My Suspension Lift

Here is what I did this past spring, finally getting around to posting it w/ photos.

Bilstein 5100 front and rear shocks (lowest '0' setting for coils)
OME 883 coils (yes, I plan on replacing the front bumper)
Diff drop kit
Ikon UCA's
Whiteline LCA bushings
OME Dakar leaf pack w/ greasable shackles

Did it all myself (aside from LCA bushings). I have limited mechanic skills, but I wanna thank these forums for helping me along the way. I got 2" in the front and about 2.5" in the back. Let me know if you have any questions, and I hope this helps out anyone looking to make any of these mods. Cheers!

 

That looks like a great setup. I miss my little 2001 Taco.

 

If you don't have plans in the works to start addressing your frame rust- now is the time.

 

Yes, there are plans in the works. Good lookin out though. I was going to go with a woolwax product before winter unless you had other suggestions? I had the frame inspected by my local Toyota dealer before putting all this work in, and it passed and was even described as 'good shape' (obviously its a relative, subjective statement). The rust you see in the photos is surficial and a lot of it is actually just Utah dirt. However, I do take it seriously and know its the achilles heel of these trucks.

Does anyone have the best linke to a forum thread for the best DIY frame restoration / undercoating for 1st gens?

 

You're the first truck that I've seen that doesn't have the rear jacked up ridiculously high with the dakar leaf pack. What is your magic?

 

Nice, to this day I regret selling my 1st Gen.

 

Hey thanks!

 

Hmm thats a good question. I was worried about the same thing truth be told. The honest answer is I'm not exactly sure. Here are my two theories (I'll probably get made fun of by real mechanics):

1) People only install the Dakar leaf pack without upgrading the front suspension - I think people slobber over Dakars (or any nice leaf pack for that matter) to replace their existing stock leafs, and jump to installing them without upgrading anything in their front suspension. People might assume their high butts will 'settle down' after some time, but it will always be 2.5" taller according to specs from OME. Ensure you're front suspension is upgraded and lifted in the 2-2.5" range to match height of Dakars. Also, I replaced the shackles at the same time, which may or may not have had an affect of lift height.

2)OME 883 Coils - These are stiff coils, and I wonder if they help keep my front end more stiff and upright to help balance out the lift from the Dakars.

Again, I'm not a mechanic. Only theories. I was a bit surprised at how well this setup turned out.

 

Yeah, I feel you. Especially after the crazy price jump for 1st gens that seemed to increase even more than the standard 'covid bubble' prices.

 

Good work man! I just did a very similar suspension setup this past weekend on my 97, 883s and Dakars but ome shock and strut. I love it except for the slightly ass high lift. It’s only 1 3/4” higher but to my eyes it seems like more. My balljoints are screaming on the stock uca so I know I need to pick some up soon. Why’d you go with icon? I’d really like to find one that’s adjustable to get a better alignment. However, I have a slipping and screaming clutch and a steering rack that is blown out so those are getting the fix first (ordered this morning).

edit: Did you have to shim your rear? I have a decent amount of low rpm vibration. Tried a diy carrier bearing drop but that didn’t really solve it.

 

Awesome to hear. I went with the Ikon because the Delta Joint seemed like great technology for the price point. They've done really well so far. I didn't have to shim the rear, just cut out the old mounting bolts in the front and popped the new leafs in. Am I understanding your question correctly?