The Lifting Your 5 Lug Guide

I am seeing a lot of people asking how to lift your 5 lug and what options are out there. I thought I would start this guide to help answer most of these questions and to make it a source for future reference. Keep in mind I will be updating this with pictures and more extensive write-ups in the near future. Feel free to add input.


2nd GEN

Front Lift Options:

• Spacer Lift:

Spacer Lift - This is one of the cheapest and controversial ways of lifting the front end. Spacers mount between your strut and strut tower. They come in various sizes but usually the max for our trucks is a 1.5" spacer that gives you 2.75" of Lift. Most companies advertise their respective products as a 2.75" lift so don't be alarmed when the spacers that show up are only 1.5". There is also a true 3" lift sold by various sellers.
https://youtu.be/7w_Hg8JoKLY
Available Products:
Fat Bobs: http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-2wd-5-lug-275-front-lift-kit-2005-2017-p7630.aspx

ReadyLift: https://www.readylift.com/2-75-sst-lift-kit-toyota-tacoma-5-lug-2005-2018.html

Pro Comp:

Pro Comp 65660K 2.75" Front 1.75" Rear Suspension Lift Kit for 5-Lug Tacoma 2WD

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-Comp-65660K-Suspension-Tacoma/dp/B005GDZQYQ

True 3": https://www.ebay.com/itm/Steel-Front-3-Leveling-Lift-Kit-Toyota-Tacoma-5-Lug-2005-2017-2WD/332296074485?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&rmvSB=true

Notes: You will need a spring compressor to install any front spacer lift. Most local auto stores will rent them out.​

Aftermarket Upper and Lower Control Arms:

Total Chaos UCAs - The TC UCAs are now a rare find since being discontinued. If you manage to get your hands on this kit you can use these with aftermarket coil-overs to have more of a mid travel setup. Lift will vary.

Notes: Icon Vehicle Dynamics 58605 2.5" Coilovers 0-2.5" lift are now discontinued so keep that in mind. This was the only coilover to be used with the TC setup. There is no current replacement to this coilover on the market.






Total Chaos Taquito Long Travel Kit - The holy grail of our 5lug models. At a price tag of $3k this kit will get you 13" where it counts. At this time, this is the farthest you can go without extensive fabrication.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50rwpVi_5rU

https://offroadwarehouse.com/i-11651862-total-chaos-05-5lug-taquito-long-travel-kit-saw.html


Photo Credit: stupid hurts.

American Motorsports LT - The kit will get 18-20 inches of wheel travel depending on if you use a 10 inch or 12 inch coil overs also a bypass shock will fit right next to the coil overs inside the upper arm. The kit is 6 inches over stock and depending on your wheel offset it will put you around 90-93 inches wide. The kit includes 2-upper control arms, new upper control arm mounts, 2-lower controls arm, 2- spindles, full heim steering with clevis and all hardware needed to bolt the kit on. Coil overs/bypasses are not included with the kit. The kit cost $4000, new fox coil overs with coils $1450, new fox bypass shocks $1750 fox bump stops with cans $525.

American Motorsports
1914 W. Mission Rd Ste. H
Escondido CA 92029
760-802-0010
www.american-motorsports.net

Notes: Keep in mind when you go to mid/long travel, you will need extended brake lines.​

Rear Lift Options:

• Add a Leaf/ Leaf Pack:

AAL(Add a Leaf) - This requires you to add an overload leaf between the leafs in your leaf pack. There are various AALs out there so lift will vary depending on which you go for.

Available Products:

Fat Bobs: http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-5-lug-rear-add-a-leaf-lift-kit-2wd-1995-2017-p7921.aspx

ReadyLift: https://www.readylift.com/2-75-sst-lift-kit-toyota-tacoma-5-lug-2005-2018.html

Icon: https://offroadwarehouse.com/i-1016...urrent-toyota-tacoma-00-06-toyota-tundra.html





Aftermarket Leaf Pack - This will replace your factory leaf pack on your truck and add lift depending on what product you go with. This can increase your load rating as an added benefit.

​

• Shackle Flip Kits/Shackles:

Shackle Flip Kits - This will give you roughly 1" of lift and most kits will require you to remove the existing shackle mounts.



Available Products:

ArmorTechOffroad: http://www.armortechoffroad.com/2005--2015-Tacoma-Universal-Shackle-Flip-Kit_p_334.html

Install Write-up:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/armor-tech-offroad-2005-2015-tacoma-universal-shackle-flip-kit-install.521459/

Aftermarket Shackle - These can get you up to 1.25" of lift but can only be used with shackle flip kits.

Available Products:
http://www.armortechoffroad.com/05-15-Tacoma-HD-Replacement-Shackle_p_402.html​

Theoretical Alternatives:
Everything in this section should be treated as theoretical alternatives to products that are no longer in production and should not be viewed as substitutes until proven

• The Chopping Block

(unproven) Tacoma 5 Lug Coilover Adapter Plate Products:
Slick&Dirty Motorsports:
http://slickanddirtymotorsports.com/product/05-15-toyota-tacoma-5-lug-x-runner/​

What doesn't work 2nd gen:

Spindle Lift - These are not currently available for a 2nd gen.

