for those wanting to level their first gen

I had trouble finding info on how to level my truck NOT LIFT IT. Here's what worked for my truck. I have a 96 dlx ext cab 4x4 a/c 3.4l. Im sure other trucks with different engine sizes accessories will sit differently. I replaced the 2+1 broken leafs with 3+1 (daystar) leafs and 4600 bilstein shocks. The leafs are made in pittsburgh, pa which is why i paid a lil more for them. I original bought a cheap $100 dollar set off Amazon and believe it or not when they arrived they were broke, so I sent that cheap chinese steel back immediately. after installing the rears my truck sat from top of stock tires to moulding on wheel well 8 1/2" in rear and 6" in front. I ordered a set of OME 880's and 5100 bilsteins from wheelers. after installing everything it now sits at 8 1/8" in front and 8" in rear I think after everything settles in it will be perfectly level. The only thing I would change on this setup would be to use the 5100s in the rear to match the front.

The ride is incredibly smooth now and Im very pleased with the coil/strut as well as how the truck sits. It was kinda pricey to do all of this around $900 but it was well worth it in my opinion. I will include before and after pics

 

Looks great man! If you wanted to run 5100s in the rear, you would have to lift it. They are too long on a stock rear but you could get some 5125s if you wanted.

 

cool thanks for the info and yep I love the new look it was just what i was looking for. I wish this weather would break I really need to wash that salt off my truck.

 

+1. 5100 vs 5125 details are located at http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/155232-5100s-vs-5125s-2.html#post3128139 and http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/155232-5100s-vs-5125s-3.html#post3128402.

 

Ive been researching the same thing, looks good!