Tacoma Bilstein 5100s Review - After 50,000 Miles - Still Worth It???

[@destinationoverland2831]

The more expensive shocks are tuned for specific applications. The downside is those shocks have to be rebuilt pretty regularly. My buddy has to rebuild his Icon shocks every 20k miles or they start to leak black tar all over the driveway….. In 3 years how many times have you had to rebuild your 5100s? Not once! That’s the setup I’ll go with every time. Something to think about.

[@RCGJR_]

This is facts brother.

[@tracereed7457]

Couldn’t have said it better

[@melvinmatamoros3277]

So you’d recommend the 5100s for an 08 Tacoma pre runner for just trail runs not crazy off roading ?

[@tracereed7457]

@@melvinmatamoros3277 not meaning any hate but I wouldn’t put any modifications on a 2wd

[@yousabossjcalip]

@@tracereed7457 lol facts. 2wd truck off roading is a wild sentence lmfao

[@MannyTheDriver]

Can’t tell you how much research I had to do to find this video. I use my 22’ TRD 4x4 Offroad for work and I’m looking for a hybrid setup where I can take my tools with me all week, and air down for the trails on the weekends. Love how low maintenance this setup is. Super helpful brother. Thank you for this.

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man...is comment like this that makes me happy to make these videos. I like to be practical with my rig...if it serves multi purpose that's even better. It's a working horse as well as a fun vehicle.

[@derekp6636]

exactly what I was looking for too with my '17....just want to update the shocks etc!

[@lazroo]

I upgraded from KYBs to 5100s all around, man what a huge difference on dips and when off roading , this thing just aboarbs when aired down sooo nice

[@Michael_Tran]

Im not familiar with KYBs...but definitely compare to my stock suspension, I can beat the heck out of these the past years and it still does it job on and off road. Great choice!

[@lazroo]

@@Michael_Tran KYBs are more budget and street oriented , lol not the best for off-road , and also did OME like your setup, best for the budget ! Eventually I'm gonna do 6112 upfront and 5190 just to see how much better it handles , nice rig !

[@Michael_Tran]

@@lazroo Gotcha...I know the 6112 are beefier than 5100s...I might need to go that route if these starting to wear out.

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Love long term updates like this!

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man...ill try to give an honest review of these mods

[@Ben1010Ten]

Great vid! Waiting for my 5100s to arrive and I've been dead set on going stock springs and #5 2.5" setting. After seeing your vid, I'm tempted to go with a 2" lift spring and set it to #1 or #2 if the up and down travel isnt compromised vs. Stock springs with #5 setting. I'm amazed because all I've read and watched about lift springs or any other spring aside from the stock springs partnered with the 5100s have been a horrible ride experience.

[@BigTony1710]

The fact that you do it all with a 2wd truck is amazing to me!!

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man...it's definitely a fun time in 2WD. Always a bit nerve racking

[@BigTony1710]

@@Michael_Tran do you run a sway bar off road too or do you remove it to help keep the rear wheels on the ground?

[@Michael_Tran]

@@BigTony1710 I don't remove it...it just leave it as it

[@crashsoome]

Awsome really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience at 50k review

[@Michael_Tran]

No problem...hopefully it was helpful

[@Paulygoku]

I agree with your review best budget bang for your buck I have 5100s only runner been very happy with it

[@Michael_Tran]

It's a great ride for the price

[@RD24LFG]

What do you have them set to? I want 2' front 1' back.

[@JustinMacatangay-p1z]

Nice looking truck! Feel like it’s hard to find a lot of DCLB 3rd gens this nice even on the forums. What circllip setting did you have the 5100s set to in this video?

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man...it's on the 4th clip I believe there's 5 total

[@phillip_mcguinness7025]

Considering you beat the living crap out of those shocks for 50k, I'd call that a huge success. They should do 70-100k nicely for towing. Most other shocks only last 50k of commuter driving.

[@Michael_Tran]

I agree...I thought for sure they would have leaking oil by then but it held up well.

[@skateinspace]

emu springs should be set on only the bottom notch of the 5100's. otherwise youre preloading the spring making for a harsher ride.

[@Tay3257]

Great video, Michael. I learned a lot.

[@Michael_Tran]

Thank you...glad it was helpful

[@marksullivan8200]

If you can get a good price you might try the 5160 & 6112 it's a nice upgrade to what your running & much cheaper than king or icon if the time comes to replace & you get a good price I had 5100s & I upgraded to 5160 & 6112 & it's like going from stock to billstien the first time it does everything better than my 5100 setup it's really nice & unlike competition high $ setups you don't have to rebuild every 6 months & they cost a lot less

[@julestrdprodjimavicpro2869]

just hit 39,000 myself and them Fox's feel like day 1😇

[@Michael_Tran]

I think...after Bilstein, Fox was my next brand for budget friendly...maybe a 2.0

[@ivan199120]

Great video! I’m curious, the 5100 for the tacomas say 0-2” lift. If I want 2.5 and get a coil that’s 2.5 is that ok since the coil is what lifts the vehicle? I say this since the Bilstein only advertises up to 2”. I guess it’s advertised this way since the stock coil can only go up to 2”?

