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1st gen lift help

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by WolfeTaco, Nov 8, 2009.

  1. Nov 8, 2009 at 12:25 AM
    #1
    WolfeTaco

    WolfeTaco [OP] Baja Time

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    Looking for some opinions here...

    I'm installing a lift kit here in the next week or so and want to make sure I am going to get the correct stance I am looking for.

    I am going with 3" in the front for sure and have decided with blocks in the back as I have heard the AAL will make it too stiff.

    The last decision I have to make is to go with 1" or 2" in the rear.... anyone have pics of the difference? I just want to make sure that 2" isn't going to be so much as to give it the same "stink bug" stance that it has now as its already higher in the rear.

    I would like it to be level but would even rather it be a smidge higher in front than have the same stance as it has now but just a little higher.

    Any input or pics are appreciaated! Thanks!

    Forgive any gramatical errors... I am writing this on my g-phone not the pc
     
  2. Nov 8, 2009 at 12:28 AM
    #2
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    if you like your truck you wont put blocks underneath it

    blocks increase axle wrap along and can break


    aals do not necessarily make the suspension stiffer...that depends on WHICH aal you get

    the longer the aal the better the ride...short ones will cause stiffness...look into a 1.5" 3leaf aal from what are you getting for the front?
     
  3. Nov 8, 2009 at 1:14 AM
    #3
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    if the front is "a smidge" higher, and you decide to buy a quad, and you then decide to load that 500-600lb machine in your truck, your not going to be able to see, and your gona lose some traction to the front wheels.

    I just got my AAL from wheelers, I went with the single leaf because I keep my overload spring, where as with the 3 leaf AAL, your overload is gone and you won't have a fun time hauling that quad you may some day buy.

    good luck! remember the search function :)
     
  4. Nov 8, 2009 at 1:30 AM
    #4
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    FTR you can keep your overload leaf with the 3leaf too

    i did...no issues whatsoever
     
  5. Nov 8, 2009 at 5:37 AM
    #5
    tacoman101

    tacoman101 Well-Known Member

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    blue led headlights, 285/75/16 grabber AT2's, custom pedals, custom shifter, flowmaster 40 series muffler, bedlinered fender flares, 2.5" lift kit via shackles and spacers, custom exhaust out the back, chrome exhaust tip, and Herculined bed, Weathertech floormats, Cabelas Trail Gear Camo Seat Covers ... Nice thing was I got the truck for $4000
    I'd also look into some longer shackles for the rear. These gave me 1.5 inches of lift and improve slightly over stock flex. They are easy to install, and may be a bit cheaper than an aal.
     
  6. Nov 8, 2009 at 7:40 AM
    #6
    RattleTractor

    RattleTractor Lube: It's the key to penetration.

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    thats what I had. the ride still kinda sucked, but thats mostly because the stock springs were starting to sag (and a couple finally broke).

    if you are looking for a cheap lift, i would say shackles over blocks and AAL
     
  7. Nov 8, 2009 at 7:43 AM
    #7
    tacomaman06

    tacomaman06 Carolina Alliance: Enforcer

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    getting there....
    whatever setup you decide on....stay away from blocks. they can cause axle wrap pretty badly....and they can also crack. go with aal in the rear..........may ride a lil stiffer, until its broken in some.
     
  8. Nov 8, 2009 at 11:37 AM
    #8
    WolfeTaco

    WolfeTaco [OP] Baja Time

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    I know... my bad, I was on my mobile and it is a bitch to navigate on that sometimes.

    To Everyone: Thanks for the feedback - I will re-consider the AAL option for the rear.

    Still looking for some feedback as far as what height in the rear... hoping someone has input on 2" vs 1" and how that will affect the stance

    Thanks
     
  9. Nov 8, 2009 at 11:46 AM
    #9
    rab89

    rab89 Well-Known Member

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    1.5'' AAL from www.wheelers.com
    right in between and you'll be sitting pretty level
     
  10. Nov 8, 2009 at 7:27 PM
    #10
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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  11. Nov 9, 2009 at 12:35 PM
    #11
    Toyota1998

    Toyota1998 Well-Known Member

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    I have a single AAL in the rear and it gave 3.5" lift(dont' ask me the brand cuz i have no idea) it made the back EXTREMELY stiff, at first, i have had it for maybe a year and a half now and it doesn't bother me anymore. On paved roads the stiffness was pretty nice, but i live in VA and we have alot of dirt and gravel roads, ...and the potholes suck.
    In the front i put a 2" leveling spacer and the 1" difference between the front and back is pretty much only noticable to me and the people i tell.
    The ad-a-leaf let me keep my overload and lets me haul a few hundred pounds more in my bed when i need to. So the set up worked out pretty well for me.
     
  12. Nov 9, 2009 at 1:11 PM
    #12
    jab08

    jab08 Well-Known Member

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    Hey Im in the same boat. I just looked on wheelers off road, and seen some bilstein 5100's Ive seen a lot of them on the 2nd gen, (dont know if there the same model or not) and they seem to be good. I just was wondering on the rear are they adjustable? "I dont know much about suspensions/lifts." It sais it will accommodate for up to 3in of lift. Does that mean you can put a lift up to 3in w/these shocks, or does this mean you can adjust them for up to 3in of lift? Like I said I know little to nothing about lifts, but Im trying to learn.:)
     
  13. Nov 9, 2009 at 1:12 PM
    #13
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    rear shocks are not adjustable

    youll have to lift the rear using aal, new leaf packs, shackles or...god forbid...blocks
     
  14. Nov 9, 2009 at 1:15 PM
    #14
    jab08

    jab08 Well-Known Member

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    Ok thanks!! Are the bilsteins a good route for the front? I was thinkind about only a mild lift about 2in, and the bilsteins sound perfect for the front. What do you think??
     
  15. Nov 9, 2009 at 1:16 PM
    #15
    JimBeam

    JimBeam BECAUSE INTERNETS!! Moderator

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    a lot of folks here like them

    i dont know much about them
     
  16. Nov 9, 2009 at 2:17 PM
    #16
    s2kvtak

    s2kvtak Well-Known Member

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    Grillecraft grill w/ TRD badge, Bilstein 5100s on all 4 corners set at 2.5" and Toytec AAL in the rear. 285/75-17 Interco TRXUS M/T
    i just lifted mine with bilstein 5100s in the front set at 2.5" and the toytec AAL in the rear. ride is great. a little stiffer, but not bouncy or beat the hell out of ya stiff. it actually makes the truck feel alot more stable! also it sits super level i think im like 1/4" higher in the rear. cant see it tho
     

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