There definitely shouldn't have been any issues getting it perfectly dialed in, even at the highest setting.

Go someplace else for another alignment and return/sell the UCAs... You absolutely don't need them.

PLENTY of folks run the 5100s on full, with perfect alignment numbers...

 

I would have to disagree, I believe that at the highest setting you WILL NOT be able to get good alignment spec's and that your stressing your upper BJ's, the after market UCA's are longer and put the BJ directly above the spindle unlike the stock UCA's with the 5100's set at the highest setting, think about it, you raise the truck up and it changes the geometry, and not in a good way.
I love the way it handles now, what a difference the new UCA's made!
And on top of it I have stronger BJ's with zerk fittings to be able to grease them when needed, did I mention the MOOG BJ's have 10 degrees more swing?
Again that's why I use the terms IMO and what works best for me, opinions are like buttholes, everybody has one!

 

Don't bash on me but it's live and learn / trial and error. I have tried out many combination of 2.5 - 3.5 inch lift, Billlie's, ProComp, ReadyLift etc.... and even at 3.5" of lift they were able to get a good alignment without an aftermarket UCA. However, I do recommend a UCA at 3.5" because the stock UCA will rub on the coils.

As Josh said a UCA is not needed with the Billie's on top setting.

I had my alignment done at 4 Wheels Parts and is happy with them. They were able to get my alignment right when other big name tire shops couldn't. Good luck with your alignment.

 

Any alignment shop knows them. Don't waste the money on doing it beforehand. If anything use that money to get it realigned again 1000 miles after you put it on.

 

Yes it does change the angle, but the stock UCA still has enough manueverability to be adjusted for proper alignment. I am considering selling my 5100s for a set of Icons set at 3 inches and then I will purchase a set of aftermarket UCAs.

By the way, I don't think I got 2.5 inches from my bilsteins on the highest setting.

 

I just skimmed two pages but You don't want the numbers to be in the "green" after you put the Bilsteins's and bigger tires on.

There are numerous threads on here showing the best spec and what you should request them to be. If you try to get all your numbers in the green, you are going to have serious tire wear.

I have over 55K on my Bilsteins and Terra Grapplers and they still have tread and are wearing great.

http://www.tundratalk.net/forums/tu...forums/tundra-suspension-talk/112250-alignment-ordeal-may-help-someone-out.html

 

Apparently, some have had a good experience without purchasing new UCA's and some of you haven't, thus making you get new UCA's. All depends on your application and the skill level of the technician performing the install and alignment. Once you start tinkering with the suspension in these trucks, it seems like it's quite a bit of trial and error until you figure out what works best for you.

 

I have the bilsteins on the highest setting on my 2015 tundra and the dealer was able to align my truck within spec without aftermarket UCAs.

 

Question, did the dealer align it to "stock" spec or within stock spec and did you see the proof as in the sheet of paper with the specs on it, or was it hearsay?

 

I won't say if anyone is wrong or right, but I had my 5100's installed at the highest setting on Monday and the shop was able to align my truck within the stock specifications without UCA's. I will say that the angle of my UCA's on both sides are clearly different, but it did not effect the shop's ability to align my truck properly.

 

My buddy has a readylift spacer kit on his 11 RW that is adjustable from 2.5 to 3" (comes with shims), and at 3" the upper control arms were rubbing on his coils anytime the suspension dropped a little. we set it back down to the 2.5" lift and now it clears, but I can't imagine that with so many people running 3" lifts that this doesn't happen often.

 

3" lift with a strut spacer will rub. It happened to me but the rubbing was so slight I did not know it until I went over a speed bump at high speed. From looking at the rubbing mark it was barely touching the UCA.

This was the main reason why I got the LR UCA.

 

question, are the Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks good for towing? I guess what I am asking is, will they handle what our trucks are rated at as far as load capacity? I have a 7k lb camper and dirtbike that I tow with my Tundra and I want to make sure the Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks will hold up. Also if I want to add three inches to the front, do I need to buy anything for the rear or is the rear high enough?

Thanks guys!

 

If you are adding 3" to the front, I would definitely add a 1" block in the rear. Honestly, if you tow alot, might be worth adding a 1.5" block in the rear. A 3/1 kit is sold and will "level" the truck, maybe leaving a slight rake. I think the 1.5" block would do better for your towing though, so when you have the load, you aren't staring at the sky.

If you are towing look into @Coachbuilder1 shackles. It a way better choice over blocks. They come in different heights for your liking.

 

Is the picture in your signature before or after the install?

I'm thinking about getting the 5100's myself and wanted to see how the truck looks.

 

That is after the lift with the 5100's and two CB shims on each side.

 

I am planning to the same but I think I will get an alignment done before I start the install to get the numbers. It will be 80 bucks well spent IMO.

 

That would be a waste of $80.

I suggest you read more about alignments and alignments after lifts...

 

The picture in the signature is of the stock truck, I will post so pic's of the lift soon

 

Some facts from bilstein website
http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf

 

Lets say I am wrong and you can get alignment numbers that are within spec, what about the angle change in the UCA from lifting the truck?
Question, if a truck has been raised 2.5 or 3" wouldn't it change the angle of the UCA, and if so then wouldn't it effect the suspension when it cycles?
It would seem natural that the UCA would be at a greater angle?
And if that the case then the suspension will not cycle as intended, it would be "scrubbing" wound it not?
Not trying to be a pain in the a$$ just food for thought...

 

X2 on the coachbuilder shackles.
I just got the Pro Comp SS shocks from LRO with a top spacer for 2.75-3" of lift and I am going in to get it aligned on Monday. I got on Socal57Chevy's alignment thread and will try to get it to the specs he provided. I will post again with the results.

 

I have a ReadyLift 2.4" SST level kit waiting to be installed. After reading around here and talking with a Toyota technician (my friend) I have decided to sell the ReadyLift and go with the 5100's. Now, after reading this thread....lol

Should I stay or should I go?

 

My 07 CM i had the bilsteins at the highest setting and my shop had no problem with the alignment it was bang on. That was without new uca