Eibach Pro Stage 2R review

I have been contemplating buying complete new suspension for my ‘17 CM due to the 5100’s harshness and lack of ride quality. After months of going back and forth in my head considering what to buy, I contacted Colton from Hotshot Off-road through this forum. He made a suggestion for me to try the Eibach Stage 2R and Dirt King upper A arms. I purchased and even though there was a small issue with the shipping, Colton stepped up and did the right thing for his customer. I also purchased the rear sway bar knock off from Amazon to install since I tow a 5K pound boat and my 14’ enclosed trailer for my bike that with 2 full dressed Harley’s, it’s almost 5K also which is one of the many reasons I chose the rear reservoir shocks. Plus the deal Colton gave me on the package, it would have been stupid for me to pass it up for the upgrade that it is.
Fast forward to yesterday when I was finally able to get the suspension installed.
The install is pretty straightforward if you have any sort of mechanical ability. Between me and a friend, it took us about 5 hours total which included a lot of stops to chat and 2 trips to Ace to grab a couple of bolts/nuts. I think the worst part was the long upper A arm bolt. If there hadn’t been a friend to help, there would be no way, or very difficult, to remove and replace the new A arm solo.
Went ahead and added the Diff drop and skid plate drop that I’ve had in the garage for over a year while we were at it.
Alignment will be tomorrow morning but I had to drive it a few miles to try and get the components to settle in a little first.
My initial impression is this…..
Wow!!! Now the truck rides VERY similar to stock with a slightly (and I mean VERY slightly) firmer, more controlled ride. It takes bumps like they aren’t there and railroad tracks are now a non issue. All I can say is I wish I had gone this way months ago.
The only thing is that on the drivers side, I made one turn to raise that side due to the Tundra lean. Unfortunately that didn’t do much as it’s still lower than the passenger side. In addition, I did loose an inch in height to the front. I know I can make the adjustment on the strut body but I want to leave the preload alone so I have ordered Coachbuilder shims to bring it back up and correct the lean. My alignment shop has agreed to put it back on the rack for a quick, no charge check, when they are installed.
I can honestly say that Colton and Hotshot Off-road are the real deal with customer service and the willingness to work with his customers to provide the right thing and will stand behind what he sells 100% so if you’re on the fence about buying from him, just do it. You will not regret it.
I’ll report back in a few weeks with a more in depth report but if it’s anything like it is now, it will be even better.

 

Sweet! looks great. I have the non reservoir version and agree it is a nice setup and significant improvement over stock. Bet the addition of the reservoirs make it even better.

Agree with you about ride, stockish and not harsh but much better control. It is an excellent suspension for the coin.
If you do tow and haul a bit and want some extra support for the rear leafs, or want some lift in the back look into RAS-the HD version. Another excellent product that works very will with the eibach suspension and does everything active suspension says it does. I also run the TRD sway in back.

What you have done is a significant upgrade, enjoy!

 

Great write up. Small world. I’m in Arden.
couple of questions.
You mentioned that you lost an inch of height in the front curious about that because those should’ve actually raised the front 2 1/2 inches.

Also, I was getting ready by the same suspension because it came with the spanner wrench and you could adjust them, but you were saying that the adjustment didn’t raise the passenger side up. That’s actually the reason I wanted to buy the stage two kit was to be able to do that but now I’m wondering. You shouldn’t have to put any shims in that if you’re able to that collar and raise it up.
Who did your install and who is doing the alignment?
I get all my stuff done at Automotive Repairwerks in weaverville . They do the full installs and do the alignment as well just for future reference.

 

He said he and a buddy did the install. He also was turning the collar to raise the driver side not passenger but didn't want to add preload so he ordered the shims.

Depending how his 5100 were set up for the front, and how the Eibach were initially set up, that is probably how he lost a little height. Lot of factors play in but the OP seems like he is making good choices to keep the Eibach shocks performing in his comfort while still maintaining the lift he wants.

 

My 5100’s were on the top notch so I ended up loosing about an inch. I gave the drivers side one full turn on the shock body but it didn’t do much to bring it up. Maybe 1/8”. I really don’t want to crank up the collar which is why I ordered the shims. I want to keep the factory(ish) ride which is why I got out of the 5100’s. They were harsh and with the roads around here, it was not smooth at all.
Myself and a buddy did the install in my garage and I take my truck to DiamondBack 4x4 in Swannanoa. They have done alignments and I have bought tires from them over the years so they are very fair with me. I prefer to do as much as I can myself as I can control the quality of work and it’s really not that hard with the right tools plus I enjoy wrenching on all my vehicles (Harley, boat, truck, etc) as it’s very satisfying to tear things apart and replace with better parts. It’s not for everyone but it works with me.

