1” or Less front lift with AAL rear

So I’m pretty well decided on a progressive 3 leaf aal pack for my rear with some active bumps. What I haven’t decided on is what I want to do with the front. I need to do the rear sooner rather than later because with the shell and gear I’ve bottomed out a couple times out driving my suspension.

I’m probably going to put some 1/2” top plate spacers on to help with the added rake of the aal until I can decide on the front. So does anyone have any experience or pictures with this type of setup so I can get an idea of how much rake I might end up with and how it looks? Thanks in advance.

 

Nobody running this?

I at least expected some hate from the anti spacer crowd by now.

 

I think most people are looking to run 2 inches or more lifts to accommodate larger tires. I think for an inch lift up front spacers would be the best bang for your buck. If you’re looking for shock upgrade, Bilstein 5100 and some OME coils for desired lift shouldn’t be too much.

I’m looking for a 1.5-2 inch lift at most once I get the rest of my body armor ordered over the next year. So I’m going with bilstein 6112/5160 with eibavh 700 lb coils and 3-Aaliyah the rear.

 

I'd do the AAL and put on the cap and any weight you will carry in the bed and drive around a few days and see where it settles. Then do the front. The AAL will add 1.5" in the back and you may find it drops 1" and you'll have .5" higher in the back which isn't bad, especially for hauling even more weight and towing.

I've noticed even level, most Tacoma models look like they're slightly nose up, then when you load the bed, the rear drops significantly sometimes.

 

Thanks guys. That’s kinda what I’m thinking is just throwing on the AAL and see how it sits. The 1” I mentioned is just a cheap bandaid until I go 2-3”. I really don’t want to spend much on the front now because I’m still researching options from 6112s all the way to Kings.

 

It’s really what your wallet can handle or willing to handle. I’d love to go with an ADS or full Icon Stage 5 lift set up. But let’s face it. The handful of times that I’ll actually take my taco off road to fully use the potential is slim. It’s a DD so I still need to remind myself that I can’t thrash it completely. 2k for the 6112-5160 setup from headstrong will do me wonders. Only thing I would change later on is replace the AAL to a Dakar Heavy Duty leaf set once I get a diamondback tonneau and HC Bumper.

 

Go with Firestone airbags and adjust the rear accordingly. That way you don't have to worry about the fronts and you can still use the bags if and when you upgrade your suspension. It's a win win IMO.

 

5100 set to 3rd clip position for
1.1” lift with stock coils..inexpensive, great ride imo and easy to do.

 

well.... an add a leaf gives you 1.5 inches of lift. imagine your rear end 1.5 inches higher.....there you go and it will look like a stink bug. you will have 3 inches of rake compared to 1.5 stock.

 

You could also either instal rear 500-1000 pound sumo springs. Very helpful with loads. Had 1000 pounds of rock in the bed and it hardly sagged.

 

This is what throws me off and why I can’t decide what to do with the front. Half the guys with 5100s say they ride great the other half day their stiff.

 

Go 5100’s. They are way better than the stock shocks. They do ride a little stiffer than my sport suspension did which was way too bouncy for me so to me they ride great for what you’re paying for. No it doesn’t ride like a Cadillac. It’s a cheap shock and best bang for the buck to achieve better ride quality and lift.

I have the 5100’s set at the 3rd notch for 1.1” of lift with stock coils and am super happy with them. I’ve put about 15k miles on them now and have zero complaints.

 

The spacers I talked about were more of a bandaid for the stink bug look I will probably get from doing the rear lift first. Overall I really want more like 2-2.5” in the front with some 6112s or 2.5 coil-overs. I just keep hearing sooo many mixed reviews on the budget shocks I kinda gave up on them.

 

Understandable. If it’s more of a band-aid then I would just go with the spacers. Easiest out of the two options if it’s just to temporarily cure the excessive rake, and also the cheapest.

 

Truck Looks great! What are your center of hub to top of fender measurements?

 

I would advise anyone not to use airbags for lift. The ride is rough without a load. I will be removing them and installing my aal as soon as i get time.

 

John

Does the front dip and drive anymore? I had 6112's on my gen 2 and the front end was planted which i loved. Just not sure i need that much coilover anymore? Trying to decide between 5100 or 6112.

Thx

 

That does look really good for only 1.1”. I’m guessing 265/70/17?

I may just bite the bullet now and do 6112s. My concern was needing to preload them too much to get the lift I want and causing a rough ride. After seeing yours I may just not lift as much.

 

Tires are 275/70/17. I was impressed as well afterwards when the lift was installed at how much better just 1” makes the truck sit without sacrificing CV angles and what not.

I am not sure what the measurements are, I can measure sometime this weekend though and PM you the numbers or update this thread if anyone else is interested.

No dip to report here! I hated the TRD Sport suspension, it was way too bouncy for me. I would go over minor bumps and I would be flopping all over inside the cab. They ride nice and firm and absorb uneven terrain well for the price.

Super happy with the 5100’s. Cheap and offer good performance!

 

Thx John
I’d be interested in the numbers also.