Lift questions. I'm getting lost in all the archive info.

Hey everyone,
I'm new to TW and have some questions about lifts in general. I have 2014 double cab long bed that definitely needs bigger tires and a lift. Going through all the archives I have found great information that has put me on the right path but I'm getting lost in all the info. I have Bilstein 5100 front and back, rear 1.5 aal and 16x8.5 wheels with 4.5 bs arriving tomorrow. My plan is 2.5/1.5 lift and 285/75/16s. 95% on road and 5% trail riding but no hard core off road trips. I see so many posts about driveline vibrations after lifts were installed and it makes me question even lifting my fist Tacoma 2.5 inches in the front. I was a mechanic for eight years and helped with the development of the road force balancer by Hunter Engineering. So I get the challenges people are facing with new wheels/larger tires, alignment and improperly installed lifts. It sounds like a lot of people are having vibration problems after they lift their Tacoma. It's turning me away from the idea of a small 2.5 lift. Your shared experiences and advice is greatly appreciated.

 

I had 5100s set at 2.5 and a 2" AAL in the rear on my previous truck. Ran for two years and worked great. I had a slight driveline vibration on take off, but it also had it when stock. Wasn't bad at all. I believe there's a TSB out for it too.

 

I had some minor vibes for awhile. tinkered with a thing or two. seemed to vanish on their own after a few months when everything settled down and was broken in.

everyones lift/vibe stories seem to be different. its just a risk you take when you lift tho.

 

Thanks for all of your input!

 

If you already have driveline vibes, there is a tsb out for it (I'd recommend getting that done before lifting it). I had the tsb done and vibes were completely gone. Post lift, I had a slight shudder between 20-25mph. Then I installed the carrier bearing drop kit and now only have the shudder from 20-22mph.

 

Thanks again for everyone's input. I installed the Bilstein 5100s and everything is great. I do have a very slight shutter 20-25 mph no complaints. I'm not sure if it's the DCLB but no harsh ride like some people were talking about. I am running the factory wheels and tire. It doesn't look good but I've learned to change one thing at a time. Otherwise you are chasing a ghost if there is a problem. I knew it was going to be a problem but wish the alignment was a little closer with the stock uca. I have .5 on camber and 1.5 on caster. No highway wondering and good steering wheel return. Now I'm waiting for my Toyo Open Country AT2 to get in and it will look real nice. I do need to pace myself as I still have the temp tags on. The DCLB with 245s is crying out for a lift.

 

I've been considering the same lift. Post pics when you get a chance, would love to see how it sits.

 

Ahhh! Now I can calm down for a little bit. I am really happy with the new lift and tires. No vibration problems! I did have to take off my mud flaps in the front but no other issues. I had it realigned and now I have camber sitting at 0 and caster at 1.3. Wish I could get more caster but it's not $$$ for uca.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/409351/size/big/cat/recent/limit/recent

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/gallery/data/500/1402102225486.jpg

 

Looks really nice. Glad you are happy with it too

 

MO...I have been think about the same setup. Are you getting any rubbing with the 285s? What if anything need to be trimmed?

 

Same here. Some solid rear leafs make a big difference I think. I bet a lot of the vibe issues are related to lifts with blocks or cheap AALs.

 

I had to take off the mud flap in the front. Including the little mud flap that sits in front of the front tires. (If that makes any sense) After those were removed I have had zero rubbing. I'm sure if I did some hard core wheeling that they would rub but for street and trail riding have no problems. It is totally worth it, looks awesome!

I feel most vibrations come from driveline angles and poorly balanced wheels and tires. IMO.

 

That looks really nice! I think you may have just helped to make up my mind

 

You won't regret it. Pictures never do it justice. I only have good things to say about the Toyo OC AT2. Aggressive sidewalls and AT tread with very low road no is and long treadlife. (At least from all the reviews I've read) If you like the wheels check out discount tire. The MB TKO 16x8.5 with 4.5 backspacing were $88 each on sale. You can't beat that price.

 

Sweet .....