Front end lift questions...

OK...so I got the rear springs TSB done...and it lifted the rear 1-1/2".

I'm happy with the ride and the look...I had it done mostly for hauling and towing.

Now I'd like to lift the front about one inch to level out the truck a little.

I also plan on replacing the 245 tires with 265 tires. Speaking of tires...do I get the front end lift work done 1st, w/ alignment?...or get the tires installed then do the front end work and an alignment?

What is the best way to achieve the small front end lift? Bilstein 5100's? Or new coils? Other? I want to do it economically, but I don't want to screw with the ride or factory engineering too much.

Not a fan of shims...although I'd like those with the 1/4" "Taco Lean" shim to comment, this is something I'd be interested in doing when I make the subtle front end mods.

Lots of questions...thanks for any imput you can add...

 

Cheapest route would be some adjustable front Bilstein shocks. Avoid spacers due to ride quality. I would get the tires,front end, and alignment done at the same time. You changing the tires and front end separately may change your alignment specs.

 

So...the 5100's are less cost than a set of coils? I would think the coils would be less? And if I changed coil springs...would the stock shocks be OK?

and, any feed back on the "taco-lean" shims? worth the trouble? waste of time? negative ride effect?

 

a pair of front Billies would be around $160. Not familiar with the shims or coils you are interested in. I have coilovers which are coils/shock combo. Much more costly. Toytec coilovers are about $800. The think the Billies 5100 are adjustable up to 2.5". I would think you will need longer shocks for coil springs lift.

 

thanks...I'm only looking to pickup about one inch of front lift.

 

My billies are being installed at the dealer this week @ 1.75 " . Had the TSB done a few months ago . I also will be going from 245s to 265s when the rubber runs out in another month or so. I think this is the way to go since it will not stress out the front end parts too much. Researched this info a lot right here @ TW . Will get the alignment with the billies ,hope to not need another after bigger tires. If I do I will just get it done again at the dealer and hopefully they wont charge me twice .

 

I believe the Billy's at 1.75 will leave my rear end low. I have 1.5 inches of lift in the rear from the TSB...

one inch of front lift will be perfect (for me)...that way when I tow or haul with the truck...I still have some rear spring left for a level ride.

 

unfortunately, i joined this forum after i put 2.5" spacers on my 04. Hate them. i want to fit 285/75/16 no problem. i am willing to save money and buy toytec 3.5" coilovers. is that the best route? thanks.

 

Go here and click on Center Picture
http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...pre-runner-4wd-front-pre-load-adjustable.html
Bilstein 5100 Series adjustments are: 0.85" / 1.75" / 2.50"

I got the Leaf TSB and increased rear height 1"+
With my Cap @ 200lb +/- and Bed Mat @ 25lb+ I'm still 2" higher in the rear

I've been considering the 5100's but..........
I'm thinking I'd rather ride high in the back with existing load,
than ride low in the back with an additional 500lb or towing a trailer
I'd look like a Ranger or an S-10

Also considering the shims for the "lean"


CC

 

Just get some 5100's with Eibach or OME coils i have the Eibachs and they gave me 3 1/4" from stock at half the cost of the Toytec coil-overs. The only difference is the Toytec's are adjustable wile on the truck and they look cooler.

 

Adjustable on the Truck? I've gotta pay more attention!
That would negate my previous post.
TW gonna cost me mo' money.

.

 

I did the exact same thing now im saving for some OME's

 

Just picked up truck from dealer , installed front Bilsteins @ 1.75 and alignment......Spanked me for $356 ! 4hr. labor and $79 alignment. Sucks when you dont have time to shop around for prices . It does look bad ass though ! New rubber in a couple weeks,from 245/75 16 to 265/75 16s. Thinking Cooper Discoverer ATR .

 

Yeah they have a spinner wrench so that you can adjust them on the truck

 

thanks for the link and info
Adjustable....only way to go
had no intention of touching the suspension
Research and decisions
Damn TacomaWorld


.

 

No problem and tell me about it this site is keeping my wallet empty but my truck gets better and better every week.

 

pics plz

 

aren't the 5100s adjustable too? and can i put the 5100s up there at like 1" and leave the spacers?

 

i got another question for ya. can i use the orginal coil springs with the 5100s if i just set them at 1"? i just wana jack the truck up enough so i can fit 285/75/16. the cheapest way possible since i already spent time and money on the spacers. but will the 5100s work with rough country spacers? thanks a lot.

 

4 hours for the front shocks and an alignment?? My old 03 had the front brakes done (pads, calipers, rotors), inner tie rod replaced, new muffler and tailpipe installed, and freed seized rear brake pivots done in 7-8 hours. That was last month before I sold it. I think your garage needs a coffee brewer or something!

Tomorrow I am getting the 5100's installed at 2.5", my truck has the 4-leaf pack already so I am adding Ride Rite airbags @ 10-12 psi to keep the truck level, and a Toytec FDD kit. I have Grabber AT2 tires on 18" Monster rims to go on too. Tire size 265/70r18 = 32.6". I'll be getting an alignment done shortly after. Fingers crossed I don't get vibes

Either way, to the OP...I'd go with the 5100's @ .85. If you go 1.75, it may be too high in the front, only by a slight amount. Any weight in the back will definitely make the truck look saggy. This is from what I understand anyway.

I have a question though. For the winter months, I have 16" steels and 245/75r16 winter tires. Do I need an alignment when swapping rims/tires? I never did on my old 03...swapped between 225's on 15's and 265's on 16's. No lift.