[Joshhtn]

Your totally wrong, I just got off the phone with Bilstein and they say you will not be able to get a good caster setting with the shocks set at the highest setting without upgrading to UCA's, yes you can get it aligned but it won't be right.

:banghead:

Dude, you're frickin killing me... You either didn't really call bilstein, or the person you spoke with has absolutely no idea what they're talking about (like someone else I can think of)... And if you did really call them, and they actually said that, it just speaks to how clueless some of these guys are. You can call ARB right now and ask them how much lift the OME 614 will give you, and they'll tell you 2.5", even though myself, and everyone else, got around 3.5".

I'm not going to continue to argue with you about this. This isn't something that is debatable. It's a simple fact that you don't need UCAs to get a PERFECT alignment on Tundras. FACT. I'm sorry that you waisted your money on them (even though I do consider them a nice upgrade).

I hate to come off as rude, but it kills me when someone tries to debate a fact. Again, I will put it bluntly- You are wrong.

 

[Roneil]

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

 

[TerraTundra]

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...

 

[sensor5]

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.

 

[kwazziee]

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?

Terra, we are not trying to proof you're wrong. Most of us are sharing what we know works, from learning and experience. Lots of people here know what they're talking about. In fact, I didn't know much about lifting until three months ago. I can say I've learn a lot here since then by reading and asking questions.

That aside, you have to understand when you start lifting or lowering a vehicle there is no such thing as factory specs when it comes to alignments. By altering the suspension geometry you are no longer at factory specs therefore factory specs no longer matter. Alignment tech still use that as a baseline but someone who knows and having been working with lift don't really aim for factory specs because every lift setup is different; wheels, tires, UCA, LCA ect. The list goes on. I hope this makes sense to you. CHEERS!

 

[bluesiguy2003]

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.

 

[riccnick]

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.

 

[reineduro]

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!

 

[OkSlim]

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

 

[parker44]

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.

 

[kwazziee]

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.

 

[kwazziee]

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.

 

[Nate2011rw]

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.

 

[swelly]

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?

 

[MontanaTundra]

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!

They should actually add a little bit of payload. They are quite a bit stiffer than the stock ones.

 

[Mrtruckman]

Your totally wrong, I just got off the phone with Bilstein and they say you will not be able to get a good caster setting with the shocks set at the highest setting without upgrading to UCA's, yes you can get it aligned but it won't be right.

Im not interested in proving anyone wrong, ill just relate my experience. I have a 2.5 level and the shop i used (that is a lifted 4x4 alignment shop) was having to sacrifice camber for caster (or vise versa) and could not get it into socals specs without it scrubbing off the outside tire edges, so i went to camburg uca's and more negative camber (and consequently better caster from the uca's) and now tire wear is even.:dunno:

 

[brodie11]

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

 

[swelly]

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.

 

[Joshhtn]

Im not interested in proving anyone wrong, ill just relate my experience. I have a 2.5 level and the shop i used (that is a lifted 4x4 alignment shop) was having to sacrifice camber for caster (or vise versa) and could not get it into socals specs without it scrubbing off the outside tire edges, so i went to camburg uca's and more negative camber (and consequently better caster from the uca's) and now tire wear is even.:dunno:

Your alignment tech didn't have the experience or didn't want to put the time into setting it up right. There is absolutely no need for UCAs on a 2.5"... Instead of putting in the time it takes to get it right, it was easier for him to just say you needed UCAs (and I'm guessing the shop happily sold them to you).

Any experienced tech, who's willing to put in the time, could have got that aligned properly. Sucks that his inexperience, or lack of willingness to get it done, cost you money that could have been spent on something else.

 

[TerraTundra]

Your alignment tech didn't have the experience or didn't want to put the time into setting it up right. There is absolutely no need for UCAs on a 2.5"... Instead of putting in the time it takes to get it right, it was easier for him to just say you needed UCAs (and I'm guessing the shop happily sold them to you).

Any experienced tech, who's willing to put in the time, could have got that aligned properly. Sucks that his inexperience, or lack of willingness to get it done, cost you money that could have been spent on something else.

Question, did you ever have this set up on your truck, I ask because and you speak as if you have had personal experience with the adjustable 5100 Bilstein's ?

Another question, I see your running a (OME 614 Complete Lift W/1.5" AAL) which is a 3" lift in the front and a 1.5" add a leaf, doesn't that have a higher spring rating overall, do you tow heavy loads and or plan on installing a big bumper and winch, it would seem like with that setup on your truck, you would have a slightly stiffer ride but more towing capacity, I ask because my wife and I are considering buying a "Cougar XLite" 21'-24' travel trailer and or 5th wheel and may need to beef up the towing capacity on my DC Tundra?