front end suspension issues.

Hey everyone, Im looking for some recommendations here. Im having some problems with the front end of my 97 tacoma bottoming out whenever i go through any kind of a dip. At first i assumed the coil springs and the shocks were worn out, which they were, so i replaced them with oem replacements from the local dealer. After all was said and done, its only scraping on about half of the dips that it used to. Im trying to figure out if theres any other part of the front end suspension that could cause this to happen. Any and all help would be much appreciated.

 

Post pic of the gap between lca and bump stop

 

^ pictures

I'll assume this is not a Pre-runner nor 4WD

But the mini Taco... that sits lower to the earth ?

Bottoming out on the bump stops ?
What size tires ?

Has the suspension been altered ?

 

I just bought the truck last year. Its the sr5 model 4cyl, 5 speed manual, not the prerunner or the 4wd model. I havent altered the suspension at all, but there have been a few previous owners before myself. I dont believe its hitting the bump stops, but either the front end is actually scraping the road as i drive, or the tires are hitting the wheel well. I know the tires arent the stock size and that the old owner put hub spacers on it. 215/70515 is currently whats on there.

 

Pictures would help. If you're sure it's not the bumpstops, then whether it's the tires hitting the body or part of the body/bumper hitting the pavement, there'd likely be very obvious visual rubbing/scraping signs. Have you looked under the truck? In the wheelwell?

 

Ive looked under the truck a few times already, but there was previous damage to the entire undercarriage from the previous owner. Ill get some pictures posted tomorrow to clarify. Is there a simple test to figure out whats possibly hitting down there with all the existing grooves and dings?

 

Truck shouldn't actually hit the ground no matter what. Im wondering if this things got some kinda hacked lowering job done to it.

 

I know it used to be used as a work truck. Is it a possibility that if they put spacers on the rear leaf springs that the front end would be pushed down further than its supposed to be?

 

It should only go down as far as the bump stops will allow.

 

Ill have to check into that after work tomorrow. I know that the bump stops are there, but now I'm wondering if their even the right ones

 

I'm betting it's tire rub
Look for scuff marks inside the wheel well.

If the wheel and tire have the wrong offset/backspacing
it's possible rub is occurrig on the upper control arm.

If you can't determine what the tire is rubbing on...
you could pull the CO and articulate the front suspension manually
as well... turn the steering wheel full left to right when doing so.

What size tire.... pictures

 

215/70515. those should clear fine.

 

I wouldn't place a bet on your opinion.

Stock on a mini was probably 195 or maybe 205
But I honestly don't know what size was factory original on the mini.
'cause I've never owned one and never will.

Not saying they can't be made to fit...
but are likely what is causing the rubbing currently.

 

stock is a 205/75-15. size is so close that there basically the same.

 

Could be simply that the coil springs have settled over time
and tho' those tires didn't rub before, they rub now.

OP were your coil springs swapped for new
when the struts were replaced ?
Or are they still the original coils ?