Old Man Emu setups on 1st gens

Being a reg cab 4 cyl, you might be better suited with the 880 coil. I have no experience with them, but its a thought. I am much happier with the ride height of my extra cab 4 cyl with 881s now that I have a bumper and skids than I was without the weight.

 

Found my notes the correct 4600 will be 1in longer then Toyota shocks.
The 880's claim 1.5 inches if you have bumper ect after break in the 4600 should work. The correct part number is next there

$95 24-022842 4600 Series Front Shock fits 1995 2004 Tacoma 4WD - Monotube Design, Fade Free Performance

24-022842. You can see why the Old Man Emu shocks top out when you have over 2in of lift. I tried to track down the Oem free spring length for comparison, but no luck at the dealer parts houses.

 

I'd get in touch with @HeadStrong Off-Road (they're active on the forums) regarding the Dakars, I know for my '97 they said I'd have to do an exhaust relocation and potentially other modifications for them to fit.

 

You don't have to relocate the exhaust. Rather, you have to relocate one of the exhaust hangers using a $12 bracket they sell. Or you can skip that and chop the exhaust before the last hanger.

 

I have a 2004 RC 4X4 with a shell on the back. I have 880's up front with OME Nitrochargers all around and Deaver J-59 leafs. I would not describe the 880's as "plush". They seem fairly stiff to me but then, this is a truck. I am very happy with the suspension all around. I've had over 700 lbs in the bed for a 1500 round trip and never even knew the weight was back there. Really weird since this is a 2.7 and I live in the mountain states.

Anyway, for a 2.7 RC 4X4 my guess is you'll be very happy with the 880's and the OME Nitrochargers unless you plan on installing armor, bumpers and winches. I don't do a ton of wheeling either and when I do it is on mild dirt single track. I have done some far more serious off-roading and never had a problem but since this is my DD I can't see the point in thrashing it just for fun. However, as I have found out, it will go far more places than I care, or need, to take it. I've been on ATV trails with it. It's quite amazing where a stock, 2.7 RC with even stock suspension will go. Very amazing. That was when I first got it with the stock, worn out suspension. I just don't do it anymore.

Mine does ride better on road and off with about 500 lbs in the bed.

 

Just incase anyone needs this. Its extremely simple but always good to see what your setting into before doing something.
Basically 2 short videos of how to add an additional leaf to your Dakar spring set.
Hopefully it will help someone out one day.

https://youtu.be/v2Rrvym6qmQ

https://youtu.be/o7UE5edOR9g

 

Can some one please tell me where exactly the AAL goes? Like the order? My OME leaf pack has 7 leafs. Does the AAL go at the top or in between 2 of the other leafs? If so which 2 leafs?

 

I am about to install the full OME kit. I made the mistake of lifting with blocks and no diff drop and blew 2 inner boots. I also just noticed that my rear axel seems to be further back towards the rear of the truck. Is this normal after a lift? Or should it be centered with the fender? The gap between the tire and the fender towards the front of the truck is bigger than the back gap. The shaft looks like a slipped a couple of inches as well. Im a newbie to trucks. So when I installed the block lift myself I never thought to consider axel movement. Can i please get some knowledge dropped on me before i delve into the OME install? Thanks TW

 

I believe you need an axle relocation bracket. Seems to be a common problem with tacoma lifts. Here is link to one:
allprooffroad.com/shop/axle-relocation-plates/

 

What I did was just install it after the 5th. Just make sure the size of the one bellow is shorter and the one above is longer.

 

Double thanks sir.

 

Heres my recent install

before/after:

 

Looks great, but why did you ditch the steelys

 

I wanted a slightly wider wheel and wanted to save a little weight. The new tires are 285/75/r17 (34") and with that size I knew they'd be significantly heavier then the 31" KO2's. I have also really admired the look of the SCS F5 wheels.

 

Hey everybody first I want to thank everyone for all their helpful info throughout this thread.

I'm in the process of putting this lift together for my 04 tacoma but I'm gonna use some some takoff oem springs to save a few bucks( hi mileage truck). Also installing wheelers add a leaf. However the springs appear to be slightly different and I was hoping someone on here could help me figure which side is left/right. Thanks in advance

 

When I was digging up info on springs, I called a few dealers to get the spring rate and height. They couldnt tell me anything but they are the same part number, and no different side to side.

 

Thanks adude

 

Do OME Dakar rear spring packs count? My son has had squeaks with his ome springs on his 2006 tacoma.

 

Truck is running General springs regular duty leaf springs with a ,slightly cut down, 1.5 AAL from wheelers. THe front springs are the stockers on 5100s on the middle notch, 3 postion bilsteins.

I need another inch of lift in the front. My plan is to ditch the stock front springs and go with OME 881 springs. I'm hoping that will give me another inch and allow me to move the adjuster on the strut back to the bottom.

Any thoughts?

 

Very nice Taco! love the look of the wheels and tires.