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What suspension is right for me?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by harris_taco, Jan 14, 2020.

  1. Jan 14, 2020 at 6:51 PM
    #1
    harris_taco

    harris_taco [OP] Member

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    STOCK! Ready to build.
    I’m new to a 2004 TRD Off-road with a locker. I have 285/70 BFG KO2’s & 17x8.5 Method 701’s that we’re given to me brand new for $300 so of course I’d like to run them. I want to be able to do some minor off-roading, not crazy rock crawling at all, but some simple stuff. What would you guys recommend as far as lifts that are fairly cost friendly? Thanks

    D7A13AA9-1AAC-49D4-90FB-BC844EDC16DE.jpg
     
    High Noon, Muddycoinwash and TWJLee like this.
  2. Jan 14, 2020 at 10:35 PM
    #2
    TWJLee

    TWJLee Well-Known Member

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    2020 Tundra GFC 33’s Borla Pro XS FOX 2.0 2020 F150 33’s Magnaflow FOX 2.0 2001 Tacoma 4x4 2.7 5spd access cab new frame 217k 2” lifted Always for sale.
    That thing looks too nice to tear up! More pics

    but a 2” Bilstein 5100 up front complete with new springs should get you there for those wheel and Tires.
    Back- maybe a shackle lift or a mild leaf pack will leave you with solid reliability a bit more trail versatility.
     
  3. Jan 14, 2020 at 10:49 PM
    #3
    Muddycoinwash

    Muddycoinwash Well-Known Member

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    Welcome to Tacoma World! Nice truck, 04 was a great year, I sure miss mine.
     
  4. Jan 14, 2020 at 11:36 PM
    #4
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Chief Executive Officer at Kwik Fab

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    Bilstein 5100s or full OME kit.

    You didn't state whether it was a 4x4 or not, but having a rear locker makes a Tacoma very capable.
     
    High Noon and harris_taco[OP] like this.
  5. Jan 15, 2020 at 6:35 AM
    #5
    harris_taco

    harris_taco [OP] Member

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    yes 4x4. I have been leaning towards bilstein 5100s or dobinson. thoughts?
     
  6. Jan 15, 2020 at 6:36 AM
    #6
    harris_taco

    harris_taco [OP] Member

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    i have been looking at bilstein 5100 with new springs and new shocks in the rear with the add a leaf option instead of blocks. thoughts?
     
  7. Jan 15, 2020 at 7:08 AM
    #7
    CrustyTaco

    CrustyTaco Well-Known Member

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    Louisville, KY
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    04 Ext Cab V6 5MT 4X4 173k
    881/5100/Dakars 4R wheels / TBU / New frame
    I have 5100s with OME 881 springs in the front and Dakars in the rear. I've had them on for a year and been pretty happy with them. The rear is a lot more stiff than my old worn leaf springs were, but it handles weight much better. The whole setup cost me around $1200 plus $200 spent on replacing some rusty stuff. The leaf springs were a big part of that expense, so doing an add-a-leaf can definitely save you some money if your leaf springs are still serviceable.
     
    Bend_corners and TWJLee like this.
  8. Jan 15, 2020 at 7:31 AM
    #8
    TWJLee

    TWJLee Well-Known Member

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    2020 Tundra GFC 33’s Borla Pro XS FOX 2.0 2020 F150 33’s Magnaflow FOX 2.0 2001 Tacoma 4x4 2.7 5spd access cab new frame 217k 2” lifted Always for sale.
    Cost effective and capable.
    Better than stock. GTG
     
  9. Jan 15, 2020 at 7:43 AM
    #9
    GQ7227

    GQ7227 mw survivor

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    309km east of Hazard ...the good life
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    '97 black SR5 0g ~ MT @ 176k ...
    black woolWax, green IFC, borlaCB, custom Line-X PC drums, skid, nuts, hooks, 1/4 silver frame...
    looking at some FOX for my taco

    they are corrosion resistant :notsure:

    unlike the KINGs
     
  10. Jan 15, 2020 at 8:00 AM
    #10
    1oldgoat

    1oldgoat Active Member

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    Welcome! I am doing an Old Man Emu all around suspension upgrade this spring (shocks, springs, bushings) that should be about 2" of lift. Not the cheapest, but I only plan on doing this once (haha). I have a 99 4wd regular cab Taco with severe leaf spring droop, so I am going with the heavy suspension. Will see how 33's fit after that. Check OK4wd and 4wheel parts for prices. Will you be wrenching yourself or having it installed? If you are near Roanoke maybe I'll see you on the road!
     
  11. Jan 15, 2020 at 8:07 AM
    #11
    cruisedon66

    cruisedon66 Well-Known Member

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    I'd suggest getting used to the truck off road as is.
    Then see what it's lacking as far as lifts etc.
    After you find it's weaknesses.
     
  12. Jan 15, 2020 at 9:04 AM
    #12
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    Kings, J59's Total Chaos UCAs Custom skids Sticker mod
    Definitely don't do blocks.

    With those 285's, you should be able to run a 2.5-3" lift without too much trouble. Depending on the offset of those wheels, you'll likely run into rubbing on the frame or the fenders. Pinch weld mod is a definite must.

