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Negative effects of 3" lift

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by toyo freak, Aug 2, 2010.

  1. Aug 2, 2010 at 1:56 PM
    #1
    toyo freak

    toyo freak [OP] Another Toyota Enthusiast

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    Debating a new lift and tires need your opinion.
    Well I know it looks better with a 3" lift and 285s but what are the underlying issues that may come in the future. Yea I know anout MPG loss, power loss, drained bank account, vibrations, cv axles but what else? How bad is the stress on the other suspension components, forcing them into new angles. And what about the increase stress on the engine and tranny. Can this decrease the life of the truck? Is it bad enough to worry over or am I over thinking this?
    Thanks
     
  2. Aug 2, 2010 at 1:57 PM
    #2
    toyo freak

    toyo freak [OP] Another Toyota Enthusiast

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    FYI: Issues regarding OME or Toytec ULK not a spacer lift.
     
  3. Aug 2, 2010 at 2:00 PM
    #3
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    If you lift it right using coilovers, you're overthinking this.

    Expect to go through CV boots faster. Also expect the truck to ride much less smooth over rutted roads as the suspension won't have as much droop and the truck will have a tendency to drop down rather than staying level as a wheel drops, but that's really about it.

    Lift the rear with new springs as a block will increase axle wrap. More stress on your leaf springs and rear driveshaft u-joint.

    Nothing horrible. :)
     
  4. Aug 2, 2010 at 2:06 PM
    #4
    paintdiddy

    paintdiddy Machine gun shits

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    what he said^^^
     
  5. Aug 2, 2010 at 2:07 PM
    #5
    Incognito

    Incognito No better friend, no worse enemy

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    Spacer lift, bumper stickers, ejector seat, etc.
    Wait a minute...

    I don't think he meant lifting via jackstands. :D
     
  6. Aug 2, 2010 at 2:20 PM
    #6
    mjp2

    mjp2 Living vicariously through myself Moderator

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    Dambit! In that case you're also gonna have to worry about flat spots on your tires. ;)
     
  7. Aug 2, 2010 at 2:23 PM
    #7
    surfsupl

    surfsupl Well-Known Member

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    I DONT CARE IF IT'S A RE-POST
    Rear Diff Breather~ 5100's ~Fog Light Anytime~Tint~TRD Seat Covers~Weather Tech's~Pioneer H.U.~Lift~Eibach Springs~LED's......blah...blah...blah
    I've had a 3" lift on my truck now for almost 3 years.............I cannot find any down side to it..............
     
  8. Aug 2, 2010 at 3:24 PM
    #8
    Metallikatz3

    Metallikatz3 Well-Known Member

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    dont forget the mysterious failures of front differentials
     
  9. Aug 2, 2010 at 3:48 PM
    #9
    Eman5pt0

    Eman5pt0 Well-Known Member

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    on a side note .. i love ur sig lol
    lazy new jerseyins
     
  10. Aug 2, 2010 at 3:53 PM
    #10
    Crom

    Crom Super-Deluxe Member

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    Yes. I agree. The 3" lift will cause the driver side axle to score causing internal diff failure. It happens sometimes fast and for others slowly. I believe it to be a subtle design issue. See this thread for reference: front end growling noise
     
  11. Aug 3, 2010 at 9:20 AM
    #11
    toyo freak

    toyo freak [OP] Another Toyota Enthusiast

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    Thanks from what I read it can happen stock as well. The lift will just make it more apparent before the end of my warranty. You think toyota has fixed this issue in my 2010?
     
  12. Aug 3, 2010 at 9:36 AM
    #12
    spenny

    spenny Mmm... Beer

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    I dont think you'll be covered under your warranty after you lift your truck.
     
  13. Aug 3, 2010 at 9:38 AM
    #13
    toyo freak

    toyo freak [OP] Another Toyota Enthusiast

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    Some do I mean my local dealer sells trucks with 3" spacer lifts and such brand new so why not
     
  14. Aug 3, 2010 at 2:48 PM
    #14
    Crom

    Crom Super-Deluxe Member

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    Nobody knows for sure. There is a legitimate risk if you ask me.

    For me personally I decided not to lift the taco because I can't afford to have any warranty issues 5-7 years down the road.

    Besides with rock sliders the stock 4x4 off-road taco can do very well on some very tough trails.

    Welcome to the forums. Toyota's warranty stands. If the lift causes a problem Toyota is not obligated to fix it. However lots of people get warranty work done with lifts.
     
  15. Aug 3, 2010 at 2:52 PM
    #15
    jjw1

    jjw1 Well-Known Member

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    r these the same effects for a prerunner???
     
  16. Aug 3, 2010 at 3:11 PM
    #16
    jjw1

    jjw1 Well-Known Member

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  17. Aug 8, 2010 at 8:25 PM
    #17
    ppleasants

    ppleasants Well-Known Member

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    I almost wish I hadn't found this thread because it's making me slightly paranoid. I just finished installing bilstein 5100s set at 2.5" and a 2" AAL. I've always considered 3" the main threshold at which any problems become more noticeable since that's about the highest you can go with most of the stock components but it sounds like people are having the same problems at 2.5" and below. I can handle DIY maintanence and inexpensive fixes but a differential replacement sounds pretty pricy. Is there anything you can do/buy to prevent some of these problems and keep your lift?
     
  18. Aug 8, 2010 at 9:07 PM
    #18
    JGJ

    JGJ Well-Known Member

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    so is this a hit or miss thing? Or are all the tacos out there getting the vibration after lifting 3"? I thought I heard replacing the driveshaft would fix this? Anyone out there with the 6" lift getting this problem? I was just about to install a 3"er this month but I'm kinda hesitant. If it's not happening with the 6" then I'll cough up the extra dough. Thanks
     
  19. Aug 8, 2010 at 9:23 PM
    #19
    nvdeserted

    nvdeserted Well-Known Member

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    I have an adjustable "3inch lift" via adjustable coilovers. I've experimented with height from 1" to 3.5" and I found about 2.25 to be my sweet spot. Regardless, I didn't have vibrations at any height even since I had the back at stock, 1" block, and now a 1.5" AAL. No vibes.

    I found the "dropping" feeling in dips very annoying at 3" and dropped it back to about 2.25" and now I get the best ride/perfomance out of the front and it still sits level and lifted.

    It seems like the vibe issue is hit-or-miss on each truck, I have no idea why. Some folks have had MAJOR issues tring to get it to stop, I have had NO issues, many folks add a CB drop and/or shims and call it good.
     
  20. Aug 8, 2010 at 10:27 PM
    #20
    TacomaMtnMan

    TacomaMtnMan those who seek fear shall be followed by fear

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    3" lift using Fox Shocks Coilover, Total Chaos UCA's. Running: Duratrac 285/70/17 Rear suspension just a 1" block for now. Will have custom rear springs no block. Fox w/ Resi.
    Some of you guys are paranoid over a 3 inch lift. I have researched all the lifts and decided to go with 3 inch. It does not void your warranty with toyota itself. But some may have different 3rd party warrantys I have found with mine they will still cover everything as long as they can't prove it's caused because of the lift. Anything above 3 inches is NOT covered in the driveshafts. Basically they told me as soon as the cross member is cut they don't have to warranty

    Hope this helps. I just suggest you talk to your local dealer and warranty service center if you are worried about it

    IMO if you are that worried about it then don't lift. But 3 inch and you shouldn't worry so much. Toyota recommended OME lifts said they have not tested Toytec but would probably honor that lift as well
     

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