2nd gen Ride quality

Do you still have the stock tires? If they are the Dunlop grand treks, that is a big part of the problem. The sidewalls are flimsy paper thin shit.

 

If you don't install the aal in the rear the truck should be pretty close to level. TBH I've never done the front with out doing the rear and I put a 3 leaf aal in the rear when I did it which will make it too high in the rear for what you want. It just makes sense if you can raise the front 1 1/2" and the rear the same it should look like it does now just 1 /2" taller, if that makes sense

 

Yep a heavier tire could help as well

 

The lowest notch.

I loved the way the truck rode with stock coils on the third notch. It was just a little stiffer than my 885s.

Be wary of exact measurements. Your truck will likely experience a different lift than others. We all have different things in and on our trucks, even for the same body styles. RC, AC, DCSB, DCLB will all get a different lift from the same springs. Then you add the armor, tool boxes, etc. that each person has put on his or her truck. You get different results every time.

Edit: I might as well add that 4.0 vs 2.7 and 4x4 vs 2wd make a difference in how much lift you'll get too.

 

Another option could be to find some used TRD-OR shocks and springs. They are a little bit stiffer and could probably be found for pretty cheap. I know I definitely wouldn't say my truck rides soft.

 

It’s fine to use the higher settings with stock coils. That’s what 5100’s are made for. I think he means set them at zero with aftermarket coils, because they are longer and will provide the lift you want.

 

I put an Icon Stage 1, levels the truck. Did stop the boat feel. Roadmaster in the rear raises it about an inch, helps much with hauling weight. Overall minimal lift, better ride and function.

 

Yep your absolutely right. Just because something works a certain way for me it may not for anyone else. I guess what I was really trying to tell him is this setup would give him a stiffer ride as these were 620# coils and a minimal lift. As you stated this could greatly very with equipment. When I installed this setup it was on a 4wd AC 4cyl and it gave me the stated lift no armor or anything at the time. But yeah with a different truck this could vary

 

U can, but ride will be a little stiffer and not really desirable to preload shocks if you drive anything other than pavement

 

I've got 265-70-16 Michelin Defenders (MS2). 4.0 Double cab, short bed.

 

OK 2 questions then. 1. how much tread is left on them because it'll cost more to replace the tires than most of the suggested lifts you've been recommended so far. 2. what are the tires rated P ?

 

Just out of curiosity-- what result would I see by just putting 5100s in the stock coils + rear ??
(And leaving everything else as is)

I'm trying to understand the relationship between the shocks/coils.

 

This is what's great about these trucks. The options are endless, allowing us to personalize a mass produced vehicle. They can do everything and we fine tune them to our uses.

 

P-rated. Near New. Maybe 10k miles on them.

 

5100s are valved differently than stock shocks, but it would just be a smoother ride. Not stiffer.

 

Yeah if your happy with the tire then I wouldn't pay all the money to replace them. I don't but there are plenty of folks on here that run 5100's with stock coils and like them. Maybe better to just spend $220 on a set of 5100's and maybe have them installed just set at the second notch, the .85 setting. It'll stiffen them up just a little and maybe level the truck in the front and see what ya think. This just might solve your issues. If not you can always add an aal to the rear with a single leaf aal I believe your safe using your stock shocks as well. The fact you'll have to pay to have this done doesn't help as it will probably double the cost. It would be nice if you had some local members who could help you and do it yourself it's really not difficult the only thing you'd have to farm out then might be compressing the coils to install them.

 

Maybe not if he peloads it just a little like on the .85 setting.

 

True. Slight preload will give a slightly stiffer ride. Might be perfect.

 

I'm honestly surprised to hear your suspension feels too soft. My '05 Prerunner with 115k feels pretty darn good and it's on it's original shocks. How many miles do you have on yours?

 

I swear for what OP wants I think the Billies in the front with stock coils and set at .85 is where I'd start. This may be enough to give him just what he wants at a minimal exspense. If the back still feels a little weak throwing a single aal will stiffen it up some and give him back what? Factory rake possibly? I still think I'd start with just the front and see but this is just my opinion as I agree with your previous statement these trucks do all react differently.