Toytec Ultimate vs Toytec/Bilstein setup

adam2562

adam2562

New member
hey guys.. I've tried searching with no answers unless i missed something.. I'm going to be lifting my truck sooner or later and I'm interested in the Toytec Ultimate kit... as i was looking around doing my homework.. i realized that the Toytec/Bilstein combo is pretty much the same exact kit.. The ONLY difference i see is that the Ultimate lift kit can be raised/lowered using the spanner wrenches like a traditional coil over design like those from lowered cars. but the Toytec/Bilstein combo has to be raised using the C clips from what I've read... Is that really the ONLY difference? I'm not sure that it's worth spending the extra $300 for the Ultimate now that I'm realizing this! :behindsofa:

can someone chime in and let me know if there are any other differences? i appreciate any input!!

3" Lift W/ Bilstein 5100 Height Adj Coilovers FJ/4Runner - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits

FJ Cruiser/4Runner Ultimate 3" lift package - Toytec Lifts: Toyota Lift Kits: FJ Cruiser Lift Kits, Tacoma Lift Kits, Tundra Lift Kits, 4 Runner Lift Kits, Sequoia Lift Kits, Toyota Truck Lift Kits
 
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You are correct. But the Bilstein kit can only be adjusted in pre-set 10mm increments rather than "infinite" adjustment. And I think you may have to remove and disassemble the 5100s to adjust them whereas you can adjust the Ultimates on the truck very easily.
 
How often are you going to be jacking your rig up and down (remember that you need an alignment when you change it)?
I see a lot people get the ultimate and not even go off road. Ultimately, it is your rig so, you need to do what you want.
 
Semi-Hex said:
How often are you going to be jacking your rig up and down (remember that you need an alignment when you change it)?
I see a lot people get the ultimate and not even go off road. Ultimately, it is your rig so, you need to do what you want.
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Well, I adjusted mine once a few hundred miles after the initial install. I wanted a slight forward rake. I also raised it about half an inch after going from 275s to 285s. I'll likely adjust again when I add a winch, dual battery and skids some day. You can still do this with the 5I00s just on pre-set levels. I guess it just depends on how much weight you add as you mod and, more importantly, how picky you are about ride height.
 
KCcarguy has the right idea. The BIG advantage if the "Ultimate" setup is adjustability without removing and reinstalling your coilovers.

If you don't like the amount of lift on the other setup you have to remove them, take them apart to make the adjustment, reassemble them, and reinstall. Then, if you decide you liked the original lift better or need to make more adjustment, you have to start all over again. Then do it again if you add accessories to the front that change the height.

Once the "Ultimate" is installed you can fine tune it on the vehicle, and not be limited to three settings. Spend the extra money, it will be worth it.
 
[MENTION=45721]adam2562[/MENTION] did you happen to inquire with Toytec if the spring rates are similar between the two? That may be another factor to help you decide...
 
I just installed the Ultimate kit last month on my '11 LE 4x4 and love it. Had to adjust the front down after bolting it it because it lifted past the recommended 3" max but I know that sometime soon I need to remeasure and adjust due to sag. That being said it would obviously be more difficult to do stuff like that with the shim kit vs. spanner wrenches imo. By the way I was very nervous about making this change as this is technically my wifes everyday driver but she has had nothing but nice things to say about the changes (good wife huh). The ride is a little stiffer but in no way is it harsh, not as much body roll in turns, helps with the front end nose dive and of course looks much better with a more appropriate wheel & tire size. Big thumbs up to Toytec!
 
eddiebx said:
[MENTION=45721]adam2562[/MENTION] did you happen to inquire with Toytec if the spring rates are similar between the two? That may be another factor to help you decide...
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Yea that's one thing i didn't know and figured someone might mention but i believe they're the same.. i'll talk to toytec before i buy them.

Also.. yea i didn't I know that I would have to disassemble the struts in order to change the height setting on the toytec/bilstein combo... hmmmm that alone makes the ultimate superior... although.. i really don't think i'd b changing it..