 

Gotcha. I called Colton per your glowing remarks. I was asking him about it and he looked at this thread. He said it’s kinda hard to turn and raise the truck up when the struts are on the truck. Makes sense. I’m going to order the same set up you have. He’s putting a quote together for me.

I want to set mine at 2.5 inches. I’ll have my mechanic do it. Colton offered but said it should be easy for my
Mechanic to do and he would send me the info to give to him for how many turns etc.
Anyway, thanks for the review and the referral.

I agree about doing work yourself but at this point in my life I don’t have the space or the time anymore. Sucks. But when we find some land I’m going to build a house and a nice shop to play in again.

 

Colton is fantastic to work with

Good luck to you and I hope the suspension works out and you love the ride.

 

Good deal.
From my understanding, they will come from Eibach set at 2.5”. Granted every vehicle is different and what is for one will be different for another. And it will be next to impossible to change the collar height without it being mounted so it doesn’t turn.
I actually turned the collar right after I mounted it and before I put the tire on. If you or your mechanic does make turns on the body, make sure there is NO weight on the side that will be adjusted AND put a little lube on the threads or there will be damage to the body.

 

Great info fellows. Thanks. I was trying to decide this morning between the Eibach and Robinson ims. I have thr ims on my Grand Cherokee limited and love it but was stuck for the truck and about to give up. I was at blue mountain pizza picking up lunch and saw this thread. Perfect timing. lol.

 

Just bought the same package. Eibach stage 2r, dirt king uca and carrier drop. Also helped they have a good sale going on right now as well. I'll post when things get going and I get everything installed.

 

After having the package almost a month, I can say that I am still shocked of how nice the ride is and kick myself daily for not doing this sooner. It seems like it all gets better the more miles I drive. Even towing the 5K lb boat is so much better. The wife even commented on the ride and how there was no more wondering in the lane going to and from the lake this past weekend.
I am beyond happy with the results and can honestly say that it was money very well spent.
I have decided to not install the Coachbuilder shims just yet and will wait until another alignment is needed before I add them in.

 

I have my Eibach sitting in the box but hope to install later this month. What size tires are you running?

 

It’s wearing 295/60/20 Wildpeaks. Was a big Toyo fan until I had a tire start separating with 10/32’s left. Decided to try the Falkens and I really like them

 

I will need new tires before the summer is out and the Wildpeaks seem to get hihh marks from everyone who has them.

 

They ride really good and they are quiet. I have about 10K on them and they are barely showing any sign of wear. They have a new AT3 that’s out now. Same tread pattern but with more sidewall tread.

 

Suspension is supposed to be delivered tomorrow. Going to try and get it out on this week. Looks like rain all week so it will be a slow week with all the subs sitting at home due to rain.

 

Part of it’s here. Waiting on uca

 

yes sir. Not a problem to wait until they ship. Sometimes you just have to do that.
Thanks for the heads up

 

Are UCA’s absolutely necessary for this Eibach setup?

 

apparently not. However, at three inches and above it is. I’m going to be at 2.5 inches of lift. It’s right on the cusp and I like having more adjustability for the alignment.

and if I do decide to lift it more it will already be ready to go.

lastly the struts and springs will already be out so it’s a good time to install them anyway.

I talked at length to memario about it and weighed the pros and cons and decided to go ahead and get them.

 

Woohoo. Cant wait. Trying not to think about it. Lol

just got confirmation and tracking.

folks, Colton at hotshot off road. is awesome to work with and I will definitely be working with him again.

Great info to help with proper purchase and communication has been top notch.

thank you again.

 

Got my uca’s.

 

Not Much on the suspension YET. Will be installed on the 31st. BUT, we are buying a house and some land and my lender told me to pay the truck off instead of putting more cash into the deal.
Well, I made a final payment today and paid it off. It was a bit painful seeing my account go down that much but afterwards if was a great feeling. 2019 Limited with 124000 and PAID OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now just the suspension and to fix a dent in the fender thanks to a lousy @#$%!#$%#! at lowes who left me a fender dent but no note. Oh well.
Just had to tell somone who might care. Thanks guys.

 

I'm getting ready to go with the Eibachs 2Rs as well. My intention is to run them as is out of box. What are you all doing for rear lift, if anything? What are the chances of clearing 285/70-18's on stock TRD offroad wheels?

 

thanks for keeping up with this thread. I’m getting my suspension installed on Wednesday. Cant wait.

 

Thanks! I've been waffling between the 285's and 275's anyway. For my driving 275's would probably better anyway. That just may be the deciding factor.