Appropriate shocks after ReadyLift?

[MJG]

All,
I realize that there are many threads in the forum on the pros and cons of level kits, as well as on 5100s...but I can not find one that addresses quite the following situation...

2004 Tundra 4x4 Limited, 4 door
Readylift level kit installed in front
2.5 inch wheel spacers installed in front
BFG A/T KO 285/70 R 17's
Recently replaced ball joints as a result of re-call
Original factory shocks

I take my son and some of his scout troop off-road once a month or so to go camping, back loaded with packs, and the original shocks are not doing the job when I do. I would like to replace them with some shocks that will not destroy the on-road performance, and give me better (ie more firm) performance off road.

I gave Bilstein a call to ask if they would recommend the 'standard' 5100s, and the representative stated that he would not recommend any of their shocks for use with a level kit and that I should a) remove the level kit and b) level by installing the 5100 Ride Height Adjustable shocks instead of the standard 5100s. The concern was that the 'standard' 5100's would not perform, and possibly break, as a result of being over extended from the lift.

I am not a mechanic, and just want to do what is safe and not cost prohibitive. Paying to remove the lift does seem like an added cost.

Any views?

Thank you.

PS My CVs are now slightly parted and throwing grease. Toyota service recommended clamps.

[UrbanCowboy]

are you talking shocks for the rear? if so 5100s are fine. If for the front I don't understand why you went with a ready lift if you plan on replacing shocks... I would have went with 5100 adjustables and knocked out shocks and lift in 1 shot. BUT if you are stuck on keeping the ready lift 5100s in the front would be fine as well. Personally if you are keeping the readylift on and are adament about replacing the factory shocks I would say go with Bilstein HDs.

my 2 cents... scrap the ready lift and get 5100 adjustables in the front and 5100s or HDs in the rear to firm up the tail.....

[MJG]

thanks....net is that I didn't think I needed new shocks until after I did the level. my error. I was going to put the standard 5100s all around until I spoke to the gut from Bilstein, who basically said if I did that the front ones could malfunction or break as a result of being in a state of hyper extention

[UrbanCowboy]

I spoke to the gut from Bilstein, who basically said if I did that the front ones could malfunction or break as a result of being in a state of hyper extention

if oem shocks work fine with the lift bilsteins will be fine. Go with HDs. OR sell the readylift and get 5100 adjustables.... hell you are going to have to break the strut down anyway. Do it right, lesson learned

[DevinSixtySeven]

Any shock can fail from overextension, but I've heard of it maybe once or twice, on trucks that were used heavily offroad.

Not sure how you load the truck, but if you load the back seat and the front of the bed first some of the weight is borne by the front suspension and I know from my own experience the stock springs, not shocks, are not up to the task of handling that load (or even an empty truck!) on rough trails.

If you need more load bearing ability, look in to a replacement coilover...the shock and the spring. 650# coils plus 2" more ride height in front and better valving goes a long way offroad when loaded for camping, particularly if you're carrying supplies for four or five people.

Talk to Camburg or Donahoe about replacement coilovers...the "best" solution is Camburg's coilover + arm package, if you have a few buddies who can wrench you can install everything on your own. If that's pushing expensive, Donahoe has an excellent coilover setup which would serve your hauling needs as well as support the truck better offroad.

Neither of those are inexpensive solutions, but they're the only way you'll be able to increase the spring rate, which is what you need for the load...not so much lift or different shocks. Stiffer shocks only slow down the hit on the bumpstop, and can make the truck handle sluggishly. Lifts only take up the slack on a sagged coil, they don't fix the problem which is soft springs front and rear.

-Sean