So with the toytec/bilstein setup.. i can only change it between 3 settings?? Not like 5-9?? Hmmmm

Thanks for the replies guys!
 
I am ordering from Toytec next week, I went through the same consideration, for me being able to adjust easily was worth it, i am putting a winch on, then doing the dual battery, then adding skid plating. I figure the ability to tweek it was worth the extra $.
 
adam2562 said:
Yea that's one thing i didn't know and figured someone might mention but i believe they're the same.. i'll talk to toytec before i buy them.

Also.. yea i didn't I know that I would have to disassemble the struts in order to change the height setting on the toytec/bilstein combo... hmmmm that alone makes the ultimate superior... although.. i really don't think i'd b changing it..

So with the toytec/bilstein setup.. i can only change it between 3 settings?? Not like 5-9?? Hmmmm

Thanks for the replies guys!
Click to expand...

Go with the Ultimate. Convenience of adjusting makes it worth every penny extra and more. Have adjusted my height 4 times in 2 years and cannot imagine having to take apart the shocks. Don't want to deal with compressing the spring although I have done it once before on another truck without a spring compressor.

If you like playing with your truck, maybe taking them shocks apart is not a bad thing. It is way too easy to adjust the Ultimate so you don't get the satisfaction of doing "manly" work. It doesn't even count as a mini project and my wife knows it so it doesn't get me out of doing chores and spending quality time and all that.
 
Hawaiian4runner said:
Go with the Ultimate. Convenience of adjusting makes it worth every penny extra and more. Have adjusted my height 4 times in 2 years and cannot imagine having to take apart the shocks. Don't want to deal with compressing the spring although I have done it once before on another truck without a spring compressor.

If you like playing with your truck, maybe taking them shocks apart is not a bad thing. It is way too easy to adjust the Ultimate so you don't get the satisfaction of doing "manly" work. It doesn't even count as a mini project and my wife knows it so it doesn't get me out of doing chores and spending quality time and all that.
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I've adjusted my 5100's three times since October. Only takes about a half hour per side
 
adam2562 said:
What's it entail to adjust them?? Thanks!
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Loosen LCA bolts, and support lower ball joint with floor jack. Remove top shock bolt and bushing. Unbolt lower ball joint and slowly lower jack until the coil spring fully extends. At this point, remove the lower shock mount bolt. The shock and spring should drop out. Using circlip pliers, move the shock body clip to the desired perch and reverse process to reinstall. Be mindful not to damage the ABS sensor wire or your cv boot.
OME Install - no spring compressor - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
 
As you move to the higher spring perches, this method becomes more difficult when trying to seat the shock back into the upper mount.
 
Jono.ful said:
As you move to the higher spring perches, this method becomes more difficult when trying to seat the shock back into the upper mount.
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when they send it to you.. they send it assembled right? i really don't think i'd be adjusting it a bunch as long as it's level out of the box or when it's settled if any at all.
 
adam2562 said:
when they send it to you.. they send it assembled right? i really don't think i'd be adjusting it a bunch as long as it's level out of the box or when it's settled if any at all.
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If you don't plan on adjusting it, go for the 5100s and LR UCAs. You'll be really happy. I believe Toytec ships the kit pre-assembled and set for a 3" lift. So, it should be pretty much plug and play for you. Toytec had great customer service, so you can always PM them or call if you have any questions.
 
Jono.ful's method MIGHT work for the lower settings, but as he says, it will be more difficult if not impossible the higher you set the lift. However, if you have KDSS I don't believe this will work at all unless you disconnect the front sway bar. If you ask anybody who has tried to disconnect and then reconnect the KDSS front sway bar they will say you don't want to do that unless you absolutely have to.
 
adam2562 said:
when they send it to you.. they send it assembled right? i really don't think i'd be adjusting it a bunch as long as it's level out of the box or when it's settled if any at all.
Click to expand...

I run 5100's and ome springs, which use the stock shock bucket rather than a bolt-on top plate. I also have an sr5, so there is no kdss to deal with.
 
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