ARB BP51 THREAD -- 3RD GEN

I'm running BP-51's with SPC UCA's, Total Chaos Spindles, weld-on cam tab weld ons, OME Dakars leaf pack, and a carrier bearing drop. Going back to the clamshell bushing topic, I started to get vibrations on cold starts.. when I engaged 4x4 the vibrations stopped. After installing the ECGS clamshell bushing on the driver side my truck rides smooth as butter

What adjustments is everyone running for compression and rebound?

 

I'm all the way down on reb/comp on front/rear. Will be adding some compression back to the fronts and just a slight reb in front too.

 

Im on the fence about the BP-51s. I was really leaning towards ADS or King but I feel like the ext travel isn't as important to me as internal bypass and compression and rebound control. I mostly do light to moderate wheeling and overlanding. How are you guys liking your set ups after some time? I'm also torn on UCAs. I was hesitant about SPCs because of some of the early issues they had. I really like the Camburg Ball joint UCAs but hear that they might allow for much positive caster. Opinions?

 

Curious, what type of load do you normally carry? Have you looked into JBA’s for the uca’s?

 

Max rear load around 600-700. I got about 120 in sliders and I will have 150 - 200 with bumper and skids... so close to 1000 over stock, max load. I have looked at JBAs but I would want to go with the HD version for the gusseting, I feel like SPC and Camburg are built stronger than the regular JBAs and they are cheaper then the HDs. Also, that max load would be on rare occasions, and I am seriously debating about a low pro bumper instead of a full plate, to bring the weight down. My old Tacoma had a lot of weight and all the time and I am trying to keep this one a little more agile.

 

I have looked at these shocks but I currently don ah e any load. I’m still just trying to figure out which ones but have been looking at the bp-51 and ads.

 

From everything I have read about ADS they seem outstanding. The materials they use seem to be the most corrosion resistant of all the the options. The one thing that interests me with the BP-51s is the internal bypass, that is a really great feature for the price.

 

Just finished a Thanksgiving trip and logged in about 1k miles on the trip alone and about 2.5k miles since install. Right before my trip I had a second alignment done and they did have to adjust the toe since it was out. Guessing the suspension settled more. Well my truck is definitely improved. I wouldn't say it rides like a Cadillac but is smoother in certain situations. My observation was that on winding roads going up and down hills on the freeway I felt better control than before. And then everytime I was on a dirt road if I picked up the pace it smoothed out better than before this suspension. One other thing, is I did have a heavy load in the rear with equipment and my camper, so the rear sagged just a small bit. And due to Black Friday sales picked up an RTT. So today I ordered the

$74 D29xl Old Man Emu Dakar Extra Leaf Spring

D29xl AALs. I'm not looking forward to pulling leafs again but it's gotta be done to lift the rear. Forum member Wildpeak had once recommended the AAls in the past but it wasn't as much an issue before all the extra added weight.

 

Hey @Volksparts ! How are you liking the suspension now? I'm seriously considering snagging it.

 

I think I pretty much maintain the same feeling about the suspension that I had several months ago. It's not as I would say the smoothest of rides like a Cadillac. But where it really does shine is when I'm on the freeway going on windy roads it handles really well. My old spacer lift I felt like I had to slow down for curved roads at high speeds. And when I'm on the trails I can go pretty fast without it jarring me too much like a stock setup. I also think that the height with this lift gives me some great clearance where my buddies scraped on the trails I had no issues. And lastly, it just has the cool as f*** look when everybody looks at my suspension.

 

Can someone tell me if I'm seeing this correctly, the thing I assumed to be a stone shield is on the back side of the shock. Shouldn't that be on the forward side? Seems like it isn't going to do much except pack in with mud.

 

What size tires do you think you could fit?

 

Yeah it should be facing forward.

Hodakaguy

 

I'm running the same suspension with 285/75-R16 tires and zero offset wheels. Will need a Cab Mount Shop for clearance.

Hodakaguy

 

What's your lift amount at? I know your running a lot of weight but just curious...

I have the bp-51s too, but running the set up with no weight... I have it setup for 2.25 inches of lift at all 4 corners. I'm starting to spec out my next set of tires. At 265 70 17s now and curious if 2 inches of lift up front was enough to clear 285 70 17s (would be the same as your 285 75 16s)

 

I'm running 285 and they just fit. I'm not thrilled over the idea of a cmc so I just deal with a bit of rub for now.

 

I just got my kit in today and can’t wait to start on it tomorrow, I’ve done several lifts but this will be my first of this magnitude so hopefully all goes well. My question for the group is, when removing the upper control arm through bolt has anyone put back in in reverse to make it easier? I’ve been searching the gen 3 forums but the search function has become so saturated it’s difficult to find anything these days.

 

I was planning on doing this myself but I found there wasn't enough clearance to install the bolts backwards. I have quite a few pics of the BP-51 install process on my build thread if it helps: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hodakaguys-overland-tacoma-builds-on-to-new-adventures.528480/

Hodakaguy

 

Thanks man! Great write up, I’m about to start the rear right now.

 

How did you actually remove one leaf and which one? The rear of my truck is sitting way higher than the front. No weight on it.

Tha ks!