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just a little lift....

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by crytesy, Oct 11, 2008.

  1. Oct 11, 2008 at 6:55 AM
    #1
    crytesy

    crytesy [OP] Weekend Warrior

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    Hello All!

    I would like to lift my Tacoma just a moderate amount (2" max). Are the levelling kits a good idea for the front end? I simply want enough room to put some larger tires on the vehicle but I am not sure what size would look and work the best?

    Has anyone completed light modifcations with regards to lift and tires??

    I am mostly a city dweller looking for a sharp appearance - I am not looking to intall mudders'.

    thanks
     
  2. Oct 11, 2008 at 7:11 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Check out the adjustable Bilsien 5100's. :)
     
  3. Oct 11, 2008 at 7:24 AM
    #3
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    You basically want to do the the same as I'm looking to do. The Bilstein 5100's are one option I'm considering but I'm also looking at top mount spacers like Hell Bent Steel: http://www.hellbentsteel.com/toyota_tacoma_leveling_kits.html They're cheap, easy to install (no spring compressor needed), and keep factory ride quality. So we'll see, I haven't decided yet but I definitely need to level no matter what. I hate the factory rake. Rakes are for leaves, not vehicles.
     
  4. Oct 11, 2008 at 7:27 AM
    #4
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Those top load spacers can be hard on your upper ball joints.
     
  5. Oct 11, 2008 at 7:29 AM
    #5
    Neubs

    Neubs Sold my Tacoma. Goodbye TW.

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  6. Oct 11, 2008 at 8:04 AM
    #6
    rwcfrank

    rwcfrank Well-Known Member

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    For normal types of driving are spacers (2") really a bad idea? I am thinking of doing the same...
     
  7. Oct 11, 2008 at 11:41 AM
    #7
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    A top loading spacer is affectivley makeing your shock/spring longer. When going over a speed bump, or large dip in the road, it will put stress on your upper ball joint. The stock UBJ's are strong, but under repeated extensions, they can fail.

    Check this thread out:
     
  8. Oct 11, 2008 at 1:50 PM
    #8
    Neubs

    Neubs Sold my Tacoma. Goodbye TW.

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    Holy cow that is a long and heated TTORA thread. :eek: My take from reading it is that any suspension lift that allows for too much down travel can cause problems with the upper ball joints. This is why people should consider upgrading their UCAs at the same time they install a lift. It would solve the problem and correct alignment issues as well.
     
  9. Oct 11, 2008 at 5:42 PM
    #9
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    This is correct. Long travel shocks, or top load spacers cause too much down travel for the stock UCA's

    Absolutly! :D
     
  10. Oct 11, 2008 at 5:51 PM
    #10
    hoosiertaco

    hoosiertaco Well-Known Member

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    Rakes are for leaves, not vehicles.[/quote]


    :rofl:




    so you would strongly recommend 5100's then? Is all around necessary or just for better ride?
     
  11. Oct 11, 2008 at 5:56 PM
    #11
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    :rofl:






    so you would strongly recommend 5100's then? Is all around necessary or just for better ride?[/quote]
    You can get a good deal on them when you buy front and rear. Personally, If I were to get the 5100's I would get all 4. Way better shock than the OEM TRD Bilstiens.
     
  12. Oct 11, 2008 at 7:51 PM
    #12
    Neubs

    Neubs Sold my Tacoma. Goodbye TW.

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    +1 what he said!
     
  13. Oct 12, 2008 at 6:20 AM
    #13
    crytesy

    crytesy [OP] Weekend Warrior

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    Thank you all......I will investigate the Bilstein 5100's....

    This is a great Forum!!!!!
     
  14. Oct 12, 2008 at 6:28 AM
    #14
    crytesy

    crytesy [OP] Weekend Warrior

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    If I install the adjustable 5100's.....do I require a change in springs or any other components? Are they difficult to install?

    thanks
     
  15. Oct 12, 2008 at 7:08 AM
    #15
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    It uses the stock springs. You shouldnt need anything else.
     
  16. Oct 12, 2008 at 8:10 AM
    #16
    rwcfrank

    rwcfrank Well-Known Member

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    I absolutely dont want to restart the spacer vs (insert option here) lift debate. I am more interested in the mechanics of the modification. If the truck is being lifted by effectively lengthening the shock (spacer coil over or 5100) you are still going to increase the angle of the upper ball joint and potentially cause it to bind. Thats what I deciphered from the 2 million posts I have read so far. Am I missing something basic here? For a truck that will see regular on road driving and an occasional dirt lot It seems that UCA would not be madatory.
     
  17. Oct 12, 2008 at 11:08 AM
    #17
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    5100's do not lengthen the shock/spring. It preloads the coild thus giveing lift. A top load spacer DOES lengthen the shock/spring, thus beating the ball joints like they owe money. When lifting, you generally lift at the expens of down travle. The shock is the limiting factor. Say you have 8" of travle and you lift 3". You now have 1" of down travle if your stock suspension was in the middle of the range. This may cause your shock to "Top out" creating a "thunking" noise when going over big bumps. I recomend an UCA swap when lifting, if anything, to restore lost caster when you lift.
     
  18. Oct 12, 2008 at 12:32 PM
    #18
    rwcfrank

    rwcfrank Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Chris, I wasnt able to picture it in my head until you described it...
     

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