wife rides in truck, now wants new susp

They are not HORRIBLE, but not ideal either. I would suggest our 3 Leaf Progressive HD Add-a-Leaf set, and a set of Rear SuperBumps. This will provide some additional lift, and for when you do bottom out, it will help to absorb the shock, making for a better ride.

 

Toyota put 3 leaf springs in the US trucks because the average US driver wanted a soft ride the Canadians wanted to haul stuff they got the 4 leaf. That should tell you some thing. Yes the 4 leaf pack rides a bit harsher as soon as I found the TSB I had mine done because I haul stuff and really don't care about the ride if I did I would have a car.

 

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Ultimate-Tacoma-lift-with-Bilstein-shocks_p_394.html

Remove the diff drop kit and add the OME Dakar spring pack and comes out to just over $1400. I think they have a discount for TW members, or wait until the next holiday. They do sales from time to time.

I do hear people compliment the service and prices at Wheelers and DownSouth Motorsports, but I have not had any business with them so I cannot comment there.

I have dealt with Robert at Headstrong. He was very helpful when I ordered my first lift. They have lots of Coilover options for the Tacoma.
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/front-suspension-tacoma-96---04-6-lug.html

Then for the rear, I'd get the OME springs (http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/rear-suspension-tacoma-96---04-6-lug.html) then you're just left with needing rear shocks.

I think they even do free shipping on a lot of their stuff...probably not the rear springs though.

 

Thanks Dan,
I'm reluctant to get an AAL set because I hear over and over on this board that AAL is a bandaid for the inevitable full leaf pack swap. Any comment on this?

Also, what would you suggest for the fronts? 650lb coils on the SAWs and other CO's seems a bit stiff for my application and OME fronts is probably more lift than I'm looking for. That leaves the Toyotec kits.

 

whats the difference between this: and this?
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/BOSS-Suspension-System-for-955-04-Tacoma_p_784.html

 

??

Anyone? I'm so ready to pull the trigger and get some new toys.

 

They look the same. Figure out which one will cost you less with shipping.

 

I'm by no means an expert on suspension, but I have an AAL and the TSB leaf on my back end, gives it a bit of a "tail up" look, even with about 2" up front. Levels out nicely with a load.

Anyway, I think an AAL would be a good option if you had decent leafs still. Since you don't, I'd suspect you're already to the point of just getting a new leaf pack.

 

so what did you end up doing?

 

nothing yet, still reading up.

What about the Fox coilover 2.0" IFP shocks with 5/8" shaft? These seem somewhat comparable in price to the SAW coilover 2.0" with 7/8" shaft. Any opinions/comparisons? Anyone know the spring rate on the Fox?

 

pretty much any aftermarket spring setup you get is going to give you a firmer ride. I did a bit of research before I got my lift because I wanted a softer ride, and the OME 881's were the softest I could find with a 500lb spring rating. I believe stock is 350lb, someone correct me if I'm wrong.

For the rear, If you get the toytec shackle your ride will be a lot softer and have more travel. something to think about if you want a "smooth" ride. Beware, however, you shouldn't be loading up the bed more than 600 lbs on stock springs if you have the shackles. the leafs will sag like crazy.

good luck