To mod or not to mod...

Well the mod bug is biting but I'm in a unique situation. My taco is on a lease right now but I've been reading that modding a lease is fine as long as it is returned to stock when it is returned. Now I may buy it out at the end or I might upgrade to a double cab. A few questions...

How easy is it to switch back to the factory shocks if I go with a pair of 5100s to level off the front end? How much would it cost to get them installed?

If I raise the front 2.5 in do I need an aal for the back? If so how easy would that be to switch back to stock?

As far as wheels and tires go, obviously they are easy to switch back. However I can't cut or alter the wheel wells so what is the biggest tire I could fit without having any rubbing issues?

Are the mudflaps easy to reinstall?


Finally should I bother doing this or wait til I own it? Thanks a lot guys.

 

if you keep everything why not go for it. Heck you could do all of what your asking about your self, the 5100 aren't that hard and the AAL shouldn't be that difficult either.

 

I would wait. Seems to me like things could get a bit messy with you not owning it and all.

 

x2

 

5100 Shocks & AAL would be easy to add/remove. If you set them to 1.75, you wouldn't need an AAL. There's probably someone in your area that could help you do it yourself. I did the AAL with the help of a friend following instructions found on this site. Removal would be just as easy.

Largest tire without rubbing for an Off-Road is 265/75R16.

 

I would mod it and save the stock stuff. I would also save up some cash for a buy out at the end of the lease. You can always sell the truck after

 

isn't that the stock size for the off road package? Lifting it won't get 285s in there without rubbing?

 

Sounds like a lot of unnecessary money and time spent returning it back to stock afterward.

 

I don't know if its possible but maybe you can change the lease to a finance? (if your funds allow) That way you own the truck and then can do whatever you want. Maybe someone will know if its possible

 

Jen what is this rational thinking all about? I thought mods were all about throwing logic out the window and spending money u dont have

 

No, stock is 265/70R16 (70 vs 75).

You can get 285s in there but you will rub. I have a 3" lift and I get rubbing when I back up (off the front fender wells). I haven't trimmed.

 

Good to know. If I can't get bigger tires without having to trim I will wait to get the wheels until I own it. However if I do the 5100s @ 1.75 and keep the stock wheels would this make a noticeable difference as far as leveling it out? I could use the 51s in a new truck too so it would not be a waste to get them now.

 

I'm sure he can easily sell all the mods such as suspension components, etc once going back to stock to return the truck

 

I would go for it. Just save all your stock stuff. I plan on putting my truck back to stock if I ever sell it. With what you want to do you could return it to stock in a day.

 

Like I said I'm either buying out at the end of the lease or trading it for a DC. So if I keep the current one Im all set, if I trade it I just put the mods on the new one.

 

sounds like a win win situation to me

 

Not really, it's not like the truck was ever an investment. If you enjoy the way it looks and feels then it would be totaly worth the money. What's the difference between leasing a truck and financing it? None, you still get in it everyday and drive it at the end of the lease you turn it in or buy it. Nothing really different at all.

 

Does anyone have any pics of the 5100s @ 1.75 up front with stock rear OR sus btw?

 

I did a few things to my Impala SS which was on lease. No issues just make sure you keep all stock parts. I didn't spend much though I didn't want to worry about having to sell everything to make money back. Seems like a waste to spend too much to only have for maybe 3 years. As far as buying out the lease, I guess it might be okay with the Taco since it's value doesn't take, but on my Imp SS the car was already worth less than the buyout a full year before the term was to end. Was a $31k vehicle new in 2007 and in 2009 was already down to only being worth around $15.5k.