Bilstein 5100 level poll

bodhizafa [OP] · 03-06-2011, 09:27 PM

I've been reading endless threads about the 5100's and it still seems fuzzy about how level the FJ is when the shocks are on the 3rd notch. So I thought I would pop a quick poll up for future people like me. So with just the front 5100's on the 3rd notch (1.75 setting) and stock rear shocks and springs or at least stock springs......... who is nose up, nose down and level?

**brianh** · 03-07-2011, 06:00 AM

I'm level on the 3rd notch but I have a little extra weight on the front end - a Metal Tech tube bumper with winch mount. When I add a winch, I expect that to drop the nose just a bit more.

I measured the height of the bottom of my fender flares right above the center of the wheel and I'm at 36" all around.

bodhizafa [OP] · 03-07-2011, 06:26 AM

Interesting, I think I'm 37" in the back (totally stock). No extra weight in or on my FJ though. I'll have to remeasure.

**brianh** · 03-07-2011, 06:29 AM

Quote:

bodhizafa previously said:

Interesting, I think I'm 37" in the back (totally stock). No extra weight in or on my FJ though. I'll have to remeasure.

I still have my OEM Bridgestone H/T's so if you have taller tires, that could be the difference. Also, lifting the front transfers some weight to the back so your back springs may compress just a little.

jfgrabow · 03-07-2011, 06:47 AM

Quote:

brianh previously said:

I still have my OEM Bridgestone H/T's so if you have taller tires, that could be the difference. Also, lifting the front transfers some weight to the back so your back springs may compress just a little.

The third notch will be slightly nose up when you first get it done. The shock will settle after a while and be total level... Hope this helps...

Briman42487 · 03-07-2011, 08:49 AM

Mine never settled. They were 20k miles old when I changed the struts though. I sit 2.5" taller than before in the front. At the flare, I'm 1.25" taller in the front than the rear. I like it's stance.

OK_FJ · 03-07-2011, 09:45 AM

Mine is also on the third notch, but it still has a slight rake. It sits about 1/2 an inch lower in the front than the rear. For some perspective, it is 36.5 to the middle of the flare in the front and 37 in the rear with 265/70/17 tires. I think it all depends on your truck as to how much it will end up lifting because there are so many different results around the forum.

I would suggest setting the shocks on the second notch and then let it settle for a few days. If you want more lift then it is pretty simple to adjust while the coilovers are on the truck. Hope that helps some.

bodhizafa [OP] · 03-10-2011, 05:44 PM

Quote:

Briman42487 previously said:

Mine never settled. They were 20k miles old when I changed the struts though. I sit 2.5" taller than before in the front. At the flare, I'm 1.25" taller in the front than the rear. I like it's stance.

That seems like a pretty big difference. The 1.75 settings gave you 2.5 inches lift up front?

bodhizafa [OP] · 03-26-2011, 09:16 AM

Finished the install.....5100's all around. Came out level...at least by the eyeball test.

Before:

After:

**LOCKINGSANDSTORM** · 04-04-2011, 02:43 PM

Hey guys, I have a set of 5100's from my Tacoma days still sitting in my garage. My FJ came with the 3" Revtek spacer lift. I'm hesitating to install the 5100's because I'm not sure what the final result will be. Isn't the 3rd notch the highest possible notch?

I don't want to tear into my truck because it appears that somehow they got the alignment back into spec even with the Revtek lift. When I had my 5100's on my Tacoma only on the 2nd notch my alignment shop claimed they couldn't get me back into spec without aftermarket UCA's. Anyone got some insight? I wouldn't be surprised if that alignment shop just blows. They don't see too many modified vehicles around here.