Old Man Emu setups on 1st gens

No, the general rule is 2.5 but people like to push it.

Some get away with what seems like more only because of where they started. You for instance, you say 2.75 like it's a solid number but my guess is, that is based on where you started. If you start with a particularly saggy suspension, it may seem like you got more lift than the next fella when in fact your 2.75 is identical to my 2.5.

To be really precise with saying what is the threshold of max and too much is nearly impossible but a better measurement is probably the angle you axles sit at in neutral, meaning weight of the vehicle on the suspension, on level ground. Do the fins on the inner boot touch each other? If so, you might have too much lift for long term health of the boots and the CV joint.

 

So what can you do to combat this issue?(other than the obvious and don't go over said length:2.5" or 2.75")

At what point does adding a larger diff drop become detrimental?

 

UCA upgrade for proper alignment

 

The only realistic way to totally control right height is with fully adjustable COs like kings/foxes/icons/etc. Not much you can really do with OME and 5100 type strut assemblies where you have to disassemble to make adjustments.

Hanging added weight off the front is about all you can do which it looks like you've already done. Adding a larger diff drop is not the answer either. Go too far and you add the potential of the front pinion bearing being starved for lubrication. That is the reason all diff drop kits use 1" spacers.

 

how do aftermarket upper control arms going to fix the problem?

 

Here's my OME lift with:
882 coils
1in Daystar Body Lift
295/75/16

 

95.5 single cab. 2.7. Rough country shocks (oem height), old man emu 2881 coils, 10mm poly spacers, and 1.5 wheelers aal out back. 255/75/17 tires.

 

I am running 882's will billstein 5100's at the mid setting. Wanting to replace bumper and bull bar with an ARB winch bull bar bumper, thanks to the deer I hit. I'm figuring this is more weight. I have a double cab 02 and was wondering if anyone has this set up. Or if anyone thought this would lower my front end significantly? Any thoughts would be great.

Thanks ,
Nic

 

The 882 springs are pretty heavy duty. I'm sure it could take most of not all of the weight. It will give you a softer ride for sure, which is probably welcomed. If it sags too much, the 883 will work well.

 

I've got an ARB with 881 coils and Nitrocharchers. The coils with stock front bumper gave me 2.5" over stock (saggy old suspension) before settling a bit. After ARB, they sagged about an inch. Ive ordered 882s to bring me back up a bit.

881s and 882s are the same spring rate, just different lengths. So theoretically, your 882s should sag the same distance.

YMMV as you have Bilsteins on second setting, not Nitrochargers.

 

Start with why you want the new suspension. How much lift are you looking for. Do you even need lift? 235/75/16 will fit fine stock, as do 265/75/16 (maybe "some" massaging with a BFH up front.) For some reason all 265s I've had rub my frame on driver side at full lock, don't know why. 880s should give 1.5"-2" on a 2.7l. 881s on a 2.7 should be closer to 2.5"-3"with no weight up front. After settling, subtract half an inch.

 

Thanks for the reply. Yep, my 265's rub on the drivers side just as yours. Weird. I am running stock suspension I believe. Can't really tell because of the undercoating. The truck does not take bumps well at all. I try to avoid any and all potholes or other road imperfections. 14 years old and the previous owner towed a small bass boat, so I figured if I'm going to change the suspension, why not a little lift? The least amount of lift the better. I don't want any headaches. Just a better ridding vehicle is what I'm after. The 880's sound good to me. What would you recommend for the back? I saw a you-tube video where they just installed new shocks in the rear to achieve some lift. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4d5iV3kDtok&list=PLnzbtqSsYdWo7Gn9167Uh1Y5FVidK3i7Y&index=7
Is that possible? Or do I need leaf, block or AAL? Thanks for the advice.
https://youtu.be/4d5iV3kDtok?list=PLnzbtqSsYdWo7Gn9167Uh1Y5FVidK3i7Y

 

By design, shocks in the rear do not provide any lift. An Add-A-Leaf is a bandaid fix for worn out leaf springs. A replacement leaf pack is a far better solution overall.

Take a look at these: or these:

 

^ what he said.

Shocks are just dampers for a spring (whether it's a coil or leaf).

Go with OME dakars. Never look back. If they are out of your budget, keep saving, they are worth it.

 

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/st...it_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_1998-2004_Tacoma.html

I plan to get this kit. With the 881 coils. (2.7 motor) And the Dakar pack.


Almost to where I have enough saved up.

 

Thanks guys. Yeah, that video didn't seem right. It would have made things alot easier. I spoke to Dan at Wheelers and he said my leaves are probably fine since they are not bowed under. Stock leaves are more on the straight side and he recommended an AAL. What is the difference between the Dakars and the Wheelers pack besides price?

 

Stock height to right after adding the 882 coils, nitro charger sports, and an add a leaf




Going from 882 coils, nitro charger sports and add a leaf to all that plus a 1.25 Daystar body lift



Tires went from 265/75/16 to 295/75/16

 

I'm no professional Taco owner but if you have leaves that are straight? Get rid of 'em if you can afford it and get a brand new leaf pack from an aftermarket company. I waited until mine were in a "frown" until I changed to the J59 Deavers and it was laughable what they looked like once we pulled them out. I have some young guy's I hire for beer that do the really heavy stuff on my Taco. Uh, I do have to keep an eye on them though. Those rednecks like to just slop everything together. I had to make sure they greased all the urethane bushings.

The stock suspension sucks when it is brand new! Change it if you can afford it.

 

Wheelers is doing what is moral by recommending the cheapest route. I bought all my stuff from Wheelers. Over $2000 worth and I'm not sorry in the least bit. They are top notch and in my experience with them they won't rip you off. However, use some common sense. You've read through this entire forum and you should know that stock Tacoma suspension all the way around sucks. If your rear leaves are straight you still have the stock suspension and it sucks. Replace it all and if you can't afford to do it right now talk to Wheeler's and figure out what is best for you. Then get the money together and do it all at once even if you have to wait another year. Bits and pieces isn't going to make you happy. I realize money is tough to come by these days but just do it right the first time and be done with it. Even if you have to wait.