Performance gain or not?

I have a 1998 Toyota Tacoma v-6 4x4. I recently replaced the rear leaf springs with some from a 2001 TRD and added new bilstein 5100 series shock, before installing the newer springs I added a pro comp add a leaf to lift up to 1.5 inchs. I also replaced the front coils with those from the 2001 and used bilstein 5100 series struts set at 2.5 inch lift. My question is will this increase the offroading performance of my truck or possibly decrease it? My friend is telling me that the struts will have less travel since they are set at 2.5. Also how important is it to lower the front diferential?

Thank you!

 

Well I believe that you have now less down travel bc your preloading the spring with the shocks. But not sure how much you will loose.
But at 2.5" you should be fine not dropping your Diff. But anything will help lessen the strain on them. I would still do it at 2.5" lift.

 

also nonTRD coils ride better than TRD coils...

 

The front differential should be dropped an inch right?

 

^ No.

 

yeah, get the 1" diff drop. It will help....

And yes to what mike said... your better choice will be to get some OME coils, and set your 5100's to 0, and get some 882's or whatever will give you a 2.5 or 3" lift. That would keep your Travel about the same If not give you more.
(Just a suggestion though)

 

Cool!! Thanks guys!! when you say get some 882's can you elaborate I have never heard of those...

 

There the spring rate. Not sure which one you will need, But here is Toytec's link to there OME lifting springs.
Looks like you could go with the 881's with the top plate spacer for a 3" lift, and without the sapcer you will get close to a 2.5" lift maybe around 2.75". Hope this helps ya!

 

Thanks again I will check them out and see what its all about.