Will a 1.5" lift void my warranty - 2018 TRD offroad 4WD

Hello,

I'm going to be doing a suspension upgrade in 3 phases with Fox 2.5 with remote res on my 2018 TRD Off-Road 4WD. I asked my dealer the cost on the suspension upgrade labor. He then told me that they would not do the 1" lift for me as it would void the warranty and create issues with my safety sensors. This seems like BS as I am only planning on lifting it 1", using the same suspension as the TRD pro. Anyone have any insight to this and if I should talk to another delear? i dont want to void my warranty as i only have 6k miles on the truck. Also feedback on my proposed phased upgrade approach would be awesome

Phase 1 - suspension upgrade - leave at stock lift hight
Fox Factory 2.5's with adjustable remote res
Phase 2 - upgrade UCA's
Phase 3 - Lift 1 - 1.5 inches install add a leaf springs

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnuson–Moss_Warranty_Act

 

I installed a lift on my truck a month after I purchased it new, never had issues, but I'd be wary if you have an issue that might be related to your mods, they'll be quick to point a finger at that. I never had to take my truck in for warranty except when my battery crapped out the first year, but since you have a third gen...

 

It’s about liability.

A dealer can decline to service a modified vehicle and it has happened here before. Legally, the manufacturer has to prove the mods done have contributed to or caused a problem in order to deny your warranty.

But, keyword is legally. Unless you take them to court, no is no. Even then, how much does your court process cost if you succeed..

Modifying comes with inherent risks, so if you’re not comfortable with future unknowns and possibly creating a can of worms or causing additional wear and tear - don’t do it.

 

I understand your concern with it being a brand new truck. Bringing a modified truck into a stealership is almost always a problem. They're not OEM parts, plain and simple. If you're going to be heavily reliant on them to perform all of your maintenance, then don't lift it.

 

I think it will only cause an issue with affected/changed components.

 

It just seems ridiculous that toyota will sell a TRD Pro with a 1" lift, but if you want to convert TRD OR to TRD Pro spec suspension they say it voids warranty or could cause electronic safety issues with sensors. This just doesnt' really make sense to me.

Does anyone know if the TRD Pro has a diff drop kit installed out the factory?

Is a diff drop kit needed for a 1" lift? seems like the angle is so minute that it shouldn't really be all that necessary.

Also, i can only find add a leaf kits for the rear suspension in 1.5". Anyone know where to find a 1" add a leaf kits for the back?

thanks!

 

I checked with my local dealer (Larry H. Miller Spokane) yesterday while waiting for my service. Parts manager said anything under 4" will not void the warranty. Service adviser confirmed. I'm not saying that's the gospel, that's just what I was told.

 

Does anyone know what the TRDpro uses to lift the rear? is it on 1" blocks or do they come with a TRD pro specific leaf spring which provides the 1" lift?

 

Springs and shocks.

Also, anybody can refuse warranty work. Nobody can refuse it legally. I have had everything from 12” lifts by Bullet Proof to Revtek spacers on FJ’s, Tundras, and 4Runners... and now Tacoma. I’ve also had aftermarket superchargers... blah blah blah... Not once have I had an issue nor was I ever told it wasn’t under warranty.

https://consumer.findlaw.com/consum...laws-and-the-magnuson-moss-warranty-act-.html

I know I am pretty lucky to have some understandable dealers in my area (Portland, OR) Also, most aftermarket (the good ones) will warranty their parts and installation when done by a pro/certified shop. My local Toyota shop does all of their mods and covers everything. I know my buddies all over the US have been super happy with 4WP and their service guarantees. Don’t get caught up in the hype. If Toyota was voiding warranties on their modified trucks over half of the rigs on the road wouldn’t be covered.

Btw... this is a current brand new 2019 with ProComp 6” lift at the same dealer. I took this today! (For the haters getting ready to call bulls*t)

 

Often cited and often cited incorrectly.

Don't expect the dealer to help chase down suspension induced issues under warranty because you lifted the truck and have issues.

 

Here we go...you are correct. That said, a good dealer will always work with you. It’s about sales my friend and return business. Now if someone is an ass and destroys their rig and claims warranty... shame on them. If a part fails because it’s Toyota’s fault then it will be covered. If a person’s neglect or lack of technical and/or professional installation caused the problem, again, shame on them.

The Magnuson-Moss act wasn’t cited incorrectly, but was a reference for context.

I speak from experience. I have also left an Easter Egg of Proof in my previous text. I am more than happy to provide references.

My only point is this: Don’t be afraid to mod your vehicle. Partner with the right dealership, shop, manufacturers, etc. Integrity and partnership are the key to your success.

If a person so chooses to not modify based on fear... well... that would be a damn shame.

SEMPER FKN FI

 

It really is up to the dealer to make the call, but don't be surprised when they tell you to get bent.

Way back in the day a coworker had an Integra GS-R and at 15k had a 2nd gear grind. This was not a granny driver car. The dealer replaced the first transmission under warranty and at 22k the second gear grind was back except this time the dealer told him to get bent no warranty would apply. It was as clear as day the car was being used for motorsports events. If the comp r tires weren't the dead give away the suspension was. I know for a fact he was out beating on that car twice a month at autocross events.

I can't fault the dealer for saying nope.

 

Agreed! A$$hats need not apply for warranty replacements!

I can’t stress how far relationships help out in these situations. Get to know your entire eco system. I hand out simple thank you gifts whenever possible. Karma pays in dividends.

 

Was only putting it up there for a reference point for the OP.

 

My dealer installs lifts, and warranties them. As long as they sell you the parts and do the labor,$$$$$$$. My mechanic installed the lift on my last truck, dealer did not have a problem with it. They know my mechanic, he used to work there.

 

Dealers don’t make the call for warranty work, everything goes through Toyota and they approve or deny claims. Now that said, you can have a dealer who will not mention your mods when asking Toyota to pay for a warranty repair, but don’t be fooled, the dealer never makes these calls unless it’s on their dime.

 

There is no difference between the leaf springs on your truck and a Pro. The only difference is the shocks. A reasonable dealer will not give you any problems with warranty work if you put on the Pro Fox suspension. Aside from not warranting the specific parts you changed (shocks only) you should be fine.

 

If the issue isn't suspension related , throw some stock shocks back on before you bring it in and avoid the issue all around .

 

Dealership selling Icon lifted 2019's. 58k$$$$$$$$$$$$$$