proper way to level Tacoma

Hi All,

I have a 1996 2.7L 4WD Tacoma, I put spring helpers in the back to reduce sag when I have load. The result is the rear is about 1" higher than the front. The front struts do need replacing, which I plan to do, but my impression is this won't give me a 1" in the front right? So, what is the best way to raise up the front just an 1". I've accomplished this with torsion bars, but the 4wd model is spring/strut front suspension.

Spacer in the coil?

Adjustments to the Strut bar?

Is the best way to measure "level" to measure ground to finder/wheel well? Or a level along on the sides of the chassis?

Thanks for the help!

Josh

 

Bilstein 5100's.
http://www.bilsteinus.com/leveling/index.php

 

Bilstein 5100s are your answer

 

Hi Josh, Welcome to TW.
There are several options available. If you are only going up the 1" in front, a 1" lift spacer mounted on top of the compressed coil is a reasonably priced option and does not introduce too much pre-load into the spring. However, lift spacers are not always the best option because you might also compromise a little ride quality.

The Bilsteins mentioned previously are another option as they provide a limited amount of adjust-ability at a moderate price point. With the 5100s you can set your lift at either .85", 1.75" or 2.5".

Another option is adjustable coilover shocks which offer adjust-ability from 0" to 3". COs are the most expensive option.

Curious about your truck. Is it actually a 4-door model Tacoma? Didn't realize there was a double cab model in 96.

 

They did not make the double cab 1st gen's untill 2001 and thats also when the changed the front ends. So Idk why it says that lol.

 

thanks for the help!

yeah, its just the extended cab or access cab, must have clicked the wrong one.

I think the Bilsteins will be a good options, since I need to replace the struts anyways I can kill two birds with one stone at a good price (~$90?).

 

the only accurate way to measure is from the ground to the frame at each corner.

in my opinion, however, 1" of rake doesn't look bad at all. ..makes it sit level when loaded.

 

I've got the Bilsteins set at 2.5 and love it.

 

Hi All,

I can't find the 5100s locally for my truck, and each site I get a different part number....anyone know what will fit the truck?

1996 2.7L Auto 4WD Tacoma, stock suspension.

Thanks!

Josh

 

5100's are tough to find right now because they are in high demand but a low quantity supplied. My advice would be to check this site very often and wait for Down South Motorsports to get some more in stock. They offer discounts to TW members and have awesome customer service. I bought mine from them and it was well worth the wait. But check back often because they sold out last time in 2 days. Here's a link to the 5100's on their website. Bookmark it and check back often. ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE THEY HAVE SOME IN STOCK NOW. JUMP ON IT. Discount Code - TACO9604F http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...pre-runner-4wd-front-pre-load-adjustable.html

 

Their 5100's don't show a 1.75" adjustable height anymore?

 

All first gen bilsteins have the same settings. I think the 1.75 is a 2nd gen thing? Just set them at 2.5 its perfect.

 

The only problem with the billies is that they limit your suspension travel because all your doing is pre-loading your spring. to get the most out of your suspension you should get a set of longer springs. ome makes a few different ones. and you should be able to use the 5100 if you so desire. just set them at 0" or preload.
or go for the full ome setup. its a little more spendy then the 5100's but they are in stock...
just my .02

AD

 

Yeah but at 2.5" am I starting to bind the front or looking at a diff drop or extended brake lines?

And for the rear - a 1.5" wheeler's pack or AAL?

 

As far as the front goes you don't have to worry about any of that unless you go over 3 inches

 

Hi,

Lets say I set all the billies to 0", then I want to haul a load, can I jack the rear shocks up to 1.5" and will that give be a better ride when loaded? I have leaf spring helpers (the 1/2 leaf bolt on type), which doesn't do much for my ride, so I'd like to ditch them if the billies can take their place when hauling.

Thanks,

Josh

 

the rear bilsteins aren't adjustable.

 

yup rear shocks have nothing to do with your ride height. get some timbrens to make hauling better without screwing up your unloaded ride. they offer no lift though.

 

I have the Tuff Country 2" leveling kit with their 3" AAL on the rear and clear 285/75 Nitto TG's with minor trimming and wheels with a 3.75 bs.

 

They're not hard to find but what are you willing to pay? Yeah I know 3/4 guys here will say "down south motor sports' & thats fine if you don't mind waiting. & you will get a great price, but I wanted mine like right now, so a phone call placed & an hour later I had my 5100's out the door for $200.