Newbie Questions about lifts. Help!

Hello all! I posted a month or so ago as i am new to the site and a proud new owner of a Tacoma! I have been through hundreds of threads on this sit about tire size, lift options, etc. I have heard terrible things about spacer lifts/leveling kits and i never plan to do one, but after browsing hundreds of images of trucks just like mine that are entirely stock, it has occurred to me that there may already be one of these dreadful things on my truck! Im going to add some pictures and i need some experienced members to confirm what i think. (sorry I'm not very mechanically inclined )

I purchased the truck used about 1 month ago. It's a 2012. TRD Sport. 4x4 Double Cab. Long bed(or medium i believe, whatever ha).

I took a picture of my rear leaf setup. (looks like there is a block stacked below the leafs?) Which i don't believe is too good.





I also took a picture of the front shock assembly/coilover (looks like a small puck bolted on the top?) Again I'm kind of a newbie so if someone can let me know what they think i appreciate all the input! Thanks!


Edit* I should also add that i am planning on doing the bilstein 5100's on all four corners with the front set at .85 to achieve the proper level, as that seems to be the unanimous favorite around here.

 

Yep that's a spacer lift with rear blocks, how's the ride?

 

Maybe it's just your pic but those leafs look like they are starting to bend the opposite way.

 

I was thinking the same thing.

 

I'm glad I'm not crazy! The ride isn't terrible, but i guess since i don't have stock to compare it to.... I did put aftermarket wheels on it about two weeks ago and since i have noticed a slight vibration at 45-50 mph. Can that have anything to do with this spacer lift? Either way, its coming off!

 

So if they are bending the wrong way, the blocks need to come out ASAP correct?

 

My opinion is they are already done if they are in fact reversing(could be the photo you took that made it look like that). Taking the blocks out won't really change the fact the springs need to be replaced.

 

as mentioned earlier, that's a spacer lift. I think you'll be very happy with 5100's all around, that's what i had before the Icons and was happy with how they handle.

 

Yes blocks kind of suck but Toyota springs suck way more. A 3 leaf aal will help support the leaf pack and provide lift while still riding good and relatively inexpensive. That'll tide you over until you figure out what you really want. I would address the rear before worrying about the front. My .02$

 

looks like there definitely arching the opposite way, mine like just like that (except for the block!!!!) before i had the leaf spring recall done.

 

I have a spacer lift on my truck too. I don't see anything wrong with it if you mainly drive it on the street with light offroad use, which is what I do. It does put a steeper angle on the ball joints, but again, I don't see a problem with it for mainly on road use. I did extend my front bump stops so I don't bottom out my shocks. I definitely wouldn't run this setup if the truck was used hard offroad.

 

Spacer lifts are not terrible things, See my lift link below. Reading your original post what are you exactly trying to fix? If it rides fine run with it, or am I missing something there. As mentioned you may have some tired components just based on the trucks age and new shocks might be in order- if so great time to move up to those 5100's. For the rear you can look at having those springs re arched at a local spring shop, add a leaf to help bring life into your spring pack or go for a new leaf set (from the local shop or online)

 

Not sure if this is any better of a photo?

And I'm not necessarily trying to fix an issue, just trying to identify what i have. Thanks

 

Cant be sure from your pic what you have. Your bottom leaf is the overload it has a negative arch from the factory by design, so that messes with the optics of the photo. If the rest of spring has some positive arch then - if it is flat like it appears then the springs have sagged from original and are tired. Not critical but something worth looking into those options to fix. AAL would the least expensive but the target fix on tired spring pack is replacing that spring pack/having them rearched. Either method you should be able to remove the block.