Seeking height adjustment for B8 5100s for '97 Tacoma 4X4

4

4Xtruck

Member
I’m replacing my worn out KYB shocks on my 1997 Tacoma 4X4 with Bilstein B8 5100s (parts # 33-247724, 33-247717 and 24-249928). Here are my present ground to fender measurements before changing the shocks: Front Driver 34 ¼”, Front Passenger 34 3/8”, Rear Driver 36 5/8” & Rear Passenger 37”, giving me about a 2.5” rise in the rear over the front. My truck will probably rise slightly with the new shocks. I’ll take new measurements after I replace the rears and before I install the fronts. A few years ago, I replaced my leaf springs with General Springs heavy duty, which raised the rear by 1 – 1½”. I know raising the front end won’t give me more ground clearance (without changing my tires), and I don’t care about the look, but I want to choose the height based on what would be least likely to stress and deteriorate my suspension. Should I raise the front by .67”, 1.33” or leave it unraised? Since I’m retired, I don’t drive a lot, and I rarely carry heavy loads. What are your recommendations and reasoning behind them?
 
Meaning what??? By replacing my broken leaf springs, my rear was raised, so I want to know what height in the front would be easiest on my suspension.
 
Whats wrong staying with all stock? I've had kyb shocks on my gen1 tundra, and they were great. Imo, adding those bilstein 5100 shocks will make for a harsher ride in those lighter tacoma's, especially if you preload them for more spring height. Stock those gen1 taco's already have a lumber truck ride vs the newer tacoma's. If anything their 4600 shocks will ride better with the stock springs.
 
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I talked with my neighbor who is an auto mechanic, and he said raising the strut more than .67" will put too much strain on the upper ball joint, possibly causing it to break. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
 
Haven't heard that. I know if doing a lift over 2'' you need control arms that are designed longer to compensate for the lift, otherwise you can end up with a harsher ride, all sorts of vibrations, and alignment issues.
A friend of mines son has a 2003 4 cylinder 4wd trd tacoma that he's dumped a ton of money in doing the suspension over with a lift, fixing the frame, and replacing the 2.7 engine. He recently gave me a short ride in it. I had forgot the days when I had my 94 4x4 toyota pickup truck, and how his tacoma's rode. Between my 01 gen1 tundra, and my 2020 gen3 tacoma, I've become spoiled with how compliant the ride is in them.
 
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