1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Selecting a mild lift (TRD Baja TX Pro + Icon AAL)

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by crashnburn80, Aug 3, 2015.

  1. Mar 22, 2019 at 8:39 PM
    #341
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    I wouldn't think it is much of an 'upgrade' per say, so much as an inexpensive refresh (using low mile take offs) with a 1" front lift. It is basically the same as the 2nd gen setup but 1" taller in the front, though I am unfamiliar if they changed the front spring rates at all. I have seen a few 3rd Gen trucks upgrade to the Baja suspension off the 2nd gen trucks though.
     
  2. Mar 23, 2019 at 10:50 AM
    #342
    aboftofbeam

    aboftofbeam Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 11, 2018
    Member:
    #244128
    Messages:
    121
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Karl
    San Diego, CA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Taco Off Road DBCB
    S/C, UCON, 2.8 pulley, bedrug, Crashnburn's ultimate headlight/tailight upgrade, Moroso oil-catch can, soundproofing, speaker and H/U replacements, bed stiffeners, SHMELLFAB Sliders, ICON AAL.
    Yeah. In hindsight, that's what I should have done. I was working too fast and didn't think that through... :anonymous:

    Pretty sure. I was pretty conscious of the direction required for the AALs. I will remeasure to verify when I get home in a couple of weeks

    Thanks. I am going to enjoy it while it lasts.:fingerscrossed:

    Guess now I need to verify the direction on the AAL and then probably decide what I want to do with the spring pack after I take that clip off of the AAL. Its there for a reason, just don't know what real need/risk is of the spring pack twisting out of alignment. Probably need to reweld the clips or find someone with an OL they are looking to offload.
     
  3. Apr 4, 2019 at 12:46 PM
    #343
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    Are these everything I need to install my Baja TX suspension? I got my kit from eBay, it's new but in an open box. The resi bracket bags are not opened, so I assume they are complete. I opened the other bag because there was a small hole in it, so I wanted to show the contents easier. I didn't picture the spring mounts, both of them were included.
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
  4. Apr 4, 2019 at 12:47 PM
    #344
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    Here's the pic, oops.upload_2019-4-4_13-45-48.jpg
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
  5. Apr 4, 2019 at 1:21 PM
    #345
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    I believe that looks like everything.
     
    Gerard6778[QUOTED] likes this.
  6. Apr 4, 2019 at 2:40 PM
    #346
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    Thanks!

    You mentioned in a post that you would probably clear coat shocks if you was to do it again. I’ve been looking at different options but not sure what would be best. What would you use?
     
  7. Apr 4, 2019 at 2:42 PM
    #347
    SR-71A

    SR-71A Define "Well-Known Member"

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2018
    Member:
    #255145
    Messages:
    7,422
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Zack
    Southern Maine
    Vehicle:
    2012 DCSB, TX Baja Edition. Barcelona Red
    255/85/R16 Falken Wildpeak MTs, Mobtown sliders, ARB bar, SOS front skid, Icon RXT leafs, extended & adjustable Kings, JBA UCAs, OVS wedge RTT, dual AGM batteries, Gen2 xrc9.5 winch, CB, GMRS, S1 ditch lights...
    Either that or fluid film them/ the whole frame after install. Guess it kinda depends on if you live in the salt belt or not.. fluid film will be cheaper and easier, but make a bigger mess.
     
  8. Apr 4, 2019 at 2:49 PM
    #348
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    I’m planning on using Fluid Film too. I live in Utah, which is not nearly as bad as the Salt Belt States but there is still a substantial amount of salt used during the winter. Thanks for your input.
     
    SR-71A[QUOTED] likes this.
  9. Apr 4, 2019 at 3:21 PM
    #349
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    I would look at using something like Rustoleum clear. Careful to not hit the shock shaft. I did fluid film, it lasted a while but they now have minor surface corrosion. Reapplying is a pain with the shock inside the coil, so the apply once and done before install is more appealing IMO.
     
  10. Apr 4, 2019 at 6:41 PM
    #350
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    I was looking at a Crekote product that’s made for aluminum, although it would require sanding down to bare aluminum, which would require removing the shock labels to do it correctly.
    Another possibility is toon-brite which is a marine product which is easier to apply.
    I agree that trying to do anything with the shock body after springs are installed would not be easy, if not impossible.
    Being a Type A personality (perfectionist) is very difficult at times, lol.
    It’s amazingly annoying how easy these shocks corrode. Although Fox and King are worse from what I’ve researched.
     
    SR-71A likes this.
  11. May 5, 2019 at 6:56 PM
    #351
    APACHETECH

    APACHETECH Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2014
    Member:
    #123170
    Messages:
    107
    Gender:
    Male
    central pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2013 MGM DCSB OR
    Trd Baja lift Wheelers Aal SCS Ray 10 16x8s Cooper AT3 4S 265/75/16 Trd shift knob Weather tech front and back Heated seats Auto start Immryo mirror mod Mods to install : 4x4 lighted switch Speakers/components/sub and box from Mr. Marv Redline hood struts One piece engine splash gaurds Wish list/looking for : Matching cap Light bar/pods Seat covers Roof rack Step bar Skid plates
    Wanted to say thanx crashnburn80. Been on tacoma world for years. Finally bought a tacoma with low miles and I was willing to put some money into. For my first lift and after reading this thread I went with the baja lift and 265/75/16s. Took longer than I thought to install but was well worth it. Installed it fri and had a chance to do some light of roading today. Nice improvement especially on the highway. 20190329_145142.jpg
    Before lift20190505_111816.jpg
    After
     
  12. May 16, 2019 at 8:59 PM
    #352
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    Hmm. Light contact mark at the sticker from what looks like the swaybar bolt.

