Do 3rd gens have a shorter shock length on the drivers side?

Don't hold me to it, but I believe rear shock mount distance differences have been a thing since the 1st gen. I know some (maybe all, dont know?) 1st gens had different rear shock lengths for driver/passenger, as far as OEM parts went. Obviously when you go aftermarket, you're looking at the same part for left and right, typically much more travel included. At the end of the day, there's nothing to be worried about. Shock extended/compressed numbers are out there for a reason, and unless you're allowing for your shocks to be your bump stops, or your limiting droop factor, its fine.

 

Yeah sounds like you’re correct. Attached are a few pics and below are my learnings for any other newbies to the Taco Lean;

1.) CAREFUL measurement is critical. I was measuring from the top of the shock mount on the frame, which is less accurate than measuring from the underside of the frame mount (as close to the shock as you can get). I think measuring from the top of the mount was throwing it off because of how those brackets are mounted on the different sides.
2.) Take multiple measurements - distance from frame to leaf springs, ground to frame, shock extension, and top of tire to fender. You sort of have to triangulate to get accurate numbers.
3.) Fuel makes a huge difference. The difference now that I’m at 1/4 tank is down to 1/4” at most. Some of that 1/4” could even be measurement error since I don’t see the same lean when I measure from top of tires to fenders.

Measurements with 1/4 tank of fuel:

1.) Top of tire to fender: ~6 3/4”
2.) Frame to top of leaf springs: ~6”
3.) Shock extension: ~19.5” (~19.25 on driver’s side)

 

Makes sense. Appreciate the insights.

 

There's nothing wrong with your measurements, but the most popular way to measure ride height is from the center of the hub to the fender flare. That's not saying that it's any better, but if you want to share notes with others, that's the one that will work best.

 

Its not even friday.

 

Classic Taco Lean. Gas tank, battery and driver all sit on that side of vehicle.

 

I guess I had to go through the OCD process of trying to figure it all out with a tape measure and inputs from TW. I’m learning that there is a wider margin of error and acceptance of quirks with these Tacos vs some other vehicles I’ve owned in the past.

 

Are you sure it's quirk? Have you measured the ride height on both sides of any other truck? I would expect every truck to have some asymmetry unless the manufacture found some way to evenly distribute the weight or made the suspension asymmetric to compensate.

It would be interesting to measure the weight at each corner of the truck.

 

I found this for a 1st gen.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/fyi-corner-balance-and-actual-truck-weight.578272/

And here is something for a 3rd gen.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-on-2018-dcsb-4x4-sport.640417/#post-22245505

Both show that the left side is heavier than the right side.

 

I keep reading about this taco lean. I don't have it, truck sits perfectly level side to side and front to rear. Maybe i'm not looking hard enough for it. When i get a chance i'll get out the measuring tape...this has got me wondering now.

 

I can't see it with my eyes either, but I can see it with a tape measure.

 

You’re could be right. I’m more into working on this truck vs previous vehicles, so probably more tuned into its nuances.

 

Lesson: trust your eyes, not the tape measure.

 

Could be my BMI

 

You’ll see it with a tape measure. My advice, don’t do it. You’re better off just enjoying your truck.

 

My truck has a lille front Taco lean. I fixed it by cutting my tires slightly to the right when parking.
It actually looks better with the tires slightly turned...to me anyway.

 

Had the fronts installed today. Set at second height. Raised front ~3/4”. Perfect for me. Rides great.