    Keep in mind that the coilovers don't change the suspension geometry, they just change the height of where it sits. So all things equal, bigger tires will *always* rub unless you make changes to the suspension (after market UCAs) or different wheels/spacers. But like I said, I don't know what the offset of those wheels are, so a bad offset can make the problem worse.

    Best to just toss them on there and see where it rubs, and trim/hammer accordingly.
     
  13. Jan 15, 2020 at 9:04 AM
    #13
    adamdsgn

    adamdsgn Well-Known Member

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    I've got an identical '03 DC. Nice looking truck! I upgraded my stock TRD suspension around 320K miles. I went with OME 881s w/ 5100s up front (with 1/4" taco lean spacer) and General Spring HD leaf packs in the back paired with 5100s. New bolts, top hats, and miscellaneous hardware as well...

    My overall goal was beefier upgraded suspension components. Sounds like we have similar off road expectations. I just want my truck to be capable enough to handle mild off road rocky trails, yet maintain somewhat of a stock look and ride. I went with the HD springs instead of the stock to compensate for towing the camper and weekend warrior hauling (dirt, rock, etc.).

    I've been really happy with the setup. Rides and looks like the Tacoma's from our era should have with the added price of the TRD package. If I were you I would strongly avoid add-a-leafs with the age of the components in our trucks. You would be better served buying 2 new leaf packs no matter what you end up going with. Good luck!
     
    FreudianSip, GQ7227 and 2002Tacoma4x4 like this.
  14. Jan 15, 2020 at 9:20 AM
    #14
    Willstutz7

    Willstutz7 Self-proclaimed, unjustified expert

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    2003 TRD Off-road Extra cab V6 Prerunner
    3” allpro leaf springs; Bilstein 5100 shocks all around; thrush welded muffler back system; deck plate mod; 1.5” wheel spacers; rear led bumper light pods
    I run all pro 3 inch leaf springs in the rear with 5100s and up front run stock coils with the adjustable 5100s set to the highest setting and am running 265/75/16 (32’s essentially) and have no run even when flexing. Love the ride and the way it looks
     
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  15. Jan 16, 2020 at 10:56 AM
    #15
    4toys

    4toys Well-Known Member

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    00 xCab TRD 4x4 3.4 MT
    5100's @2.5, AAL
    Bought my 2000 TRD 4x4 AC 5 years ago and added 5100's with the fronts all the way up. Had a spring shop do an AAL so I could run 265/75x16 Duratrac's. Rear sat a little higher, and just about level with a Lear cap on. Truck handles well enough on or off road; it spends most of its time fetching firewood and hauling fence posts here on the farm. Still has the oem front springs. Now the rears are starting to sag again. So, will the General Spring HD kit give me the rear height I need? Is there another budget-minded spring pack that I should run?
    tia, 4toys
     
  16. Jan 27, 2020 at 5:49 PM
    #16
    Toonces!

    Toonces! Member

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    Anybody have an estimate for how much a suspension kit should cost to install?
     
  17. Jan 27, 2020 at 6:17 PM
    #17
    Willstutz7

    Willstutz7 Self-proclaimed, unjustified expert

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    Depends on what you want done. If you’re talking new leaf pack and shocks in the rear and all new coilovers up front, brake line extensions, bump stops, u bolts, etc, you’re looking at around 1500 bucks in parts alone if you do it right. Some shops won’t install parts that you order and bring in for insurance reasons. All new suspension is pretty labor intensive but not too difficult. Depending on how mechanically inclined you are it’s not a bad idea to watch some videos, read some write-ups and decide if it’s something you can tackle on your own or with a buddy, it’ll sure save you some money. As far as an exact price, I’m not sure, I do almost all the work myself. Most shops charge about 90-100 bucks an hour around here. I’d say a full suspension work over would take probably 5-6 hours at a shop at so on the low side 450 bucks labor plus the ~1500 in parts. If the shop does the ordering you might not be able to get some top of the line parts. So all out the door maybe around 2 grand? All this is speculation and my educated guess, not an estimate. Hope it helps

    Edit: this would be more along the lines of a lift kit rather than just refreshed suspension. Just replacing what oem parts have worn out would be considerably less since you likely wouldn’t be upgrading everything
     
  18. Jan 27, 2020 at 7:11 PM
    #18
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Chief Executive Officer at Kwik Fab

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    What all are you installing?

    Everything can be done with basic tools at home; you'll just want to make sure you have a good jack and 4 jack stands.
     
  19. Jan 27, 2020 at 7:24 PM
    #19
    Toonces!

    Toonces! Member

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    I was thinking this kit would be best for my 98 Taco 4wd w/214K miles on it.

    https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/arb-o...t-light-duty-ometac04lks/_/R-BHWQ-OMETAC04LKS

    I dont tow anything as I have a GX460 for that sort of stuff. I'll use the truck for some light off roading and throw maybe 300lbs of shooting gear/ targets in the bed. Thanks in advance!
     
  20. Jan 28, 2020 at 4:45 AM
    #20
    austinsdad99

    austinsdad99 Well-Known Member

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    This is exactly what I’ve ordered for mine. Check out wheelers off-road they have some nice stuff.
     

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