The $100 lift

So for about $100, all in and I went and lifted my truck a solid 2.5". Top plate spacer and a s-10 blazer spring packs sourced from the local pull it yard. Pulling the 3rd leaf from the donor vehicle is all I needed giving me a 37" AAL.

My take is that none of these leveling lifts relocate any of the mounting points of the suspension thus the suspension is moving through the same arc. Does not matter if it's a top plate, spring spacer, or relocating the perch on the bilsteins they all just push the A arms downward in the same arc. How you do it can effect ride quality....

So why not keep my variable rate coils that are already compensate for the lean? I like the ride and it still has that great ride. This picture shows the leaf pack loose to see the spring arcs. Still using the over load, I wanted the extra spring rate and blocks would require longer u-bolts.


Final result still has the factory rake. I have 50 miles on it, I am not sure if using a used spring if it will settle anymore. Stil on factory 265/70/16

After taking measurements I would say one more item is needed and that is a new bumpstop(wheelers comes to mind) for the front. This lift route appears to me that the shock could bottom before the suspension does.


So for about $100 it can be done!

 

@4WD

 

Any popping from the rear end? I can see things wanting to top out

 

There are no noises but are you thinking the springs will pop out side to side? The S-10 spring pack came with a spring clamp that can I use but I have not seen anything yet and the overloads offer protection as well.

 

no....... shocks over extending was my thought.

 

Certainly not in the front, Compression yes which is why to improve this lift it needs a new bump stop. I have not lost any upward range but with out the proper bump stop it would be possible the shock bottoms first and that would be bad. For the rear the suspension droop was and is still is only limited by the shock. so no change there.
quick edit: i did see about a 1/4 in compression in the spring coil when re-installed.

 

exactly..... ive always believed bone stock that the rear shocks were too short.

 

Driveline vibrations?

 

I'm no expert in suspensions but I wouldn't expect the s10 leafs to last very long. I wonder how many miles they have on them.

 

i wouldn't expect a 100$ suspension to last long...

 

Shocks can't overextend. They are perfectly fine acting as droop limiters.

 

Yep props to OP. One of the only guys to install a spacer lift, properly measure and understand that the bumps need be modified so the shock does not act as a bumpstop.

 

I agree Nice job OP.

 

Obviously I know the conventional wisdom of the forum so I could have done this and not said a thing, but in the spirit of bench racing discussion and for a mere Benjamin in the whole project, I think it will go the distance and when it comes time to upgrade shocks I will make that investment.

I am running factory coils and "pre-seasoned" leaf springs-heck 20+ -I think it was an early 90's model . I am actually sitting a little high in the rear so a little settling would be welcomed. If one wanted they could move to the pick-ups. Just my opinion but I think if you use the domestic p/u springs you are getting a heavier rated spring.

For the rear- This is nothing more than taking the Jeep XJ bastard pack idea and applying to a Tacoma. Plenty of trail tested rigs using this. EDIT addition- As I mentioned this is a 37" AAL -I think that is substantially longer than what I have seen offered.

 

Nice job, OP! Looking forward to hearing how it does.

 

I took a quick tape to it while building, I measured a 1" increase. Sounds about right when you consider that top plate spacer (all inboard to the spindle) is 1 3/8 thick. I think the wheelers part should address the concern-

 

I just learned differently thats all. Your lift, your truck, and your money. When you post on a site like this. You'll get support, advice and b.s. but just know that mostly it only matter what makes you happy. i started with a 100$ lift. learned QUICKLY that i should have gone a different route but hey ya never know good luck brother

 

shock3d.......... not rlly