Tacomas in Minnesota?

I don't mind diy and saving $1500 sounds like it's definitely worth my time. Thanks for the help!

 

Thanks, I'll check them out.

 

You should spray every bolt with some penetrating lube the day before you work on it. And I would recommend getting a good 3/8" or 1/2" impact gun with deep impact sockets. Watch a few YouTube videos to know what to expect.

I believe the basic tool list is: jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, torque wrench, 21 to 10mm sockets, 19 to 10mm wrenches, and a hammer (maybe a pry bar too)

I did a 1.5" lift up front and was able to install the front shocks without messing with the alignment bolts. But you will still need to get an alignment done.


What lift are you going with?

 

Thanks for the info all good things to know for sure! I am going with a 3" lift, I got on wheelers memorial day sale (05+ Tacoma Rear Suspension Kit with Fox 679 Shocks). Still need to get the front coilovers.

 

I assume gen 2 are pretty much the same underneath as gen 3 Tacos.
If you don't want to tackle redoing the brake lines you might be able to install that without having to extend the brake lines right away. Then have a shop install the lines and bleed the system.
I did Icon RXT leaf pack on option 2, which is 2.25" lift, and I had a bit of slack in my lines when installing the leaves. But you should get them installed eventually because I sure at full extension the lines will be tight.

Also if you go 3" up front you should redo the needle bearing on the drivers side, google ECGS bushing Tacoma. Any lift over an 1" is basically a roll of the dice if the bearing will fail.
Zues has done many of them and can tackle that if you don't want to.

And at 3" you will need new UCA up front, maybe longer swaybar links too, probably axle shims for the rear or carrier bearing drop, and taller bumpstops (if you plan on off-roading)

 

Dang they charge $1500 for lift install?? I guess that doesn't surprise me since they quoted me over $4k for new gearing... I had my lift installed over winter because I didn't want to do it in the cold from a personal mechanic and he charged me around $500 for lift and UCA install.

 

Depending on what you have done shop costs are around $150-175/hour.
2 hours rear install, 4-5 hours front, 1-2 hours ecgs, $150 alignment, maybe diff fluid change after ecgs, and brake system flush and bleed.

$1500 is a fairly high estimate, $1200 might be a little closer

 

I DIY mine and spent the money on tools instead of paying someone else for an install. Theres a lot of good write ups and videos out there.

I did need one of these to remove the top nut from my rear shocks. Well worth the $10 even if it never leaves the toolbox.
https://www.menards.com/main/hardwa...-fb27-492f-a0f0-75596b390935&ipos=1&exp=false

 

I contacted them once, and asked about a lift, and they seemed more concerned with how much money I would spend before they gave any advice.
It was odd.

 

Good to know, I am buying tools over the next week gonna it to the list.

 

That does seem odd.

 

Got the bumps, and gather the other parts. This is looking like I'll be lifting the truck in a few weeks.

 

While I have background as a mechanic, I installed my lift kit in the street while I was partially paralyzed and had to use a walker to get around. I believe in you!

 

Prior to installing my suspension upgrade I hadn’t done any serious mechanics in 30 years. I did enlist my buddy who still does mechanics on a regular hobby. He provided a garage, the few tools I didn’t have, and a lot of emotional support. It took me about 24 hours total over a weekend during the pandemic to install coilovers, remote reservoirs, UCAs, rear shocks, and leaf packs. I’m glad I did it myself.

I did get my truck aligned at zeus off-road and they fixed my minor tire rubbing issue

 

I'll definitely take it to zeus for the alignment.

 

Thanks for the vote of confidence! Your install sounds way harder than mine.

 

I only took it there because I was was trying to fit skinny 33’s with SPC UCAs. Without that complication any alignment shop will do.

 

Hey all,

Following up on OG post on the lift kit. I bought the 05+ Tacoma rear suspension kit w/ Fox 679 shocks I upgraded to the expedition leaf packs from wheelers. I am looking for some input front shocks and coils that wont break the ole bank. Thanks!

 

I've never heard a good reason to not buy 4 matching shocks.

FYI: I'm not at all clear what you mean by "05+ Tacoma rear suspension kit w/ Fox 679 shocks". There are many different 05+ Tacoma rear suspension kits for sale out there.

Also if by "Fox 679 shocks" you mean these, I don't think they fit your truck.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/fox-2...body-ifp-shock-980-24-679/_/R-BKTK-980-24-679

 

im guessing its a typo from the website or a legacy part number the picture here looks correct and like a 2.0 shock for a tacoma. Same one I had on my truck.