PcBuilder's 2003 Tacoma Build

FWIW, I soaked every nut and bolt for a week before doing my suspension and I still ended up cutting all the bolts and front eye bolts. I got each side off in about an hour once I jacked up the truck and whatnot. The hardest part was fitting the new springs in because I wasn't sure how far I could drop the axle before the driveshaft would fall apart.

Once I got them bolted in the front, I had a buddy use a pry bar between the frame and the leaf spring to line up the rear with the shackles. Took me a while to drop the axle far enough to work with so it took me two nights to finish the job. But it was easy once I basically let the axle sit on the ground lol.

 

Yeah, like I said I'm not even going to waste my time trying to save the bolts haha

Hmm, didn't think about the axle getting in the way. I just planned on throwing my spare under the drum and start lifting the rear until I can fit the leafs in.

 

I was also using someone else's 6 ton jack stands and I wasn't sure how far I could extend them while still being safe. So that didn't help. But yeah, i suppose you could do what you said if your floor jack/stands will allow it. My floor jack wouldn't go high enough even when I used a couple 2x4s as spacers. Just make sure you mark the driveshaft with a sharpie or paint so you can put it back in correctly if it falls out.

 

If I do it on base I'll have access to a lift, which will make the whole lifting part a piece of cake!

Good idea on marking the driveshaft. If it falls out I just have to line it back up and slide them back together, right?

 

But I think what most people do, myself included, is jack it up and put it on stands. Then put your floor jack under the differential and slowly lower it until you can fit the springs in. Like I said, I ended up going so low the brake drums were on the ground.

 

Yeah as far as I know lol. That's what was recommended to me when I was looking for help doing the install. Luckily it didn't fall out. I was surprised at how far it can extend, really.

 

Yeah, that's pretty much the only way to do it haha

I'm just going to set the spare under the drum to keep it slightly off of the ground since I have to remove the spare anyways.

Then I'll just disconnect the u-bolts and brake lines and start lifting the truck a little bit at a time.

 

With the driveshaft, yes, it just slides back together but make sure you mark it. I didn't know about keeping it in "phase" when I did mine so I just slid it back together but didn't think about lining the u-joints up so I have some vibes. And there's no need to disconnect the brake lines unless you're doing longer ones. At least this was true for mine, I know some of the newer trucks have a slightly different setup.

 

Oh! Part of my problem was the brake line. I forgot about that. I ended up cutting it off because I was going to replace it anyway. That helped a ton in how far I could drop it. Then I attempted to bleed the system when I was done and I think I did it perfect but it was my first time so I had the shop check it out when I got an alignment. They said it was good though, so go me.

But anyway, with the expos I'm pretty sure you'll have to disconnect the brake line. Those springs have a lot of arch to them compared to my dakars and I couldn't get them to fit without disconnecting it.

 

I cut mine in half too when I did mine. Was such a bitch to take off

 

Yeah, I'm definitely going to have to change out the brake lines considering I'm probably going to have over 4" of lift initially.

 

I have toytec's and am happy with it. I don't know if it will keep up with my 63's when I make some shackles but it should work for your setup

 

I'm going with whatever brand AllPro uses since they are doing free shipping.

 

Just placed an order for a set of Expos and extended brake lines from AllPro

 

Went ahead and added some 1.5" AllPro shackles to my order. Will add an extra 3/4" of lift but they're $30 cheaper than the Wheelers shackles and I know that without a doubt they will fit.

 

your ass is gonna be REAL high up

 

Haha probably something a little higher than this.


I've got some weight over stock in the back already. A full toolbox plus the co2 tank and HiLift add up.

 

My truck is level with my OME Dakar leaf packs and 1" lift shackles when I add sandbags to my truck during winter along with my other usual stuff so I think you will still have a lot of rake with your toolbox, co2 and hilift.





The 2nd pic is pretty old, but it gives you a better idea of what all I have in the bed of my truck.

 

I know I'll still have a lot of rake. But this is all for future planning. I still want to get a bed rack and have a roof top tent every now and then.

 

Good plan!