Toyota TRD OEM lift kit

Get the alignment done then add the wheels/tires. Changing those out shouldn’t affect your alignment

 

Welcome to TW. Search YT for Bilstein 5100 (same as the TRD lift). You don't need a spring compressor either (use weight of vehicle to compress spring).

Driving for a week or two will be fine before alignment... some folks prefer this to allow everything to "settle in". Nothing wrong with getting aligned before wheels and tires but it would require another trip to tire store.

I installed my 5100's and 3aal and then got the alignment a week or two later.

 

Interesting, I'll definitely have to look into that (assumed I would need one). Thanks!

 

I've read about guys that mentioned not needing it before and I thought they were morons LOL. I have spring compressor kit that I used on my 1st generation and other vehicles. Well I didn't use it when I did 5100's on my '23..... it felt like I was cheating.

 

Here's a link to my truck thread where I specifically list which bolts I removed. I had forgotten that the (3) tophat nuts get to stay in place when using the truck weight to remove and compress the coils.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2023-mgm-trd-off-road-mildly-modded.787908/page-3#post-28328880

Here is one of many vids that show the "easy" method for installing 5100's/TRD coils. I highly recommend watching several vids.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9N1fvbGAEw

 

I've got three videos (including your link) under my belt now. Looks very doable and honestly safer than the cheap Amazon spring compressors I was looking at.

I've got all the tools needed, just need a free afternoon...

Appreciate you steering me onto this technique!

 

Glad to help. How many miles are on your truck and do you intend to do the full 2" lift? Are you familiar with the ECGS bushing?

Once again, welcomw. Lots of great folks on here. Be prepared to endure some bickering and thread drifts. And realize that some folks will spend lots of amount of money on thier trucks..... doesn't mean you should.

 

Thanks! It's sitting at just over 17k last I checked, and yes, was aiming for the full 2 inches.

I have seen mention of that ECGS bushing on some posts before, something to do with vibrations post lift? People with factory lifts running into issues as well?

Anyway, I'll try to take your last bit of advice to heart, but I've been known to readily spend on new hobbies in the past... (I also have a penchant for choosing ridiculously expensive hobbies)!

 

Some folks get by without issue. But I did the ECGS bushing on my 2023 with only 529 miles on it because I wanted to get it done while I was doing the 5100's(with mild lift to 1.55"). It made sense to me to do it all at once. Just be aware if you dont do it that you may experience vibration down the road which is a warning of needle bearing failure. The issue seems to be hit and miss.

It's easy to get caught up with the truck that someone else is building to suit thier wants/needs. I have found it difficult to stay focused on my wants/needs because someone else's truck is so cool. This has caused me to take breaks from TW and limit myself from build threads.... which has helped immensely..... YMMV. Good luck brother. Sounds like you already have issues... like me LOL.

 

I just purchase a TRD OE lift kit. My truck is a 2022 off road extended cab. I would only like to lift the front 1". What notch would I set it on the middle or bottom?

 

Bottom, I believe those struts only have options for 1", 1.5", and 2".

 

Yes only 3 notches. Thank you.

 

You're welcome. Are you lifting the truck 1" all around? This is exactly what I wanted to do (haven't done anything yet, stock TRD OR). Couldn't find anyone else who has done so, everybody seems to go 1.5" so definitely curious to see how yours goes at 1". I like the factory rake, and would prefer the truck to just go up 1" all around.

 

I purchased a half inch rear block from Toyota that's used on the Trail Edition instead of using the 1 inch the kit came with. That should help keep the rear with a little rake.

 

If I install the Toyota lift kit myself, and the needle bearing goes, is it covered under warranty? This is on a 2023. I'm guessing the answer is "it depends on the dealer". But wondering if anyone had firsthand experience.

 

Needle bearing failure is on you if you install the kit yourself. Regardless, Toyota would just keep replacing the same needle bearing leading to another future failure until the warranty runs out. Just install ECGS bushing and save yourself the hassle. I installed the TRD lift myself and the needle bearing failed within a couple of days forcing the ECGS bushing install. I should have done the bushing during the initial install of the lift.

 

I have hit the high points of this thread, but don't have time to read/search through all 150 pages. I am going to do the TRD front and rear shocks. I see so many mixed answers on what the 3 notch measurements are for the TRD Bilstein vs the Bilstein 5100's having 5 positions. Does anyone have an actual .PDF image they could share of the factory TRD installation directions to show the clip setting differences. I'm wanting to do the front at 2 inch and use the Icon progressive AAL 1.5" in the rear to maintain a bit of the factory "rake". Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Factory install guide doesn't list the circlip setting heights for whatever reason. Full guide below if you're interested.
http://toyotaparts.sparkstoyota.com/install/PT84K-35221binst.pdf

It's 1", 1.5" and 2" for the settings on the TRD's (maybe 1.1" and 1.55" for the lower 2 if Toyota decided to just take a 5100 and remove the bottom two settings. Not sure, close enough). If 2" is your goal you'll use the top setting regardless.

 

An inch in the rear is more leveled looking with an ever so slight rake.

 

I appreciate it! Yeah that is weird that they wouldn’t tell the clip setting in the factory install instructions! I’ may just end up doing regular 5100’s and read 1.5” AAl. Probably go ahead and do the ECGS bushing while I’m at it.