Suspension help

Hey TW,

I’m a new member as well and a new Tacoma owner. A few months ago I picked up a 2013 Barcelona Red Tacoma TRD Off-road with a 6 speed! It already had aftermarket suspension. As for the front it has Toytec/Bilstein 5100 coilovers preset at max ride height and JBA uca’s. At first it seemed to ride stiff which didn’t bother me until I hit a speed bump... let’s just say a truck with square tires may have a better ride. Upon vast Tacoma World research I concluded that I’m not the only one who feels that way. I know what needs to be done to fix this but I am pondering going a different route which is why I’m here. I’ve been looking at the Fox Level Kit 1 from HeadStrong Off-road but would like to hear some opinions. Also my stock rear leaf springs are starting to sag but I have absolutely no clue what to get to replace them. Currently the front is lifted 3 inches and the rear is stock I would like to keep the 3 inches in the front and level out the rear. What are my options for rear leafs to achieve this? And do you guys have any opinions and ideas on what route to go for shocks front and rear?

 

Personally I like the 5100s. But yes they are a digressively valved mono tube. Which is not for everyone. In that pic of the rear looks like there is a block under the rear leaf springs.

 

To me, it looks like there’s quite a bit of gap between the tire and fender for a 3“ lift. 5100’s have a lower spring perch that can be set in three different positions that also can give height.

 

The Toytec coilover on there is set at the lowest setting. Exact set up on my truck.

 

Your lift appears to be about as proper as they get for on-road performance and comfort. What tires are you running and what rating? That could be the ride quality problem

 

Which JBAs did you get? I'm on a 2.5" lift and my JBAs are almost flat

 

Kings set at 2 1/2" lift. Soooooo soft.

 

Everything on the truck was installed prior to my purchase so I’m not just what JBA’s are on there. I’d say the tires could be a factor but everytime I hit a bump the truck bounces like a pogo stick and sounds like one as well. I looked at the coilover and it is set at the highest notch which is also adjusts the preload from what I have read. I’m assuming that’s the issue.

 

Rear setup. Expedition springs 11 leaf pack with airbags. Soooooooo much better than stock.

 

I don't think there's any way you're on eibach springs and on the top knotch. That would be a crazy stiff ride and give you like close to 4" of lift.

 

To me they appear to be set at the highest notch or close to anyways. The front end takes flight going over speed bumps anything over 5mph

 

And CVs would be screaming for help.

 

So would my best option to start with be setting the perch at a lower notch?

 

Yep that’s completely wrong. That set up is incorrect. It should be on the lowest setting.

 

Yes on the lowest notch you should get 2 3/4”-3” of lift.

 

This.

 

Well that is good to know!

 

If the fronts are at the highest setting that's the start of your stiff ride problem. The toytech eibach coils are rated for 1.6" of lift with no preoad . Pull them out and put the clip on the second notch up from the bottom and then go for a drive and see if that solves your problem. If it does then go get it realigned for that height and you're all set.

 

The set he has are preassembled from Toytec. They will yield 2 3/4”-3” on zero.