How about a Bilstein 5100 Adjustable shock update

[crash_OK]

Sounds Great.. Now I need to decide which slot to use. My gut tells me to use the slot one down from the top. But I would really like to use the top slot. I would think it would align better in the slot one from the top. Anyone have any experience with this?

[sbsyncro]

According to another member, using the top-most slot on his '05 DC 4WD w/ 17" Limited wheels put it just exactly level, though I have seen other posts that say their DC ended up level at the middle setting. Might be a 4WD issue - e.g. 4WD is much heavier up front and therefore there is less lift provided.

Personally, I plan to go the top-most groove, along with a diff drop, CV boot mod, and then I'll buy 1" blocks for the rear just in case it ends up too high in the front.

[jclark01]

What size tire are you planning on putting on?

[crash_OK]

Originally Posted by jclark01

What size tire are you planning on putting on?

Not sure yet.. I was waiting to see how much lift I get...

I just finished removing the struts from the truck. I will have the springs compressed and installed on the new shocks in the morning. My dealer is going to do it. After I reinstall the strut I will have them do a alignment.

I am still not sure which slot to use...

[Tundra Truck Driver]

Originally Posted by sbsyncro

According to another member, using the top-most slot on his '05 DC 4WD w/ 17" Limited wheels put it just exactly level, though I have seen other posts that say their DC ended up level at the middle setting. Might be a 4WD issue - e.g. 4WD is much heavier up front and therefore there is less lift provided.

Personally, I plan to go the top-most groove, along with a diff drop, CV boot mod, and then I'll buy 1" blocks for the rear just in case it ends up too high in the front.

Where are you going to install this? Seeing as how your in Santa Barbara I might recognize some names of shops you plan on installing your shocks at. As for the rear, I was thinking of putting in AAL's instead of blocks (the longer leafs) such as the ones from Wheelers. Maybe rear Bilstein 5100s too. Hopefully this setup will clear 285s or even 305s I HOPE!

[sbsyncro]

Originally Posted by Tundra Truck Driver

Where are you going to install this? Seeing as how your in Santa Barbara I might recognize some names of shops you plan on installing your shocks at. As for the rear, I was thinking of putting in AAL's instead of blocks (the longer leafs) such as the ones from Wheelers. Maybe rear Bilstein 5100s too. Hopefully this setup will clear 285s or even 305s I HOPE!

I have a shop in town I really trust - Cory Motors. But I have not talked to them yet about this. I tow an 18' camper some times, and I have heard that AALs are a "no-no" when towing. (Not sure about blocks...)

[jclark01]

I tow a 18' boat with my AAL's and have had no problems but I have never towed a trailor.

[sbsyncro]

Originally Posted by jclark01

I tow a 18' boat with my AAL's and have had no problems but I have never towed a trailor.

I've also heard that the AALs can make the ride pretty harsh

[jclark01]

As far as ride quality I don't think they made it worse if anything I think it is a little better especially around corners that are choppy the rear end does not skip around like it did when it was stock.

[sbsyncro]

By the way, I notice that the Bilstein matching rear shocks - (BE5-A014-H5) are shown as fitting 2000 to 2004 year Tundras. Does anyone know if these fit the 2005 as well? (I assume they are all the same??)

[crash_OK]

Update- I installed the new shocks using the top slot. Looks like I got about 2.7"" of overall lift in the front. I love the way it rides now. It is very much like stock, but a little stiffer. I ordered Wheeler AAL yesterday and should recieve them next week. So far I'm very pleased with the results. I will post some pic's after I install the AAL's.

[sbsyncro]

Originally Posted by crash_OK

Update- I installed the new shocks using the top slot.

Did you install matching rears, or use with the stock rear shocks?

[crash_OK]

Originally Posted by sbsyncro

Did you install matching rears, or use with the stock rear shocks?

Stock, But I think I might upgrade after I add the AAL's...

[sbsyncro]

Well... Pulled the trigger today on a full setup - I called Offroad Warehouse and ordered the 5100's for the front and rear, the diff drop, and steering rack bushing kits, along with a 3-leaf AAL that replaces the factory overload spring. (this was recommended by the fellow that helped me.

I also ordered 1.5" (I think) wheel spacers for the front ($48 each) so I can run my stock 17's with Goodyear Wrangler SilentArmor tires in 285/70-17 (I like the reviews on them, but the Revos are running a close second in my mind).

Local shop has quoted me $910 "out the door" for the Goodyears and $820 for the Revos. They will also install the Bilsteins and the AAL at the same time for another $320 including an alignment and the diff drop. For many of you outside CA this may sound like a lot, but frankly I'm surprised that it is this low... Basically, for about $2,000 I'll have a 2.5" lift professionally installed with Bilstein shocks and brand new "killer" tires. A pretty good deal in my mind.

Now the trick will be to see if it all arrives this week so I can have the truck prepped in time for our Spring Break trip next week.

I'll post results after I get everything dialed in - I also plan to include "before and after" pictures along with measurements from fender lip to axle center for both front and rear.

[Justme]

To all: If your profile does not state, please indicate if your rig is 2X4 or 4X4. I think it will be important to note the differences. Thanks!