What do I need to take this lift down?

(Copying from another forum)
Hey all, I recently purchased this 02 Taco, 4x4 6 cyl all that and I love it! It’s the first vehicle I’m interested in spending time an money on.

It currently has 285/75R16s on, and I love how they look but when I get new tires this summer I’m thinking of going down to 265/70 or 265/75 so I can have more power and better mpg.

Anyway, to do that I think I’d also like to take down the lift so it doesn’t look un-proportional. Can anyone tell me what kind of lift I have and if it would be easy to take down? Lmk if I need to take more pictures too and I can do that I’m really not sure what I’m looking for here. Thanks!

 

You’ll need a spanner wrench designed for the front coils to loosen and turn down the lift. The rear is easy. Just simply remove the block under the leaf springs and you’re set.

 

Also I don’t think it’ll look bad with that lift and 265/75s. I’d keep it lifted.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Greetings only from me since you double posted this.

 

Nice looking truck!

That's an aftermarket leaf pack of some sort - guessing Dakar's but hard to tell from that pic. Taking the block out will lower the rear an inch, but it will still be lifted.

If it were mine, I'd take the block out, and then lower the front coilovers to your preference of level or rake.

 

thanks so much! That’s what I’m thinking too, 2” with 75s would be sick I think.

 

I might do that! Gotta get the new tires first so after seeing how the look I’ll decide, I think 2” would be perfect

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Ok! I have a few questions though:

1. Do I need to have some sort of block under my springs? Or would it be fine just taking that block right out?
2. Would I need to change that Bilstein part or anything else when taking it down?
3. Can I reuse my u-bolts?
4. Any other good resources to help me do this?
5. Should I take it in to a shop?

Sorry for all the questions, but thanks for your response!

 

1. Just take the block out no need for anything underneath.
2. No you can reuse the shock.
3. They’ll hang lower so you might have to cut them or buy new ones. I’d cut if it was me.
4. Depending on your location you might be able to get help with members on this forum.
5. If you know how to use tools do it yourself. It’s easy. Just watch a few YouTube videos and you’re set.

 

from what i understand 275s are hard to find in anything other than e rated which are typically heavier and will negatively effect your mpgs

 

if that's what your original concern is

 

Thanks so much!

 

Well I’m coming from 285s so it’s still a step up haha

 

If you are concerned about power and mileage, go to a load range C tire. 265/75, maybe a 255/85. There is a thread on here about tall and skinny tires that is interesting. Get the tire weight down. A shorter tire will also restore some of your final gearing. You will probably see a difference in ride too. Depending on the mileage on those shocks, you may need to replace the rear and rebuild the front.
If you drop the back, you may need to adjust the proportioning valve depending on whether it was adjusted or drop bracketed as part of the lift.
Your truck looks good! Welcome to TW.
Are you in Idaho?

 

Thanks! Yeah I’m really hoping that the shocks and leaf pack is fine for a while, I don’t have the money to change everything as I’m in school rn (at U of I, so yeah I’m in idaho!) I think I’ll probably have someone take a look at it when I get the new tires to advise me on how to go forward taking the lift down a little. I also love the look of 265/75s and I think that’s worth the decrease in mpg and stuff (unless gas prices keep increasing)

 

I think you would be fine with the 265s and probably get better mileage and power. Consider a Load range C tire. You really don't need a D or E and the extra weight will negatively affect your performance. I am running 265/70/17 BFG KO2s on my Gen 3 with no drop in mileage and performance over the stock tire. Proportionally, I think it looks pretty good. I think you Gen 1 would look good and you would get what you want out of it.

 

Welcome to TW!