[@Michael_Tran]

I think the coil are a bit longer than OEM but I believe you still need to put it on certain clip to get it to 2.5...the shop I bought them did if for me for a fee

[@vomsteezy92]

just added these thank you

[@stansbruv3169]

Good work dude. Thanks for this

[@Michael_Tran]

No problem

[@useryggfdcc]

2021 Tacoma TRD 4X4 OFFROAD: Front, Bilstein 6112 with 600ld Bilstein springs. Rear: ICON AAL with Bilstein 5100. Perfect for OFFROAD and on road.

[@Michael_Tran]

I would've done bilstein 6112 if I had another go at a different suspension setup on the tacoma

[@JL-fly7]

Awesome man, that's exactly the way I am aiming at. BTW, do you have the torque spec for all key bolts during install? Thanks.

[@xylianis08]

I am considering this setup as it is a daily driver that i occasionally take off roading. I’m not an overlander

[@cainmenard5720]

Thank you for the content. Great information.

[@Michael_Tran]

Glad you found it helpful

[@maomaniarocks]

nice. same exact setup i have but i have 5160 in the rear and JBA UCA. wanted to wait for sale but these thing keeps selling out. pulled the trigger when it restock. gathering all the parts right now. slowly but surely. stock taco is pretty capable for what im doing as of now. next i plan to do alot of driving. yee

[@Michael_Tran]

I was thinking about the 6112 and 5160 on the rear as well. I think it's a bit better than 5100s since it's a bigger shocks. How you liking the JBA? I don't like the uniball at the moment.

[@maomaniarocks]

@@Michael_Tran i haven't install any parts yet. just buying everything right now. i dont plan to install till next spring lol. i have a few friend that wheel and no complaints on the JBA

[@Michael_Tran]

@@maomaniarocks Nice! You'll love the ride...way better than stock. Good to know about them JBAs

[@BrandonAgpaoa]

What size tires are you running? Great video and this helps me as I have been thinking about pretty much the same build for my 2020 Tundra TRD.

[@Michael_Tran]

I was running 285 75 16 on that Tacoma

[@BrandonAgpaoa]

@@Michael_Tran ah ok thank you. Nice truck

[@kolohe0782]

Awesome Review, Thank You

[@Michael_Tran]

Glad you found it helpful

[@chrismak4859]

Not bad for 2wd, very cool!

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks

[@jonathanr120]

Hey man, thanks for breakdown! I was wondering what size tire and rim you were able to fit, and if you did any trimming?

[@Michael_Tran]

Hey...I got KO2 285/75/16 rims..no trimming. Have about an 1-2inch of space near the cab mount.

[@thatportlandguy8593]

@@Michael_Tran Bah. Unfortunately my ranger came with 17 inch wheels, so the biggest I can do is 265/70/17. After these tires are done I'll get smaller wheels and bigger tires.

[@Michael_Tran]

@@thatportlandguy8593 Definitely...I went down a size just so that I can have thicker side walls

[@elizardo.]

Nice work, great review 👍. What's wheel offset?

[@Michael_Tran]

@@elizardo. Thank you..0 offset

[@ryanmelendez6162]

Went to 88Rotors Labor Day weekend for this lift and they charged me $5,650 total. $2,400 for this lift kit $1,200 for the TRP Pro 4Runner wheels $1,400 for BFG KO2 285s $650 for labor It’s all about the smiles per gallon I guess 🥲

[@Michael_Tran]

It's definitely a pricey hobby...but man it does look nice and create some lasting memories...IMO that's priceless haha

[@nicholaslam555]

Hey Michael! I wanted to run a similar setup as your tacoma and was wondering what notch you have your Bilsteins set-up on in the front with the emu springs? I won't have a heavy bumper either however. Thanks!

[@Michael_Tran]

I think it's at the 3rd notch. Great setup

[@user-kd3xn1lu3u]

Great video!

[@TheBEAST-ej7oo]

Greetings bro, I would really appreciate if you can mention some examples of where I can the shock absorbers online or where you bought yours, thanks!

[@Michael_Tran]

Bilstein 5100s are pretty popular suspension...you can get them in a lot of places.

