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Suspension help

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by ProjectWhiteWidow, Jan 10, 2016.

  1. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:28 PM
    #1
    ProjectWhiteWidow

    ProjectWhiteWidow [OP] Member

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    New to all this stuff about Tacomas. I was wondering if anyone could help me out with the suspension aspect. Kinda just wondering what everything is and how it works and how I can make my truck flex
     
  2. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:28 PM
    #2
    LAoffroadin

    LAoffroadin BURY ME WITH MY TACO!!

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    well no better way t learn than to search the forums man... better that way.. trust me
     
  3. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:29 PM
    #3
    ProjectWhiteWidow

    ProjectWhiteWidow [OP] Member

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    Just kinda wondering what to search cause there's are so many rabbit trails lol
     
  4. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:30 PM
    #4
    LAoffroadin

    LAoffroadin BURY ME WITH MY TACO!!

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    i hear ya give me a few minutes ill see what i can do to get ya started
     
  5. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:31 PM
    #5
    ProjectWhiteWidow

    ProjectWhiteWidow [OP] Member

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  6. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:33 PM
    #6
    LAoffroadin

    LAoffroadin BURY ME WITH MY TACO!!

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    http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tirete...e.jsp?techid=4


    First off lifts!

    There are several types of lifts offered for our trucks. We'll start with the least costly. I will touch on Spacer lift kits, Coil lift kits, and Coilover lift kits. Also I will try to provide links, as they are applicable.

    Options for the front!

    Bilstien 5100's This is a great affordable lift kit. These replacement shocks are great to add a few inches to the front of your Tacoma, it is adjustable and have a slightly better valving system than the stock shocks that come with the Tacoma's. (But please take note NO One recommends it to be used in conjunction with after market coils) This may result in damage of your suspension components.

    Pro Basic kit from Toytec: $209.99
    Spacer Lifts: These are spacers made primarily out of aluminum. They are installed on top of your coils and also on top of the strut plate.

    There are spacers from Ready Lifts: http://www.readylift.com/

    This is a link to how these lifts are installed in the front: OME coils lift kits from Toytec: $299.98
    This kit comes with replacement coils for the front, 884 or 885's. These are longer replacement coils, which also come with a 1/2" Aluminum spacer. The Install will be basically the same as the spacer kit. (Link posted above)


    Coilover lift kit: $1050.00 Free s/h
    (DR Coilovers) Most common. Others are available such as Sway-A-way, Fabtech, All Pro, and Camburg to name a few?
    These are the high end of the 3" lifts. Extremely easy to install, due to the fact they come already assembled. It is simply a matter of remove and replace. They are also very versatile, in that they are adjustable. Therefore can be adjusted to fit your needs.

    Exclusive for 2wd
    Allied spindles, these spindles will yield 4" lift for your 2wd Tacoma. They cannot be used on a 4x4.
    http://amsuspensions.com/4_lift_spindle_2005_tacoma.htm

    REAR Lifts options:

    First off you have:
    Lift blocks:
    These are blocks of metal that are placed under you rear leaf packs, on top of your axles. The kit includes the lift blocks and longer U-bolts. This is the most basic of the rear lifts and adds NO additional benefits other than height.

    Add-A-Leafs
    This type of lift consists of an additional Leaf spring that has an increased arc. They added lift by increasing the curve of your rear stock spring pack. They also allow added load capacity for hauling.

    This is the instructions for the AAL rear install: Leaf Packs:
    This type of rear lift is the high end of rear lifts.
    Consists of a new multiple spring pack. Provides lift, a smoother spring rate. May add or decrease carrying capacity depending on the spring characteristics.

    This rear lift is also fairly simple to do since they come pre-assembled. Simply R&R.

    These lifts can be found at: Here is a link to Alcan:
    http://www.alcanspring.com/making.htm

    Body Lift $325.95 http://www.suspensionconnection.com/...scon/5603.html
    This is a lift that is Achieved by adding spacers to the body mounting points. This lift essentially increases the distance between the frame and the cab. This lift requires other parts such as fuel line extension, bumper brackets, and larger fender skirts to hide the increased gap, between the fender and the frame. You will also need to extend the steering unit.

    CT link basically cover same info:
    http://www.customtacos.com/tech/index.php?article=137


    Upper Control "A" arms (UCA's)

    UCA's are The A arms at the top of your Indipendant Front Suspension

    I will cover 2 Brands Camburg, and Total Chaos. There are others like All Pro or DR, but since I have No first hand experience with these I'll let others chime in on them.

    Camburg UCA's: from my experience, and from what Camburg has informed me about, were designed to give greater clearance to accommodate larger coil over coils. They are NOTdesigned to correct alignment issues, caused by the addition of a 3" lift.

    Total Chaos: These are UCA's specifically designed to help correct the alignment issue caused by the addition of a 3" lift.