Rear Blocks - This will not work on our 5 lug trucks since our leafs go under the axle and not over. Putting blocks between the leafs and axle on 5 lug models will result in lowering them.​

 

Coming Soon

1st Gen

How to lift the front:

Spacer Lift:
Spacer Lift Available Products:

Fat Bobs: http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota...er-leveling-kit-2wd-5lug-1995-2004-p2125.aspx

Spindle Lifts Available Products:

Fabtech FTS4130-7: http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-2wd-5-lug-fabtech-3-spindle-lift-1995-2004-p2138.aspx



How to lift the rear:

AAL Available Products:

Fat Bobs: http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/rear-suspension-c13344.aspx

Icon: https://offroadwarehouse.com/i-1016...urrent-toyota-tacoma-00-06-toyota-tundra.html

Aftermarket Leaf Pack Available Products:

Deaver Suspension: https://www.deaverspring.com/products/toyota-leaf-springs/tacoma-2wd4wd-6-lug-1998-2004/

Shackle Flip Kits Available Products:

Fat Bobs: http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota...hackle-lift-kit-2wd-5lug-1995-2004-p8506.aspx

 

Future Refrence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=271&v=XSziuN_ajhc

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2006-turbo-puddle-jumper.456033/

http://www.chaosfab.com/2005-2015-Tacoma-Dual-Shock-Hoop-Kit-86602

http://paradiseracing.com/shop/2rz3...c-machined-ptfe-teflon-thermal-intake-gasket/

 

Reserved lol

I documented all my lifting experience in my thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-lift-progress-with-photos.446409/

Since you got lift options I'll do shocks

We just really need a mod to make one of these a sticky thread @tcBob (please give us 5 lugs a little love...we know you had one )

Added 7/26/18

So here's the reason we can't use 2nd 6 lug shocks up front (probably one of the most asked questions). It's mainly because of the extra inches in the bottom of the shocks. It's runmored that 1st gen shocks might work but it has not been test. One day I hope to get ahold of some blown shocks to test fit.

Also please note this is the Bilstien 4600 hd shock with a 3 in spacer and still isn't close





Also for giggles hers the travel numbers for stock suspension (I think) I calculated 8". I'm going to remeasure once I get my uppers installed to compare.

Up


And now down

 

Here's some YouTube videos related to lifting 2nd gen 5 lugs

 

I see everyone say that you can’t find the TC UCAs, but I found them here
https://www.offroadshocks.com/tacoma-total-chaos-upper-control-arms-5-lug.html
Does anyone know if this source is reliable?

 

Usually when you call they will say they are out of stock or discontinued. If you have found a source, let me know and I will add it to the list above.

 

Updated w/ pictures

 

Update: I believe this covers most of it. I will keep updating with possible products I find as well as future write ups. If anybody wants to give input on first gens, I'm all ears since I am not an expert on that platform.

 

Armor Tech Offroad Shackle flip kit write-up added.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ma-universal-shackle-flip-kit-install.521459/

 

@steele-taco

 

Anybody have any reference on lifting a 1st gun 5lug 2wd?

 

Gonna need a picture of the bed too for a friend.

 

Outstanding! I only wish that i lived in a region where that could actually be used.

 

I'm sure you can find big enough pot holes where you live lol

 

Define Pre-Load: Pre-Load is how much the springs have been pre-loaded with zero pre-load being the point at which the springs, spring plate, and coil nut adjuster are touching with no play. The amount of threads showing above the coil nut adjuster is NOT that same as pre-load.

per-load: no more then 3” of threads should be showing above coil nut adjustment if you do its a good chance you need new springs. Could be the same spring rate just need longer spring. 550 pound spring with 18” coil and compress it 2” that means I have 550+550=1100 pounds of pre -load

Each 1inch “ compressed =550 in each space of the coilover that how I got 2” compressed is 550+550=1,000 pounds of pre- load

If you have a 550 pound spring it takes 550 pounds to compress the spring one inch.

Linear spring rate: every inch the spring compresses the heavier the spring rate gets. Heavier the spring shock moves less and faster the buck. Lighter the spring shock mover more slower the buck. meaning you want lighter spring rate with a good valving, want to be using 90% of your shock but not bottoming out hard. The shock controls the movement of the springs. Spring rate should be as light as possible but hold up the vehicle weight and desired ride height, With not add alot of pre-load.

When it comes time to pick a spring this is what you will need:

2.0 takes 2.5 spring

2.5 take 3.0 spring

3.0 take 3.75 spring

Vehicle Sits 1 to 3 Inches Below Ride Height:

If, under the full weight of the vehicle, your springs settle 1 to 3 inches below the desired ride height, then you will simply need to add that amount of pre-load to your coilovers.

Vehicle Sits More than 3 Inches Below Ride Height:

If the coilovers settle more than 3 inches below your desired ride height, or are fully collapsed, then you will need to change your springs.

Vehicle Sits Above Ride Height:

If, under its own weight, the vehicle sits above your desired ride height, then you will need to change your springs

Linear spring rate, every inch the spring compresses the heavier the spring rate gets. Heavier the spring shock moves less and faster the buck. Lighter the spring shock mover more slower the buck. meaning you want lighter spring rate with a good valving, want to be using 90% of your shock but not bottoming out hard. The shock controls the movement of the springs. Spring rate should be as light as possible but hold up the vehicle weight and desired ride height.