Avoiding the "California" lean

I've made the decision to go with the Bilstein 6112/5120 set up, with an AAL from headstrong.com. I want to have it pre assembled when it arrives. Headstrong obviously can't make guarantees as to how set up will work on trucks. My question is this.....What setting is typically used with this set up to give lift while avoiding the California lean?

 

See write up in my sig.

By California lean I assume you mean sitting front end higher than rear. If you want it exactly level you need to measure front hub to bottom of fender both sides then rear hub to bottom of fender. What's the difference for your truck? Every truck is slightly different but there should be about 1" to 1.5" more lift in rear from factory. I wanted to maintain a slight rake (little higher in rear) to compensate for when I do haul or tow a light load so I did not shoot for completely level.

So let's say you measure and the front is coming in at 20 inches center of hub to bottom of fender. Rear is at 21 inches based on that measurement. That means if you add 2" lift to the front the truck would need at least 1" in the rear to maintain a level stance. However both front and rear will probably settle slightly over a period of weeks and 500 to 1000 miles and it's based on many factors that really are hard to predict. My recommendation with 6112 and 5160 with the AAL is going to be dependant on your vehicle trim (DCSB? 4x4?) When you lift you need to be ready to deal with these changes and possibly needing to go back and make adjustments. This is also why in my write up I suggest buying a lifetime alignment and doing or at least understanding that the ecgs bushing replacement will likely be needed.

If youre questioning taco lean (one side sits lower than other) this is already covered in the 6112 assembly instructions that come with the coilovers and can be viewed on headstrong site. You'll want driver side assembly to be 1 notch higher than passenger side. That gives essentially a 1/4" lift to keep the truck level from left to right. The reason they lean (all tacos do it) is because of design and weight distribution, fuel tank battery etc all on one side of vehicle. It affects all generations of Tacoma to my knowledge. Again search is your friend this has been discussed many many times over the years in the forums all you have to do is put the time in to read and understand it. Recommend you read my entire write up in it's entirety including the questions asked and discussed in the pages following it.

 

That's pretty helpful, thanks man.

Yeah, I'm referring to the front riding higher. I've got a 17 DB/OR. I'll do some measuring.

 

I went with the 1.5" progressive AAL in rear and set the fronts at #5 drivers side and #4 passenger side. Truck has maybe +1" height difference in rear but to me looks more level than it was from factory. I think if you wanted it closer to level you could be ok with #6/#5 notch settings on the third gen 6112s. It is a very mild lift but it rides amazingly well! It improved ride both on and offroad.

 

I like a little rake like it comes from the factory. Level would be the max I would want. My big thing is ride quality, so I'm glad you said it's an improvement. Do you have any noise from the AAL?

 

Nope it's great.

 

Do you have any pics?

 

Yes in my write up they're up to date

 

Had the 6112's installed 2 weeks ago..great upgrade...not as " bouncy" as the stock OR shocks but the ride is not harsh at all.I did #3/4 setting as I wanted just a slight raise in front but maintain rake.....a BIG improvement on cornering however, way less lean on bends and corners......still running stock rear shocks as the 5160's are on backorder..should have them today actually..

FYI for us Canuks in Ontario....Toyota dealer wanted almost $500 a piece for the 5160's, performance Improvments and Karbelt and others wanted around $390 a piece....there is a Bilstien supplier in Vancouver and I got them from that supplier........$260 each free shipping.

 

That blows man. Wonder how much shipping would be from headstrong. You have any pics of your truck?

 

What was the name of the supplier? I’m from Vancouver so it would be quite convient since I’m looking for that setup.