    All Pro: Are also designed to correct Alignment issues.

    Here are some links to read in reguards to UCA's.

    Install:
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t171569.html
    Non-sense reading:
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t186179.html
    Problems with Camburg
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t171670.html
    Comparison:
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t173282.html

    Wheels and tire:
    (Thanks to MrGrimm)
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t184562.html

    Wheel Spacers (If you would like to run your stock rims? I recommend these)
    http://www.4x4rockshop.com/scripts/p...dproduct=10887


    Q&A links
    Can you use your stock shocks with a coil lift?

    YES! But remember with a 3" lift the stock shocks will only have about 1" of down travel.
    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t189189.html

    Bilstein 5100: This lift is also at it's full extent it will have only about 1" of down travel.

    http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t182621.html

    Both of these lifts are limited by the length of the shock. Both will have a jarring sensation when traveling over bumps at speed.

    OME makes longer shocks which are designed for a 3" lift. This will allow better articulation of your suspension. BUT! Remember with the increased travel you will need longer brake lines.

    "possible issues"

    -After you lift your truck, and find that at speed it wanders all over the road?
    -You need a set of UCA's to correct you alignment.

    -Remember that mostly everything you alter on your truck's suspension will have an affect on other components.

    -Excessive wear on CV boots due to increased angle.
    -You can install a differential drop.

    -Rear drive line vibration or shudder.
    -Carrier bearing drop. (IMHO not a good idea)
    -Tom Woods one piece drive shaft. (So far this seems to be the only cure)

    Tire rubbing:

    Although the height is increased with a lift? The size of the wheel/fender opening remains the same.
    So in actuality the stock 265's are the biggest tire that can articulate and clear through 98% of the suspensions range of movement.

    The 285's is more for aesthetics and looks rather than serious offroading.

    If you choose to run 285's, with a 3" lift, and you want to do some serious offroading? Then you may need to cut away a portion of you front body mount, to allow the tire free movement while doing full turns.

    But don't be mistaken with this set up you can still do some great offroading! You just may encounter some rubbing of your tires.

    Please take everything I have stated with a "grain of salt" and decide for yourself!

    Good Luck!
    Note: I am not the author of the above quote and am in no way attempting to take credit for Toku's work.
     
    JDawg562 likes this.
  7. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:34 PM
    #7
    LAoffroadin

    LAoffroadin BURY ME WITH MY TACO!!

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    ICON stage 5 coilers w/ ICON ucas, dakar leaf pack with Fox rears, k&n cai, LED cab light, raceline 16 inch wheels , toyo m/t 33",painted front yota emblem gloss white, retrofit headlights with mirrimoto 3 " lenses running the 6k headlights. Bhlm, bestopper, wet okole seat covers (max 4), weather tech mats,winch with piaa fogs. All pro apex front bumper. Sliders etc
    fyi that was copy/pasted from the suspension forum
     
  8. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:39 PM
    #8
    ProjectWhiteWidow

    ProjectWhiteWidow [OP] Member

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  9. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:41 PM
    #9
    DustStorm4x4

    DustStorm4x4 BBC 2020

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    Very good knowledge that every newbie should read.
     
  10. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:43 PM
    #10
    T4RFTMFW

    T4RFTMFW Well-Known Member

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    He took another members post and quoted him without quoting him.
     
  11. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:43 PM
    #11
    LAoffroadin

    LAoffroadin BURY ME WITH MY TACO!!

    Joined:
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    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joshua
    Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2012 offroad 4x4
    ICON stage 5 coilers w/ ICON ucas, dakar leaf pack with Fox rears, k&n cai, LED cab light, raceline 16 inch wheels , toyo m/t 33",painted front yota emblem gloss white, retrofit headlights with mirrimoto 3 " lenses running the 6k headlights. Bhlm, bestopper, wet okole seat covers (max 4), weather tech mats,winch with piaa fogs. All pro apex front bumper. Sliders etc
    no worries, thats what taco world is all about, pay it forward and wheel on
     
  12. Jan 10, 2016 at 10:44 PM
    #12
    LAoffroadin

    LAoffroadin BURY ME WITH MY TACO!!

    Joined:
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    Member:
    #73783
    Messages:
    1,780
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joshua
    Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2012 offroad 4x4
    ICON stage 5 coilers w/ ICON ucas, dakar leaf pack with Fox rears, k&n cai, LED cab light, raceline 16 inch wheels , toyo m/t 33",painted front yota emblem gloss white, retrofit headlights with mirrimoto 3 " lenses running the 6k headlights. Bhlm, bestopper, wet okole seat covers (max 4), weather tech mats,winch with piaa fogs. All pro apex front bumper. Sliders etc
    as i stated i did whats wrong with helping someone... maybe your ego is hurting because i proved you wrong its okay buddy ill still be your friend
     

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