    15F05ED9-474B-46ED-A5AA-0F8FD67E9D7A.jpg

    Adjusting the UCAs yet again.
     
  13. May 16, 2019 at 9:17 PM
    #353
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    Stupid moment. I thought it was strange my tires started contacting the fender liner, but wanted to adjust them back before this weekends multi-day wheeling trip. Fender liner was not mounted properly after the last go around of the fog installs was the actual issue after cross checking other side. Resetting UCA back to the previous position, adjusting them back away from the shock a bit, and fixing fender liner. :anonymous:
     
    SR-71A and Gerard6778 like this.
  14. Aug 8, 2019 at 6:49 AM
    #354
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    I'm hoping to install my Baja lift next week, do I need to provide the alignment shop with alignment specs for this lift? Also, can I get the alignment done with the stock wheels or should I get my new wheels on prior to alignment?
     
  15. Aug 9, 2019 at 11:58 PM
    #355
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    Alignment specs are stock, so you do not need to provide any additional specs. Wheels should not affect alignment, so it shouldn't matter. But the OCD side of me always likes to get it done after everything is fully set up.
     
    Gerard6778[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Aug 16, 2019 at 12:28 AM
    #356
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    I installed my Baja suspension and Icon AAL a couple days ago. I clear coated the shock bodies (crashnburn80 idea in initial post) with Eastwood's 2K Aerospray Matte clear, 2 component spray paint in hope to prevent corrosion. I removed the overload spring.

    Before and after measurements (from hub center line to fender) (1/2 tank of gas)

    Before:
    LF 20"
    RF 20 1/2"
    LR 22"
    RR 22"

    After:
    LF 22 3/8"
    RF 22 1/2"
    LR 23"
    RR 23"

    I was thinking the front end looked a little high in my garage but the pic I posted here looks like there is a slight rake, what do you guys think?

    I didn't adjust the alignment after the install, I plan on getting my new wheels and tires mounted next week (my Taco isn't my daily driver) and an alignment at a local shop here. After a few hundred miles I'll take it out of town to a highly rated shop that only does alignments. They said to have the new wheels and tires on the truck when I bring it in, since the new wheels offset isn't stock. I didn't want to drive it over 30 miles on the interstate without alignment done (maybe I'm overly cautious, I don't know).

    After installing the suspension I test drove it 25 miles and I'm very impressed with the improvement over my stock TRD Sport suspension. Less nose dive, corners better, feels more solid and absorbs off road terrain much better.

    Those stock struts look pretty damn weak next to the Baja struts.

    IMG_0474.jpg

    IMG_0436.jpg
    IMG_0449.jpg
    IMG_0433.jpg
     
  17. Aug 23, 2019 at 10:23 PM
    #357
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 [OP] Vehicle Design Engineer

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2015
    Member:
    #156893
    Messages:
    14,563
    Gender:
    Male
    Kirkland, WA
    Vehicle:
    2003 DCSB TRD OR
    Go Hawks!
    Looks sharp! If the front hasn't settled after a few days you could pro the overloads in the rear to get just a little more rake if desired. I'll be curios to know how the shock bodies hold up with the clear coat over time.
     
    Gerard6778[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Aug 24, 2019 at 5:52 AM
    #358
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    Thanks, and again thank you for all the great information/knowledge you have shared with us. I'll post updates on how the shock bodies do with the clear coat.

    Here are pics after the alignment and wheels installed.

    IMG_0529.jpg IMG_0524.jpg IMG_0531.jpg IMG_0530.jpg
     
  19. Sep 17, 2019 at 2:37 PM
    #359
    Gerard6778

    Gerard6778 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2018
    Member:
    #277494
    Messages:
    456
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Gerard
    Vehicle:
    2015 TRD Sport
    I have a few hundred miles on my truck since installing the Baja suspension. When I was under the truck today I noticed the passenger side sway bar doesn't have much clearance. The right side has plenty. I haven't heard anything hitting, is this a problem? I don't remember the clearance being so tight when I installed it. The sway bar looks centered.

    IMG_0748.jpg IMG_0740.jpg IMG_0741.jpg
     
  20. Sep 17, 2019 at 2:52 PM
    #360
    APACHETECH

    APACHETECH Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2014
    Member:
    #123170
    Messages:
    107
    Gender:
    Male
    central pennsylvania
    Vehicle:
    2013 MGM DCSB OR
    Trd Baja lift Wheelers Aal SCS Ray 10 16x8s Cooper AT3 4S 265/75/16 Trd shift knob Weather tech front and back Heated seats Auto start Immryo mirror mod Mods to install : 4x4 lighted switch Speakers/components/sub and box from Mr. Marv Redline hood struts One piece engine splash gaurds Wish list/looking for : Matching cap Light bar/pods Seat covers Roof rack Step bar Skid plates
    That does look awfully close. Mite seem closer cause of angle of pic. I just went out and checked mine and the passenger side is definetly closer because of the setup for "tacolean". I can put a finger between the sway bar and shock. I have about 12000 miles on mine now with no rubbing andno issues.
     
    Gerard6778 likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top