

Thanks!

Can you look through the spring and see another indentation above the spring perch? If so, it's at 1.75"

 

[TX Rhino]

1.75

I did mine a few weeks ago as well. I can't remember if there's 3 or 4 channels total. Top one would be 2.5 and the one below that would be 1.75. Just count the channels and see if you're at the top or second from the top.

Here's my V6 4x4 before it settled for a reference. Your V8 should be a bit lower up front because of the extra weight.


http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/djrhino/image_zps230d7270.jpg

 

[WXman]

Yeah, like he said ^^^ you can crawl under the front end and look up under the spring perch and you can clearly see which setting they put the shocks on.

Personally I like a small amount of rake because that way you can still haul and tow with the truck the way it was intended.

 

[Victor_inox]

I think it looks great and you are crazy.

 

[wyanrard]

Looks great !

 

[ddnww]

would look better lil higher in front

 

[Greydog]

From what I recall on mine, there may be a setting up under the lower spring perch (that you can not see in the pic) that is unused...it may truly be up on the 4th setting.

 

[mole177]

it looks really high...

 

[having fun]

Looks like your on the 3rd notch and if it is, the 4th would be visable above the black spring seat, look through your coils above the coil ring seat if there is another ring slot.

 

[ebg18t]

Looks like your on the 3rd notch and if it is, the 4th would be visable above the black spring seat, look through your coils above the coil ring seat if there is another ring slot.

2nd this. Looks like it is in the 1.75 not the 2.5 slot.

 

[Geologist]

Doesn't look like 2.5 setting. Mine is at 2.5 with FJ springs and I have 1" rake front to back with 2" lift coils in the rear.

 

[RPS13]

Definitely looks like the 2.5 setting on the shock. I have a new set of Bilstein 5100's, and they look exactly like your pic when I move the spring perch up to 2.5 and look at it from the side.

If you put the camera alongside the shock and take a pic looking up into the spring perch you should be able to see the 1.75 groove not being used.

The spring perch comes down quite a ways, so if you're seeing 2 grooves from the side that pretty much means it has to be at the highest groove setting.

 

[bradentyrer]

Looks like a 2.5" - 3" inch rake when I measured on my driveway... not too slanted haha but it's kind of annoying to me. It's almost like I could throw the Budget Boost I had back on there and it would be level, that being if it is in the top setting. I didn't think the rear end would be so high. Ehhh I can never be happy!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Can you measure from the center of the hub fender front and rear? Something isn't right here. That does look like the 2.5 notch, but even if it wasn't you shouldn't have that much rake. The 1.75 setting plus fj coils should be at least 2.25" lift. The rear spacer and FJ coils should be around 2". So, at most you would end up with the factory rake. My thinking it's that those rear coils are aftermarket lift coils and not factory. The measurements should help confirm or deny this.

 

[bradentyrer]

I actually looked by turning the wheels and getting up in there and it is at the top notch, much to my dismay. If it wasn't I would just have had the shop re-do it. I didn't go with coils off of an FJ in use, however. I ordered OEM replacements off RockAuto that are MOOGS. IDK if it matters, they ride well. I just think my rear end is a bit high versus the other pics I saw.

 

[bradentyrer]

Even with the very slight uphill grade of my driveway which would be aiding in the reduction of the rake, the backs measure just below 25", center of rim to fender and the fronts measure just above 22"

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Hmmm, that is strange. What year were the coils for? I'd suggest removing the rear spacers to level out the stance. I'll try to find my measurements and compare, but sounds like you just got way more lift from the coils than most.

 

[bradentyrer]

That's weird! They were for 2007-2009. I do see a bit of sag, like 1/4" to 1/2" as should be expected with the FJ springs. N is taking out the spacers something I can do at home with a ratchet set? N if I do, will 285/75/16s fit?

Thanks

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

That's weird! They were for 2007-2009. I do see a bit of sag, like 1/4" to 1/2" as should be expected with the FJ springs. N is taking out the spacers something I can do at home with a ratchet set? N if I do, will 285/75/16s fit?

Thanks

Do you have the part number of the coils (preferably the number stamped on the coil, if there is one)? Something isn't right here. Can you post pics of the rear coils installed? Do you have any pics before they were installed?

It looks like you did get a full 3" in the front. Stock is ~19". Stock rear is ~21", so you're 4" lift in the rear (plus there was already 1.5"-2" rake stock). Looks like if you remove the spacer you will be back close to factory rake.

If you have any experience at all working on a rig (changing a tire, changing oil, etc) you should be able remove the rear spacer. You'll need a floor jack and jack stands, but other than that a basic ratchet set should be all you need.