Pulled the trigger on bilstein 5100s

The guys at the 4wheel parts store in Orlando FL recomended 5100s all 4 corners and to use my stock coils in front because it's a 2022. I did get rear coils for a 1" rear lift to go with a 2" front lift. I am going to be getting a bumper/winch in the future and figured I could get new after market front coils at that time with the added weight in the front if I need it. Looking to help the dreaded nose dive and light off roading some sand, mud, and overlanding stuff (forrest fire access roads, etc). How does this set up plan sound? My install date is 6-17-23 so theoretically I could change some stuff. Oh 265 70 17 wildpeak at3 I hope I won't have to go up to 275s. Thanks for any input.

 

A minor point. I have tried low cost suspension options like Bilstien5100, OME Nitro Sports and later very expensive suspension (if not the most expensive) ELKA 2.5DC. The ELKA was hands down my favorite. So would you buy once cry once or waste ton of money trying out different suspension like me.

If you are all set with Bilstien5100 may be not having the 1in spacer just lift the front a little might give you a better ride quality. I had 1.5in spacer in back with Bilstien5100 didn't like the ride much compared to stock. Not sure, could be a personal choice, I'm someone who loves softer feel.

Just few points to think about, by no means expert advice.

 

This is my combo. Note that I added spacers to get rid of the 1/2" lean to the drivers side. Ended up adding Ironman UCAs to get caster where I wanted it as well.

You're gonna love the Bilsteins. No more nose dive and reduced body roll around corners. Definitely stiffer but it was too mushy for me from the factory

 

You don't list the model of your 4R, so it's a bit hard to offer advice without knowing what you're using these on.

 

I have a 2022 trd off road 4runner. I also like a stiffer ride. 26570r17 wildpeak at3w e load (42 psi road, 25ish off road).

 

Great choice.

I have 5100's all around, fronts are set on the very bottom setting, paired with Dobinson 302 springs, and a 1" CornFed Spacer on the rear (stock rear springs). 285/70/17 Falken WildPeak AT3W P-metric tires. I love everything about it.

 

Whoa, I should check my tire pressure. I am pretty sure its not 42 more like 35-37? I have KO2s. I follow along manufacturer's recommendation but I imagine all-terrain tires have different guidelines.

 

35 psi. Higher psi will just be rougher ride and uneven wear.

 

I think falken wildpeak at3 e load are pretty stiff the weight loading seems good at 42 psi. This 42psi is hot though overnight it sits about 38-39psi. I live in Florida so it's pretty hot on the pavement and for that matter just hot in general all over lol.

 

One thing I think you will notice is the 4runner will look strange with the lift without upgrading to 285s. When I got my lift my 285s hadnt arrived yet so I drove around for about a week with the 265s and really noticed it didnt look right without bigger tires. When the Toyo AT3s got installed it looked so good. I went with the Eibach pro 2 and absolutely love them but literally it was a flip of the coin between Bilstein and Eibach. Cant go wrong with either

 

I think the tire has a lot to do with the look as much as size. Yep it looks off to me lifted with a OEM dueller but not with a more aggressive AT. Yes I like the look of a 285 but the bigger size also adds performance penalties turning the bigger tire. Highway being where this would matter the most to me going up inclines fully loaded.

For reference lifted with 265's. But this is to each there own on what they like the looks of and how they use the truck. If I didn't do as much traveling in truck the 285's might be ok for me.

The only real benefit to me of the pro was the upgraded suspension/lift. Does anyone think the pro looks off with 265's? I know looks are a personal thing everyone is different.

 

I agree with you. It depends on the tires -- T/A would make it look good. I also think it has to do with how much lift. a 3" lift ? yes it will look odd. But 1-2", I'd say not so.
If a lifted 4Runner looked strange then literally every single TRD pro would look stange. We know that that is not true.

 

Im the first to admit when i get something wrong and I absolutely see you point. I had the stock Dunlop Grandtek on mine and it looked horrible but looking at the pic you're absolutely right. That looks sharp

 

Is your photo of your 4R with the Elka suspension with 265 tires? If so, I'm curious as to what height you went with on the Elka.

 

It's 2.5" as Elka sends it out. In that pic I am fully loaded down with gear, 4 adults and dogs in cargo area. I debated going with heavy duty springs to accommodate the weight but chose not to. I was worried the heavy duty springs would be a rougher ride most of the time when not fully loaded.

Fully loaded it rode great no issues I was able to dial in the Elka's increasing firmness with the weight but did notice the weight compressed the suspension.

If I add more weight like bumper will need to go heavier springs.

 

PM sent.

 

I am thinking of doing 5100's when I hit 100k. Just looking to add in inch or two so not to effect KDSS, stock has been fine but if I can get an inch or two without effecting the ride much why not.