Putting 2014 suspension on a 2006

I am going to put the front shocks and springs and the rear shocks from a 2014 on a 2006. The 2006 is going in for a frame replacement and the dealer mechanic suggested they could put in their lift that they do for their trucks they sell on the lot. He thought it was a Rough Country lift of blocks in the back and spacers on the front. He said it would be about 2.5" lift.

Couple of worries. I talked to the seller of the 2014 suspension and he mentioned that the block in the back will make the ride very harsh. He is providing an add-a-leaf with the rest of the parts.

If the blocks in the back give a harsh ride, is it possible to use the spacers from the kit and the add a leaf in the back instead of the block? Has anyone done that or is there another alternative. The dealer charges $150 for this small kit. An alternative is not a $1000 lift as my daughter who owns the truck is a student so money is tight. An alternative is leaving it with just the 2014 suspension.

 

Just put the 2014 suspension on it... that lift will be ok if she wants it. Not the best way to lift it but it will work. The aal in the back will make the ride a little more stiff than the block, but you can take out the overload and it will be about equivalent.

 

Thank you for the quick response. I'm confused about one thing though...and this is the crux of th matter I guess. If we go with that lift, would the block be used instead of the AAL or with the AAL and in which instance would we take out the overload?

 

Putting blocks under your rear leaf springs should not effect the ride quality, assuming you have the correct length shock to accommodate the additional lift.

I think most would agree that using an add-a-leaf is a better option. 3-Leaf progressive is great from personal experience but many like their single leaf AALs. Guess it depends on individual purpose and type of rear shocks used.

Given your scenario, id suggest just putting the 14' suspension on your truck and leaving it as is. I think you'll be much happier with overall ride quality, reliability, longevity and practicality this way.

 

The add a leaf and the block can both be used to get more lift. Or you can use one or the other.

 

That last paragraph is wise advice. I put 4600 mile ‘18 front struts/springs and rear shocks on my 104,000 mile ‘10 and got anch inch of front lift, improved ride quality and no issues. My ‘10 had the leaf spring recall so the inch gain in front leveled it out.

 

Ahhh, I understand that, thanks. I do agree that the basic suspension is the way to go, but she wants a lift especially since she's got some rubbing with the SCS wheels. Left the stock tires on but there is rubbing on wheel lock. I've got the same issue on my 2011 Tacoma with the SCS wheels.

So there seems to be some lift going from a later model to an earlier model.

 

Hmm... I'd say either just put the 2014 suspension on or spend the $600 for new shocks, coil, and AAL. At least it's done right.

If you want sub $500, leave the coil as the 5100's will still get you the 1.75" and the ride is not bad.

 

Are you saying the shocks on the 2014 are 5100's or get new 5100's?

 

Get new 5100's. 2014 is 5 years old and unknown mileage and use.

 

The 2014's are said to have been taken off at 14,000 miles and replaced with Icons. Feel fairly confident in the sellers representations and the looks of the shocks.

 

Lets assume you know the '14 mileage is fairly low, and the truck it was on was not abused. That said...........

This

Because this

Reaffirming this

And a lift is often not the cure for this.

Find where the rub is and adjust that. Cab mount chop, inner wheel well massage; there are several clearance options.

 

Point taken!

 

Does anyone else find it atrocious that the dealer that is doing the frame swap is recommending a spacer lift?

 

Explain? It was the mechanic going to do the swap. I was put off as I don't like spacers...I have a TRD Pro kit waiting to go in on mine, one of those that were on special price a while back...but is a spacer lift that dangerous or are you saying ethically its an issue?

 

Spacer lifts are the Maaco paint job equivalent of a suspension lift, which could (and has) lead to a broken shock.

 

It's just what the dealer sells though. Very very very few actually put a proper aftermarket suspension on and if they do, you'll pay 2 to 3 times the amount of buying it from a vendor here or the like.