What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

just back from getting the new ko2 tires and trd wheels put on. have to clean the wheels up a bit and wanting to get some kind of leveling done so the front sits even with the back. thinking of getting spacers in the front. is this the way to go? if so, what's a good brand? if not, what's a better option? tia...

 

Spacers suck. Best and cheapest way is bilstein 5100

 

Took the words right outta my mouth.

 

Makes driving a manual easier for noobs and covers up mistakes

 

I probably violated some rules, but it looks so much better, especially at night.

 

Reported. You will be hearing from attorney general soon.

 

I did this. Also, the lift is getting installed tomorrow (technically it’s an overpriced leveling kit)




And if you’re wondering:
Currently have some noticeable rake. The front sits 1.5 inches lower.

I purchased the Fox 2.0 performance coil over shocks which is set to 2 inches in the front and 0 in rear. After the suspension settles, the front suspension will depress and end with approximately 1.5 inches of additional clearance which should level the truck out.

without lift: (will post pics Wednesday when I get the truck back)

 

Yep. It was the timing chain cover leak. Covered under power train warranty 5yr/60k miles. There is a few threads on it.

 

so i'm a total dummy when it comes to leveling, lifting, etc. the truck specs say it has bilstein shocks already. are the bilstein 5100's an upgrade from what i have and do you just put them on the front to level the truck? and lastly, curious as to why spacers suck?

 

Who makes the headlight covers?

 

Not gonna lie but you get what you pay for. I have the spyder headlights and they are kinda bad. I cannot see at night and my current fog lights completely out-shine my headlights

 

Yep, the 5100s are an upgraded shock over the stock Bilstein shock. Here is a good link to a kit for the front and rear, but you can buy the fronts and/or rears separately. https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p401/OME_Coil/Bilstein_5100_Kit_(HS16BK-1).html

The reason people advise against spacers is that they only add height, they don't actually increase the travel of the shock. If you think of the shock/coilover system as having a compressed length of x and an extended length of y, the spacer (z) just add x+z and y+z, whereas a longer travel/better shock *usually* has a similar x and a larger y. This allows for increased shock (and subsequently wheel) travel.

Once you dive into aftermarket shocks, you can get into a ton of specifics -- larger diameter shock bodies for more fluid volume to absorb heat, different valve stacks to change compression and expansion rates, etc.

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

man, you lost me starting on that second paragraph! thanks for all the info though!

so do i need to upgrade the rear shocks if all i want to do is level the truck?

 

What shock would you recommend as a replacement for the OEM shock, OEM wheels, tires, etc. Looking for a better shock with nothing else to change the configuration of my stock road machine (2018 Sport).

Is the 5100 still the ticket?

 

Honestly, the 5100s are a great shock for the price, they're semi-adjustable [you can choose between a few ride height settings based on the spring and seat settings]

the only minor concern is if you lift the vehicle more than approx. 2", you usually want to start looking at aftermarket Upper Control Arms (UCAs) to help maintain travel and easier alignment.

 

Thank you. No lift, nothing but new tires (OEM). I'm fine with the stock small truck. I want a better shock for the sake of having a set. Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

 

Haha, no worries. There's a nearly-endless rabbit hole of suspension that you can dive down if you want.

Nope, typically the rear rides higher than the front when unloaded/lightly loaded. Most people just need the front suspension to level it out, but get the rear suspension to match, and because we all hate money here.

Don't forget that shocks =/= springs. Springs [coil in the front, leaf in the rear] are for ride height/static load, shocks are for mitigating impact/terrain changes. You can change both or either part independently depending on what you want.

 

Not a problem! Yep, the 5100s are kind of the standard recommendation around here, they're pretty well made and moderately adjustable if you decide you want more lift or are adding weight or something.

We run 5100s [a different kit] with heavier duty springs on a brush truck [F350 4x4] after adding a winch and front bumper to level it back out. It's been great so far.

 

Yep, that’s exactly what you need to do.

 

thanks again for your help! i thought leveling the truck was gonna be ez pz, but it looks like i've got some researching to do...