Updated: OME 883s/5100s & HS AAL

Hello, looking to add a very minor lift to my 2014 4x4 AC. I don't do any offroading, bought my 4x4 more for driving in the snow during ski season. I do however, want to eventually add some 255/85R16's (currently on 265/75R16's).

So I think I want around a 1.5" lift. Just note, I already have Bilstein 5100's on all four corners and the front set at the .85" notch. Rides fine, no complaints. I was looking into the Headstrong Offroad 3-Leaf AAL which they claim can be installed on the OEM leaf packs without any modification (i guess other AAL's require you to cut one of the clamps?). That should net me the 1.5" in the rear. And for the front I was thinking of just going with the OME 883 coils which supposedly give you 1.25" lift. This would retain some rake which i want and would still sit slightly higher than my current setup with the 5100's at .85" (i would set these back to 0" with the new coils).

Again, I don't really "need" a lift for my purposes but i do want those bigger tires. This should help avoid any driveline vibrations as i hear those start to happen at 2" or greater lifts. Also note, i don't have any armor or anything else that would add extra weight to the truck. However, I do plan on getting a camper shell eventually.

This is just under $400 from Headstrong.

Does this sound like a good way to go? Thoughts?

Links to parts:

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...AAL_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY516-3AL.html#

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...-__Various_Lift_Heights_Available_(PAIR).html

 

Ttt

 

I'd keep the $400 in my pocket.

You just don't know what is coming next during this pandemic situation. You may become unemployed next week.

Spend only on NEEDED items. Delay spend on WANTED items.

 

Well, I ended up spending the $400 anyways.

Headstrong progressive AAL and OME 883's.

Once all installed i'll report back.

 

Parts have arrived. Very quick shipping from Headstrong. Will tackle the AAL myself but plan on having the front coils done along with an alignment at a shop.

Besides looking funny there's no harm in driving around with either the front done first or the rear done first?

 

Not sure if its a problem but ive got a shitload of rake right now and it seems fine

 

I think i'm going to have the fronts done first (and drive home with a bro-rake), that will help me determine if i should leave the overload leaf in or take out based on how much lift i need in the rear. I don't tow or haul anything typically ever so is there no harm in removing the overload leaf? I'm thinking the rake may still be TOO high with the 883's if i add the AAL and keep the overload leaf in.

 

Have my appointment to get the coils installed on Friday.

I will be doing the AALs over the weekend. Any tips/tricks for the AAL installation? I've never done it but watching videos it doesn't look super difficult.

 

Well, I get that a small lift isn't too interesting. This thread didn't get much traction. BUT, for those who are interested here's the final outcome.

I went from Bilstein shocks on all OEM suspension with the front shocks set on the first notch (.85").

Before Measurements center of hub to fender:
FD - 20.75"
FP - 21"
RD - 21.75"
RP - 22"



After - OME 883 coils up front and headstrong 3-leaf progressive AAL in rear with same Bilsteins on all four corners (front set back to 0")

After measurements center of hub to fender:
FD - 20.5"
FP - 20.5"
RD - 23"
RP - 23.5"



I would give my measurements a +/- .5" as I was just eyeballing with a tape measurer.

So, with that said it looks like the 883's on bottom notch kept the front roughly the same height as the OEM coils set at the first notch. The HS AAL is pretty accurate at 1.5"-ish with the overload leaf removed. I'll be honest I thought the 883's would provide a smidgen more lift up front but that's okay.

My goal with this lift is to be able to run a shell and have the truck still sit level but with like the smallest achievable lift possible. Although I don't have a shell yet I think I accomplished that so I am happy.

 

Updated thread title for searchability.

 

Even though the height didn't change much, does it ride any differently?

 

No, rides like a stock truck. The front coils are firm but plush. The rear rides about the same (unloaded) as the stock leafs but sit about 1.5" higher. I haven't loaded anything into the bed yet so I can't comment on how it will perform with a load.

IF I ever feel like I want more front lift i'll bump the 5100's up to the first notch (.85"). This will still provide correct rake and ride quality shouldn't suffer at all... at least it didn't with the OEM coils on the first notch.

 

Is your AC a 4 or 6 cylinder? I'm debating these exact two set ups. I want a 1-1.5" of lift and can't decide between the 5100s at the .85 clip setting or go 883s. I've heard the 883s will lift a 4cyl a tad higher since they are lighter. I don't do a ton of off roading besides rough forest service roads and light trails when camping or getting to trailheads. Good looking truck!

 

I'm a 6 cylinder. Since you have the 2.7L I think bet the 883's will net you slightly more lift than stock coils at .85", which I bet is closer to the 1.25" OME advertises for those coils. Like I mentioned, I was expecting a little bit more of a lift out of the 883's but maybe that's cause I have the 4.0L... not sure. Either of those choices will get you what you want though, a nice small lift over stock. They might be .25"- .5" difference depending on which way you go.

 

Thanks for sharing @gkomo.
I was considering 883's for a 1.5" lift but found some slightly used gen 3 TRD OR coils instead at a good price. It lifted my 06 SR5 V6 front almost 1.5 inches. I saved about $140 not buying the 883's. I also have 5100's with front at 0 lift setting. I can feel the road more at slow speeds only. Very nice cushy feel over RR tracks and rough roads.
What I learned from your thread was 883's would not be enough. Maybe 884's are closer to gen 3 TRD OR spring rate?
I had posted that question before but never got an answer. Thanks again!

 

I would agree... the 883's only really provided just under an inch of lift. I would trust the 884's to provide 1.5" of front lift. I think OME's numbers may be sliiiiightly exaggerated based on ideal conditions. The 883's served my purpose but most people, if they are going to go through the trouble of lifting their truck, probably want more lift than they can provide. My only saving grace is I still have the option to set my 5100's to the first notch and get another <1" of lift without really sacrificing the 5100's ride quality. Either way this is a moot point for you, looks like you scored on some 3rd gen coils that gave you exactly what you were looking for.

Time will tell if I made the right decision... still looking for that shell!