Tacoma 2” lift (Bilstein 5100, OME 884, General Springs HD leaf springs)

SO getting ready to do this over the weekend with some help. Question: where is the 1/4 inch spacer placed on the front driver side shock/coil to prevent lean? Only want to do this once

 

I placed the spacer just on top of the whole shock/strut assembly. It’s really easy to put on, you literally just place it on top. The only issue with mine was I had to try to compress the shock enough without re-undoing the bottom bolts in order to get it in. If I had done it the first time, it would have been much simpler.

 

Thank you for all the replies. Last question: did you replace top hat bushing also during upgrade

 

I only used what was included, my bushings weren’t bad, as it didn’t have very many miles before I did the lift, so I just used all the same bushings. Mine were fine, as long as your stock bushings aren’t too worn or cracking, I’d just use them. If I’m not mistaken, the top hat bushing you’re talking about is the one that goes between the spring and the top of the assembly, but the shock bushings (small, round, thick ones) were provided and I used them.

 

I replaced mine when I did my lift. The truck had about 75,000 miles on it. They looked fine, but I read that they can harden with time and not dampen road vibrations as well. No idea if there is truth to that, but I figured I may as well while everything is apart.

 

If that’s the case, I agree, best to replace it while it’s easy than have to do it later on down the road.

 

Looks great! What size and brand of tire?

 

I went with almost this same setup. Front is the same but used HeadStrong 3 leaf progressive AAL for the rear, leaving in the overload spring.

My measurements were:
Before Front Rear
20 1/4" 22"

After Front Rear
22" 24"

So I only got a 1.75" lift in the front, Headstrong says 2" but 1/4" isn't a big deal. I really wish I'd added the taco lean spacer at the time. As it now leans but didn't before. The LF is 1/2" lower now at 21 1/2". That will be going on soon.

 

The lean is exactly what I noticed. It was perfectly level side to side when the truck first hit the ground, but after only a few miles of the shocks and coils settling in, I noticed the lean as well. That’s why I had to take it apart again.

 

Will adding a 70lb streamline front bumper and 67lb winch make the front drop more? Or should I plan on getting 885s at some point? Or possibly HS 2.5" coils.

 

I would assume the weight would bring the front down an inch or less, so id either go with the 885s, or one of the stiffer shocks that they recommend for trucks with winch guards. If I’m not mistaken 886 and 887 are made for the same lift height with added weight, it states which ones are in the website

 

Thanks! The tires are 265/75r16 Cooper ST Maxx. I had the same tire (in 235/85r16) on my last truck and really like them. I wish I could get them in load C, but I am still really happy with them.

I agree with @BrownTaco12 , I would go 885s with the additional weight of the bumper.

 

Just got my lift put on today and took it out for a ride tonite. So far loving how it rides and amazed at the noticeable difference. I did have 160,000+ miles on the stock 2011 DCLB 4x4 suspension though. Thanks BrownTaco for the original write up and everyone’s responses to questions.

 

A couple pics...

 

Looks good! @jaysword

 

So have about 1,000 miles on new setup and have gone for alignment. What kind of numbers did y’all get with your alignment? Guys at Firestone telling me no adjustable camber basically adjusted toe and that was it. Plan on taking it back today bc pulling to left on Highway when driving 70-75. Anyway any input appreciated

 

My numbers were fine per the shop, said he could adjust either way and I was still around the middle of my adjustment range. But, from reading I’ve seen a lot of these trucks react differently when it comes to that.

 

Just my two cents after installing the HDs.

They gave me an extra inch of lift in the rear over my previous setup (TSB springs + 1” block).

The difference is night and day. Handles my camper top and platform like it’s not even there. Towing the boat is much better.
Very slight vibration at 45-55 but I have to change the carrier bearing because the current one has play.

This is how the truck should feel. Ride quality is still pretty good, although I confess it is stiffer. But the improvement in handling and braking is worth it.

I used the standard u bolts and install was very simple.

 

I posted a while back on this thread how great this set up is for me. I still feel the same way. This is a good set up.

I did end up having an issue related to lifting my truck. After around 12,000 miles on this set up, I started getting a vibration up front between 20 and 40 mph. This vibration was rhythmical, that is, two seconds on, two seconds off. After troubleshooting, I ended up replacing the needle bearings on the driver’s side of the front differential with a bushing from ECGS. It took me about 5 hours to replace the needle bearing. I would not recommend someone that is new to wrenching to attempt this replacement. It seems that lifted Tacos are prone to eating up these needle bearings.

If I were to do this lift again, I would put in a front differential drop at the same time as the lift.
They are not too much money and would most likely prevent the needle bearing from getting chewed up.

 

Very helpful threads and write-ups. Thanks for the good info.

I'm considering a similar set-up: standard 5100s all around, HS 2" coils, and GS HD springs. My hope is that it will give me about 2 inches of lift all around, or maybe raise the front by 1/2 inch. Have the GS HDs held up over time? I've seen some posts with issues on longevity and axle wrap...did you use standard 5100s on the back, or extended travel? Any need to extend the break lines? I'm guessing I won't need UCAs or a front diff drop kit with only a 2in lift in front, and hopefully wont have any of the needle bearing problems w/ lower front.

Any feedback from those of you with lots more experience than me would be helpful.