[@TheBEAST-ej7oo]

@@Michael_Tran if you can mention some of the popular places where you can buy car parts I would appreciate it as I am new in this and want to order them online to be shipped, thanks 🤗

[@Michael_Tran]

@@TheBEAST-ej7oo This is the store I've used. Headstrongoffroad.com

[@spyglastraitor]

Hey - for your type of trail riding, do you have E or C rated tires? Looking to purchase Ko2's this week and torn between ride comfort and durability. Also, do you rotate your tires with the spare? cheers and good work

[@Michael_Tran]

Sorry was out of town...I had both on. Now I have Load E and their a bit heavier than C. its better for more Off Roading but it will kill your mpg

[@rileyalec]

I’m planning on getting the Bilstein/ARB 2” 5100. Do I need a new control arm? And will it truly give me a 2” lift? I have an SR5

[@Michael_Tran]

Depending on how often you off road...ive heard if you don't go over 2inch then you don't have to. But when you off road it will flex...I got new UCAs anyway for piece of mind.

[@EVsNipe]

My taco gor liften but front has a spacer and they didnt put new shocks i ordered the 5100 today can i reach the 2’’ height with that spacwr plus 5100 on stock coil ?

[@Michael_Tran]

I think with the 5100s you don't need the spacer...you can get the 2inch height by putting the clip on 4,5 notch I believe.

[@lucaspopolizio8286]

Nice setup. What size wheel/tire are you running?

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks..I have the KO2 285/75/16 load e

[@CaptainFALKEN]

Awesome video man

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks man

[@wb4514]

Hi. Is the cat back exhaust working out OK ?

[@rafaelmartinez6253]

Hi, how many more miles do you think 5100 bilstein shocks will last you?

[@Michael_Tran]

Hard to say...even with the way im riding it I might be changing it soon but still hasn't break or notice any crazy riding quality

[@keifla12]

I heard fox I mediocre in off road compared to most

[@eliasbeas3556]

Did you have vibration issues after installing your lift?

[@Michael_Tran]

Not not at all

[@robrv21]

Hello. I have the exact same lift and have blown two CV axles. Have you had any issues with yours?

[@Michael_Tran]

No...wow that seem very extreme.

[@Turtlemilk]

Did you have to cab mount chop to fit those 285?

[@mythman15olo11]

Do you not need a block in the rear to lift it 2 inches

[@fatfitnessvang299]

Im New to off roading, I have a 1.5 spacer lift in the front of my 3rd gen tacoma sport. So if I get a 1.5" shock, I can just use my old springs and put it on and get rid of the spacer lift and it should be fine and still give me that 1.5 lift? Or there is no 1.5 inch shock lift and have to do a 2 inch lift. Sorry if i dont make sense lol i dont know how to explaine these stuff. But bare with me.

[@Michael_Tran]

Basically with the Bilstein 5100s there's different clips on the shocks and you can adjust the height with just your old springs. I didn't do the adjustment since I had the shop that put the springs together do it for me. But yes you can get rid of the spacer and use your old springs can still can achieve the lift you desires depending on where you put the clips on the Bilstein 5100s

[@Los831]

You can lift the rear with a longer shackle too

[@TC-zi2yp]

False, tacoma has tension shackle rear setup. You would be effectively lowering the truck by adding a longer shackle. You would need to install a shackle flip kit which on its own with HD shackles will give you 2.5" of lift and a much better ride.

[@EVsNipe]

Im sorry to bother you again what size tires you run and on what slot you have your front 5100 at ?

[@Michael_Tran]

No worries...I have 285/75/16 ko2 load e and it opt for longer coil so I didn't need to put it on any slot to get around 2inch of lift.

[@EVsNipe]

@@Michael_Tran oh so the coil is whats givinf you the lift! Thanks

[@Michael_Tran]

@@EVsNipe Yes, I believe the 2888 are the only coils that does that or you can use your stock coils and do it the traditional way by doing in on the notches

[@EVsNipe]

@@Michael_Tran and you dont run a spacer on the front correct ?

[@Michael_Tran]

@@EVsNipe No...spacer are more for look if you're not planning on doing any off roading at all.

[@gabrielmorcillo8946]

If your gonna upgrade I want those old ones lol

[@gabrielmorcillo8946]

Also can you put a update on those leaf spring

[@jacobtrent5291]

nice break down

[@Michael_Tran]

Thanks

[@sherk05]

Do they nosedove with oem spring?

[@Michael_Tran]

I have the OME spring...so it's a bitter stiffer

[@fishtacoma]

Whoo, first! 😎

[@Michael_Tran]

Haha...can always count on you bro!

[@fishtacoma]

@@Michael_TranOf course!!

[@comment_below]

u can lift the back using a block.... its not the only way....

[@Michael_Tran]

I don't recommend that for what I do

[@richardwilliams527]

I wasn’t interested in your lift kit. I wanted to hear about he 5100s after 50k per your title.

[@CosmicMomentumX]

Rude