Is the 5100 Bilstein lift comparable to the TRD lift kit?

Hey guys, I'm currently still shopping for my OR taco, but I definitely plan on lifting it asap. Nothing too crazy because I don't plan on 285's (at least not for now) so I want to lift it around 2-2.5 inches. After doing some reading about different lift options, I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with so many choices and differing opinions. Part of me thinks it's easier to just get the TRD lift kit and call it a day.

Reasons why i'm leaning towards the lift kit:

1. Warranty
2. I want the heritage grill
3. Can be installed when I pick it up
4. TSS/front camera recalibration
5. Resale value

I've read that the lift kit is basically a rebranded 5100 kit. Can anyone confirm this or is this just a guess? I found the TRD kit for around $1000

I found a Bilstein 5100 kit for $710 with an Icon progressive AAL
https://runnin4tacos.com/products/b...toyota-tacoma-lift-kit?variant=42210722513147

If you add in the cost of the grill, it comes out to roughly the same. So which should I go with? I'm leaning towards TRD but if the 5100 kit is that much better then I'd go with that.

 

The TRD is just the Bilstein 5100 branded “TRD”
I would go with which one has the better price.

 

My understanding is the Trd OR shock is a 4600 bilstein. 5100 is an upgrade. A trd shock will cost more because of branding.

 

TRD or has bilstein 4600 stock

You can get trd lift kit, which are TRD branded bilstein 5100s with a red Grey black coloring. This gives 2" in the front and a 1" block in the back. Also includes TSS garnish sensor and TRD heritage grill.

 

So if they are the same shocks and the cost being equal, then it sounds like TRD kit is a better option then since it comes with the warranty. But what about rear lift difference, TRD has a block vs Icon AAL?

 

AALs are better. Blocks are cheaper.

Don't offroad with blocks. I'm a mall crawler so block was fine for me

 

Depends on your needs, how much you want to spend, and if you are planning on installing yourself. As others mentioned, the TRD shocks are rebranded 5100's, and they're great. If you're looking for the easiest route and aren't too concerned on cost, then yes, I would say have the dealer install the TRD kit and call it a day.

 

No I don't plan on installing myself. Cost wise, they seem pretty similar so probably go with TRD then.

 

Good luck. Report back with pics

 

I was under the impression a 1in block was fine for offroading, is that not correct?

 

I ended up going with the 5100’s for 2 reasons - lifetime warranty on the shocks and they have 5 height settings as opposed to 3 settings on the TRD kit, which makes it easier to adjust if you add a bumper or winch down the road. I installed them my self so installation wasn’t a factor in the price.

 

I've never been offloading with my truck so I couldnt tell you. I imagine all the bumps would be rough on my u bolts and rear diff

 

The answer to the question is yes!

 

Don't worry about warranty, lifts are acceptable, especially ones that don't involve cutting.

OR's come with 42mm shocks, 4600s and 5100s are 46mm shocks with different internals. Both are upgrades.

5100's start to ride rough as you try to get 2.5", most recommend a mid setting and 2" gain.

The AAL is a great choice and will pair well with the 5100's.

 

I went with the TRD kit at my dealership and have no regrets. The truck rides great and I put 265 75 16 Falken wildpeake AT3w and it totally changed the look of the truck. My dealership also removed the chinstrap. I am just not mechanically inclined so it was in my best interest to let them do it. I also wanted rid of the grille on my SR5 so it all worked out for me getting the pro grille also. The kit just came with all I wanted to do so I just went with it. Good luck!

 

I'm running 5100's on all four corners and (initially) went with the Icon AAL.
Last week I installed the full RXT Icon leaf packs and ditched the stock leafs with the AAL. If I had to do it over again, I'd take the direct route. Contrary to conventional wisdom on here, I think rear blocks are a better option than an AAL. But if you really want to do it right, I'm now a convert of going with a whole new leaf pack. The ride is day and night between the AAL and the full pack.

Bottom line, I'd go with the OEM lift over 5100's + an AAL, but if your budget allows, go 5100's and a new leaf pack in the rear.

 

I was in the same boat. I drive an SR5 and don't have the tools or know-how to install a lift myself. So I payed a little extra to have the TRD lift kit installed at my local dealership about a year ago. Put some new wheels and tires on it and now she looks and rides so much better than stock.

 

I’m thinking about doing the same(TRD lift kit)for the same reasons.

 

Nice, did you change the color on the "toyota" grill?

 

Do more reading here. Drive your truck. Honestly second guess your conclusions. Read.more. Pay attention to the threads, the answer becomes less clear. At that point, sit back read more.
Buy once cry once, be patient.
Good luck!