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Leveling Kit vs Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Shocks

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by jkash94, Dec 29, 2015.

  1. Dec 29, 2015 at 10:57 AM
    #1
    jkash94

    jkash94 [OP] 2017 TRD 4X4 Offroad

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    Looking to put a 2" leveling kit on my 2015 Tacoma Prerunner. Was looking at the ProComp 2.25" kit. However, I've been doing some research on it and some sites suggest using the Bilstein 5100 Adjustable Shocks instead.

    I'm also hoping to get bigger tires after my stock tires wear down. Right now I have stock 265/20/R16 tires on Method 16" x 8" rims. Anyone know what kind of tires I can clear without rubbing or cutting after either the LK or shocks?

    Also, experiences with either LK or 1500 shocks? Pros/Cons?
     
  2. Dec 29, 2015 at 11:07 AM
    #2
    jkash94

    jkash94 [OP] 2017 TRD 4X4 Offroad

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    Yeah, I've heard mixed reviews about ProComp. Know anything about what size tires I'd be able to clear with 5100s? I was really hoping to go with 33's (wishful thinking, I suppose) but don't think I'll be able to clear them without doing a lift kit...
     
  3. Jan 2, 2016 at 6:41 PM
    #3
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    David
    Alpharetta, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    I have the pro comp level kit and I can only run 32's and with that take off the front plastic piece from each side. Yesterday I install 5100's front and 5160 rear and to be honest I don't feel enough difference to justify the $600 spent. I kept the leveling kit and 1.5 blocks rear and not a bit of difference IMO.
     
  4. Jan 2, 2016 at 6:45 PM
    #4
    Justinlhc

    Justinlhc Not looking for a relationship

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    I wish more people would be as honest as you. I never noticed a damn bit of difference either.
     
  5. Jan 2, 2016 at 6:50 PM
    #5
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    Alpharetta, Ga
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    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    Hell Im pissed. I spent the entire day doing the work myself (rookie) and it feels the same with the stock struts and shocks. I am not understanding if people are always using supporting mods. I just dont get it.
     
  6. Jan 2, 2016 at 6:57 PM
    #6
    RedRed

    RedRed TACO TUESDAY!!!

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    1.75" Billy's plus 1/4 spacer on both sides. 1" block in rear. 265/70/17 nitto g2 SCS matte dark bronze 6s
    Isn't the point of the 5100s to lift the truck and make it feel the same as stock.... They are just shocks guys... Not magic dust.... They allow an adjustability in your truck height with addition to a good shock. calm down kids
     
    ABNFDC and MadDaddy like this.
  7. Jan 2, 2016 at 7:03 PM
    #7
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    Alpharetta, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    There are many people that make them out to be a hell of a step up and not just a lift. I would have gladly paid more money to achieve a plusher ride. This is my point Red, other than that perfectly calm here Red.
     
  8. Jan 2, 2016 at 7:05 PM
    #8
    Justinlhc

    Justinlhc Not looking for a relationship

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    Most people make it seem like there is a night and day difference when there really isn't. No need for insults.
     
  9. Jan 2, 2016 at 7:09 PM
    #9
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    David
    Alpharetta, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    I was answering jkash's question and just happen to install the 5100/5160. If someone reads this (like I would have) they might go a different direction. I did months of research and it didn't end like I wanted it to. I will take it to the dirt tomorrow and put a smile on my face.
     
  10. Jan 2, 2016 at 7:10 PM
    #10
    Juforrest

    Juforrest Dumb!

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    Hey 20bmr15 are you running stock uca's? If so any alignment issues? If have been getting conflicting info. Just wondering if I need to buy some or not.
     
  11. Jan 2, 2016 at 7:11 PM
    #11
    RedRed

    RedRed TACO TUESDAY!!!

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    1.75" Billy's plus 1/4 spacer on both sides. 1" block in rear. 265/70/17 nitto g2 SCS matte dark bronze 6s
  12. Jan 2, 2016 at 7:40 PM
    #12
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    Alpharetta, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    No mine are stockers. Not a funny story but I battled the front install yesterday. I forgot to put the washer on that goes on top of the strut on the drivers side after I torqued it back down and had to take it apart a second time. I did mark all my cam bolts and return them back to the exact spot after I was done. I took it to work and checked the alignment and it was perfect. I thought it would be all over the place.
     
  13. Jan 2, 2016 at 8:14 PM
    #13
    Juforrest

    Juforrest Dumb!

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    Nice. I was hoping I wouldn't have to buy any. My truck is never going to be uber off roader. Mostly just super shitty fire roads and the like. Time to order my lift. Thanks for the info.
     
    Last edited: Jan 3, 2016
  14. Jan 3, 2016 at 5:07 AM
    #14
    Monkeybutt2000

    Monkeybutt2000 Well-Known Member

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    I installed 5100s front set to .85 to level the truck. 5100s rear as well. Now just normal driving I didn't notice anything. However,1st speed bump and I barely even noticed it was there. Now I did upgrade to 265/75-16s,so that gave me some more sidewall cushion. And I am running no front sway bar. Haven't had a chance to take it "off road" yet,but for what I do it's fine so far. Oh,how did you spend $600?
     
  15. Jan 3, 2016 at 6:08 AM
    #15
    tacoma guy

    tacoma guy Well-Known Member

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    Bilstein 5100's on all four corners. Front set @ 0 with OME 883x coils. Alcon leaf springs. Viper Alarm. Wet Okole seat covers. WeatherTech Floor liners front and back. Oem Toyota chrome exhaust tip. ARE Shell. America Outlaw Wheels.
    OP to answer your question. You can do the 5100's set @ 0 with the OME 883 or 884 coils. The ride will be great and it will look good as well . I also believe you can run 265 / 75 / 16 . Now the difference between the 883 & 884 is if you have the 2x1 leafs then get 883 if you have the 3x1 leafs the go with the 884. I have a 2011 Prerunner with the 2x1 leafs and I put the 883's and 5100'set to 0.
     
  16. Jan 3, 2016 at 9:09 AM
    #16
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    So Monkey normal street driving is cool without front sway? I have been wanting to remove it but more for offroad.
     
  17. Jan 3, 2016 at 9:13 AM
    #17
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    David
    Alpharetta, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    I am running 265/75/16. $600 was spent on 5100 front and 5160 rears-why should it have been cheaper?
     
  18. Jan 3, 2016 at 9:25 AM
    #18
    Monkeybutt2000

    Monkeybutt2000 Well-Known Member

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    Didn't catch the 5160's, do those have the reservoir? As to the sway bar, only on initial turn in can I tell a difference.
     
  19. Jan 3, 2016 at 12:13 PM
    #19
    kgarrett11

    kgarrett11 Master Yoda

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    Bilstein at 2.5, 1.5 aal. 285-70-17 was as big as I could go, just mudflaps off
     
  20. Jan 3, 2016 at 12:44 PM
    #20
    20bmr15

    20bmr15 Well-Known Member

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    David
    Alpharetta, Ga
    Vehicle:
    2013 TlX TRD PRO
    Pro Comp 2.25 Leveling Kit with Bilstein 5100 set on 0.Bilstein 5160 with 1.5" rear blocks.Diff drop.265,75.16 TA/KO. Redline hood struts.20" LED bar in the lower grill. White led drl & front parking lights.intake spacer.custom TOYOTA grill
    Yes they have reservoirs. I just took the sway bar off and it rides well. Great going offroad.
     

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