How to lift a TRD PRO (a bit) w/ stock suspension

I was just watching those this morning! Think I’m going with their front kit. Back, probably going to do a deaver pack. Between the bed rack, decked, bumper and tent I’ll be adding a little over 600 pounds. Without gear...

 

Watched a bunch of their media on YouTube, it appears that the top plate spacer is .5" which should net 1" lift. If you guys are seeing nearly 2" lift, just the perch should net 1".

I reached out to Westcott for details and info on the feasibility of using the kit minus the top plate spacer. I'll post the response when I get it.

 

Here’s a pic of my Tacoma with the Westcott front kit and Icon AAL in the rear (overload spring removed). Bed is empty w/ Diamondback SE, if that matters to anyone.

I was at a bee’s dick over 21” all 4 corners prior to lift (maybe slightly under 21 1/8”) and am now at 22 3/4” all 4 corners.

 

This is looking more and more like the way to go. How’s the ride with this kit? Especially the front?

 

Granted I’ve only driven 20 miles or so since, but it felt great. I have no complaints. I’ll get more time behind the wheel on Friday and will have a better feel for how it compares.

 

Awesome thanks. Definitely looking forward to your thoughts with more miles on.

 

Nice! Just need the tires now. Probably going to add the AAL soon instead of the block I got now.

 

I keep thinking about this slight increase but just flew over a bunch of speed bumps in the shopping center without any jump. Will this change that ride?

 

Yes, tires is next on the list.

 

I can’t say just yet. Need to get some more miles before I can say definitively. I will say the 20ish mile drive home felt good. No noticeable decrease in ride quality, but can’t say with confidence that the ride quality IMPROVED. But it felt good.

 

Cool. Would appreciate your honest review in a few weeks.

 

When I got my alignment done, they wanted more caster but couldn't due to the UCA. Alignment wise it drives fine but I’m monitoring my tires until I can get the UCA’s replaced with something that has more adjustment. As for the Needle bearing. When I installed the Westcott my truck had 40k on it. That means the Angle of the drivers side front axle had been running on the factory needle bearing in that position for 40k. Now that the Angle of the Axle has changed due to the lift it did cause the strange vibration that you hear and read about. I ordered the Bushing and tool from East Coast Gear Supply. The tool was very difficult to insert into the factory bearing for removal. I had to ever so slightly file it down just to get it to slip into position. Once the tool was installed the bearing came out nice and easy. To my surprise the factory needle bearing looked like new with no signs of wear anywhere. Made me wonder if I was on the right track to fix the vibration. Installed the bushing and that’s another questionable task. How far do you press it in banging on it with a hammer. What if you press it in just a bit to far? How are you going to get it out to reset it? Etc. Etc. I got it in nice and flush with the case. Reassembled everything and...Vibration went away. I run 285/75/16 E GoodYear Dura-Tracs on my stock Pro rims. I wasn’t happy with the stance. The 285’s sit just inside the fenders and bed. Ended up installing the Spider Trax spacers and now the stance is perfect (in my opinion) However, bringing the tires out caused cab mount rub. Not on flat surfaces but anytime turning on uneven surfaces. So, ordered a set of BAMF CMC pre-cut plates and cut the mounts. No more rubbing. The Westcott kit firms up the stock Fox soft ride and I like it. I’m using the block that came with the kit but I also run Airbags due to Hauling loads, Trailers, etc. etc. I originally went with the Air bags because we had a FourWheel camper and the bags were the best way to adjust for different weights while traveling but now that we sold the FWC I may go with a dedicated spring pack. No regrets on the Westcott kit. The only thing I don’t really like is going from a 265 C load to a 285 E load. The stiffer E load ride quality is fine. The mpg’s are definitely down though. I’m tuned with OvTune so the shifting and power are dialed in but mileage still isn’t great. The thing is, when you look at the truck slightly lifted with 33’s, It just looks like it should so if I have to pay a bit more for gas..Oh well. Good luck

 

Well, just ordered the wescott front kit and deaver stage 2 expedition 2” lift leaf packs (400-600lbs). Figured that would be the way to go having a constant 500 lbs in the back. Guys at deaver said the packs should lift between 1 1/2 - 2” and the wescott is supposed to be 1 1/2, so I’m hoping it’ll keep just a bit of rear rake for when I put the tent on - that’ll push the rear weight to around 625lbs. But those numbers are all without gear. I figured the stage 3’s would just be way too much at 700-1000 lbs. We’ll see!

 

Any feedback on your question?

 

Unfortunately not. Been really busy at work, I'll try to find some time and follow up.

 

Here’s a better pic. I’ve driven a few hundred miles since the install. Very happy with the ride quality both front w/ the Westcott and rear w/ Icon AAL.

Yes, I know I still need bigger tires. I’m still deciding how I want to go and am not really in a rush. So you’ll just have to deal with the tiny tires. HAHA.

 

Still looks good!

 

What was you final caster value?

 

What was your caster ? Trying to decide if I should install a JBA high caster UCA when I install the westcott lift on my TRD pro.

 

I’ll see if I can find the numbers, but there weren’t any alignment issues with stock UCA. FWIW, the shop was reputable and deals with alignments needing fine tuned caster adjustments.