Question | Bilstein 5100's for leveling

[Canazes9]

I think you just blew my mind... LOL

All good points and all worth it for the difference in ride, mpg, and acceleration, if you need a harder tire for hauling loads or driving where sidewall punctures could be an issue. I couldn't wait to change the P's out for LT E rated tires on my pickups. Because I use them off-road for hunting and I was towing an RV around.

Example:

Cooper A/T3

LT265/70r17E
Sect. width - 10.92"
Overall diameter - 31.64"
Tread width - 8.6"

LT265/70r17C
Sect. width - 10.61"
Overall diameter - 31.58"
Tread width - 8.5"

P265/70r17
Sect. width - 10.68"
Overall diameter - 31.43"
Tread width - 8.26"

David

 

[T4R_Finally]

LOL. I knew what you meant. It was what you said though that blew my mind. Smaller but technically the same size. Is that like "one is just as big as the other, except a little smaller"?

 

[lostinperiphery]

Since we've established that the 5100s set at 1.75 gives a level fender look, but a slight reverse rake with regards to the rockers/frame, does that mean the TRD Pro with a 1.5" lift up front might possibly have the same problem? Especially with a load? Or just maybe to a lesser extent? As far as I know, the only thing they're changing for the back is new shocks, so there shouldn't be any change for the height of the rear.

Here's a pic from Chicago...maybe not the best, since the ground might not be completely flat under the runner, but it does look as if there is a slight reverse rake, especially when you look at the rockers.

Looks that way to me. If you extend an imaginary line long rocker to the wheels, it looks like it would hit a bit higher on the front hub than on the rear.

 

[SoCal4Run]

Ok guys, few questions here. Going to get the 5100s all around. Was quoted 725 out the door for shocks, install, and alignment. Is that good?

Also, I'm thinking about setting fronts at 1.75 setting. Don't ever really tow anything or haul anything. Understand its not easy to change again after install. But if I want to install spacers in back, is that a quick install? Is alignment needed after putting spacers in back?

Thanks.

 

[T4R_Finally]

My sig pic below, stock everything with new stock size tires and bilsteins set at 1.75". As close to level as I could get it and it's still a tiny bit raked. That quote is a good bit more than what I have in mine but I found a really good deal on the shocks.

I don't think you need alignment if you put spacers on the rear but you will be bringing the rake right back if you do that and don't touch the front. I would set the fronts at 2.5 with spacers in the back. But some have said here that alignment is hard to get in spec with front near or over 2", without new UCA's.

 

[axxman]

Great thread, I am pretty much in the same boat here, could anyone recommend a good shop in the MD VA DE area to get this done? thank you.

 

[T4R_Finally]

Axx this is not specialty work. Any shop capable of replacing shocks and doing an alignment should be able to do it

 

[thelouv]

And might I borrow this thread to ask if anyone has accurate inside info as to when bilsteins will be shipping regularly again. I ordered a full set April 2 with an expected ship date of mid April. Nothing yet and a call 2 weeks ago to 4Wheel Parts gave a new est of mid May. Funny how they charged my card the full pymt already tho.

 

[ridintime]

And might I borrow this thread to ask if anyone has accurate inside info as to when bilsteins will be shipping regularly again. I ordered a full set April 2 with an expected ship date of mid April. Nothing yet and a call 2 weeks ago to 4Wheel Parts gave a new est of mid May. Funny how they charged my card the full pymt already tho.

Had a similar experience with another shock company recently. Cancelled the order in frustration.

Ordered a set of 5100s from Toytec on Thursday. FedEx tracking says they will show up on Tuesday.

 

[thelouv]

Had a similar experience with another shock company recently. Cancelled the order in frustration.

Ordered a set of 5100s from Toytec on Thursday. FedEx tracking says they will show up on Tuesday.

We'll then, thank you for that info sir. Will be on the phone Mon am.

 

[jmarthsr]

Had a similar experience with another shock company recently. Cancelled the order in frustration.

Ordered a set of 5100s from Toytec on Thursday. FedEx tracking says they will show up on Tuesday.

I had the same delay with shockwarehouse.com. However they didn't charge me yet. Sucks having to wait. They did email me and informed me that the rear shocks were the hold up. I'm going to call them mon.

 

[FlyNavy]

A ton of great info here, but I've got a question. I have no plans for a lift, but would like to get 5100s up front to level it out. Can I put 4600s in the back or would it be prudent to stick to the same series in all four corners?

Thanks!

 

[jmarthsr]

Well it was the fronts backordered, not the backs. I recieved the back shocks 2 weeks ago. Originally ordered on 4/5. Fronts maybe next week. From what I have read here, I'm gonna set the fronts to .85 and get about an inch lift and still have a slight rake. Shockwarehouse did not charge my card untill they shipped. I'm in no rush, but the wait still sucks.

 

[rick.deckard]

Well it was the fronts backordered, not the backs. I recieved the back shocks 2 weeks ago. Originally ordered on 4/5. Fronts maybe next week. From what I have read here, I'm gonna set the fronts to .85 and get about an inch lift and still have a slight rake. Shockwarehouse did not charge my card untill they shipped. I'm in no rush, but the wait still sucks.

Same here at wheelsoffroad.com on the backorder for the front struts. .85 is what you want for a slight rake without a spacer or spring lift in the back. I think I'll go with no lift on the front this time.

 

[Veet Skeet]

Question for you guys with 5100s set at 1.75 with stock UCAs - do you guys have any problems getting a proper alignment? Is it squirrelly at all with stock UCAs with the lift? Especially on the highway? And are there any problems with uneven tire wear?

 

[SamT]

Sorry for asking this here, but it seems that my question (and I am new to the forum, but have been trolling for many months now) is related to a set-up that folks are discussing in this thread. I have a 2011 4Runner SR5 and want to install 4 bilstein 5100 shocks (front set at 1.75) and add a 1 inch rear spacer. A local shop in VA is quoting me $1,300 for parts and labor. How does that compare with what others had paid and does anyone have recommendations for reputable shops in VA to do this type of work? Thank you so much!

 

[3wbdriver]

My 4 Bilstein install/NO spacer/and alignment setup ran a total of about $1100 in south Texas. The additional $200 may be for the rear spring spacer labor.

 

[rick.deckard]

Parts and labor for my previous install with 1" rear spacers was a little less than $1000.

 

[3wbdriver]

Question for you guys with 5100s set at 1.75 with stock UCAs - do you guys have any problems getting a proper alignment? Is it squirrelly at all with stock UCAs with the lift? Especially on the highway? And are there any problems with uneven tire wear?

I didn't get the alignment sheet after mine was done and honestly didn't think to ask for it. Mine is a little flighty on even mildly rutted roads, but not to the point of distraction. On good flat highway it tracks fine. All I asked for was to reset mine after the shock install. I hadn't read up about the additional caster we should request. And I actually prefer a little squirrelly since it keeps me more alert on my 500 mile trips to work. But that would be a personal preference. :lookout:

 

[CentcomPete]

Question for you guys with 5100s set at 1.75 with stock UCAs - do you guys have any problems getting a proper alignment? Is it squirrelly at all with stock UCAs with the lift? Especially on the highway? And are there any problems with uneven tire wear?

Thats my current setup and I had no problem getting a proper alignment. Drive is solid and true in all environments. No uneven wear and I've had this for almost 9 months.