Good East Bay mechanic?

Hey everybody, this is my first post on TW, but not my first time on. I've been scouring the site for the last couple of weeks and have found some really good info. I have a black '05 Tacoma TRD Sport DC LB, and am looking at getting a slight lift, new wheels, and bigger tires. I think I've decided on XD Series Hoss wheels if 16's will fit, or 17" XD Addict's (black and 4.5" backspacing for both). Initially wanted Nitto Terra Grapplers, but now I'm back to looking around. I just ordered a full set of 5100's and am still trying to figure out if I want AAL's (Toytec) or a mini set like the 3 Leaf Progressive Set from Wheelers. With the 5100's set to 2.5" up front, I've read that I can clear 285/70/17 (or 285/75/16) tires with minimal inner fender trimming. So I guess several questions:

1: Suggestions for rugged looking, not too noisy, long lasting tires; burly looking AT or a "street friendly" MT keeping in mind 90% or more on road

2: Which rear lift; a mini set, or AAL, and will I need 1.5" or 2" lift (I have a camper shell) to make it level

3: The big question; which mechanic should I go to to do this work? I live in the East Bay, so hopefully some shop in the vicinity. I don't have any tools, might be able to borrow some, but have never done any of this before and want it to be done right. I know I'll have to go in for an alignment regardless.

Any thoughts or inputs? Thanks for all your posts and getting me started!

 

I would suggest 2.5 Lift on the billies with a 1.5" aal to be level

As for tires Im not sure. I have only had one set.

For install you can come to Mod day in september and we can install them here. I/we have installed a lot of lifts here at my house and I have all the necessary tools including a professional spring compressor.

 

i live in concord..for your basic mech needs..toyota pro in concord is pretty kick ass.

for your lift..1.5 hours at seth's mod day..and it would get installed quick. i did the 1.5" aals..for my NON- tsb rears..and i ride level (maybe even i smidge low?). i think i would do the 2", to make it a tad higher..

i installed my lift at seth's..funner and cheaper than any shop. he orders pizza (we all chip $) from a pretty good place too

 

Wow guys, that sounds perfect! Thank you Seth for hosting and the invite! I've got a friend who works at Pyramid, maybe I'll see if I can get a pony keg or something... I'd love to get some experience and see what everybody else is running.

Aficianado, you say that 1.5" AAL and the Billies set at 2.5" up front might make it a little nose high (reverse rake)? But if I set the front at 2", would I be able to fit 285's on there? I'm fine with trimming the inner fender, but I'm trying to avoid the purchace of UCA's and wheel spacers...unless that's a good idea anyway.

The other question I still have is if I can fit 16" (4.5" backspace) wheels on my TRD Sport set-up. I've heard that sometimes the calipers stick out too much. I'm going to get new wheels regardless, and I'd rather have more tire than wheel. People also keep talking about hubcentric or not. I still don't really know the difference and which I should go with.

Thanks for your words of wisdom guys!

 

Sorry, I misunderstood. I'll look for 2" AAL's. Here's another thought, what about putting on 885's around the 5100's up front? Is that possible, and if so, would the ride be better?

 

With 885's the spring provides all the lift so you would have to set the billies at 0. Not sure which would ride better, But most are satisfied with the lift obtained with just the 5100's.

 

Thanks Seth. Right after that post I did more searching on TW and found that same answer. I think I'll stick with the 5100's all around and either 1.5" or 2" AAL's. I'll have to get longer U-bolts for the AAL's, but besides that, is there anything else I'll need for the lift? If it's still OK, I'd love to work on it at your Mod Day. Can't wait to get it put together!

 

you will probably need shims or a carrier bearing drop kit to help with rear drive line angles.

You need to get yourself in the mod day thread and sign up and put yourself down for suspension mods. I limit the suspension mods to 2-3 since the first couple times I didn't and we ended up being there WAY late.

 

WHAT! your in concord??

 

yup..concord. near downtown..you?

 

im closer to clayton, but still in concord.
well... we should roll out together when we go to the mod day?

And to Greg, im putting on 5100's at the mod day too.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/northern-california/95702-prs-mod-day-4-september-18th.html

 

I'm thread jacking my own thread here, but aficianado and sharkie, maybe we should roll up together. I'm bringing my set of 5100's, U-bolts, shims, and AAL's...plus a bit of beer.
Lucas, I see that we have the same truck, but you've been very busy. I got mine used a few months ago, and it's still straight stock. My tail lights are cracked and I was thinking of getting tinted ones. Where did you get yours?

 

haha its all good.
yeah we might be able to find a meeting spot to roll out to the mod day.
Looks like we'll be doing about the same things. Im looking to do bilsteins up front at 2.5, aal and ill probablly be getting nitto terra grapplers 267/70/17.

As for the tail lights, I used "VHT Nightshades" its a spray. I used this write up.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/lighting/84694-how-tinting-tail-lights-right-way-pics.html

 

Man, that's a good write up, but I have to get new lights all together...they're cracked. That's pretty ironic that your set up is exactly what I was looking at. I've got the bilsteins and AAL's in the mail, and am just about to pull the trigger on a wheel/tire package with Terra Grapplers. I think I'm going to go with the 285/70/17's though. Hope they're good tires...

 

haha nice. I got the front 5100's from another another member on here. but i dont think down south motorsports has anymore rear 5100's so im just sticking with shock extenders and an aal.
I have heard good things about the nittos, so hopefully they arent a waste.

 

Any of you guys get the TSB leaf spring done locally? I still need to do it.

 

Man, I wish I could have gotten it, I got mine used with too many miles. Lots of Toyota dealerships around though, so I'd just start calling if I were you. Hope you get it, it's a sweat deal.

 

Toyota Concord is doing it with no hassle - took 2 weeks for them to get the parts though oO.

Now I just need to get my front lift in before I head in for the free alignment