GA Tacoma Owners BS Thread

I honestly didn't know that was an option. It looks like most of them for sale are ~4 inch lifts, would it be more expensive than a standard 5100 lift? I wouldn't mind getting an alignment but it would be nice!

 

Thank you for the reassurance. 5100s are about as far as I'd prefer to go.

I want the truck to have stock(ish) driveability and ride quality. I also just want the lift, not looking to do any supporting mods. 2" would probably be my best bet without messing with my whole truck's geometry.

The truck is probably used 75% on road, empty, on the highway. 10% loaded up with building materials/landscaping materials. 15% off road (nothing crazy) to get to some lesser-known camping spots.

I'm in college so I don't have a ton of money or space for an install unless I use my parent's driveway, so also not looking to over-do everything. It took a lot of reasoning to talk myself down to the 5100s, haha!

 

Replying here just bc you replied before I made an edit to my post:
"Edit: didn't know you were 2WD; in that case, the same pretty much applies, but the being honest with yourself is even more important - your performance offroad is very limited (although you may be surprised how capable a 2wd truck can be), so there's only so much return on an expensive "off-road" capable suspension setup. Sounds like you've already described your usage (plywood,mulch,dirt bike). I think 5100's are a solid choice. AAL is probably just fine as well."

5100's/AAL sounds like a great plan for your truck. Saving money by installing yourself (with help of members here at a mod day possibly) would only be the cherry on top.

 

I learn things the hard way

 

Haha, quick to reply today (work is closed for renovations), I really appreciate everyone's help. The members of this forum never fail to surprise me with their knowledge. All I really need to do is find a good dealer or site to buy the lift as everyone has their own take and pricing of the 5100s.

 

Getting 2" out of 5100's in the front will require quite a bit of spring preload. Many people seem to be fine with the ride, but it will be much stiffer than stock. I know I wouldn't like it. I'm not a huge fan of spacers, but if it were me, I'd do a combination of a small spacer and 5100's with some additional preload, but not go the max on the preload to get the height you want. Spacers are cheap, and small spacers won't hurt anything really. Add-a-leaf is a good option, and you could add Sumo Springs or air bags to deal with the times you are carrying a heavier load. The add-a-leaf will likely stiffen it up even more in the rear, so you may want to carry sand bags to smooth it out.

 

Was looking to see if anything recent posted in the BST for Pwakchop:
this looks like a helluva deal:
Deaver Stage 1 springs $300 | Tacoma World

 

Great find and great deal, love my Deavers. I would recommend getting the 3 degree shims from Headstrong to correct driveshaft angles. I did mine in the garage with no help, so it can be done. Way easier than I thought it might be.

 

Think about how you will be using the truck - be very honest with yourself. (This is the hardest thing to do.) Then, determine the baseline mods suited to your planned usage.

Next, look at the longevity of each mod. For instance, an add-a-leaf will last for a year or two before needing replacement. If money is tight now, this might be a good option, allowing an upgrade in the future, when your wallet will be different, and your needs/wants/desires will have changed as well. (I am not advocating for using add-a-leafs, only using this as an example.)

Remember, any mod you make is not permanent - it can be upgraded or downgraded in the future.

 

I'll second the Deavers. I've had mine for about 200K miles.

EDIT: A full spring pack will ride smoother (and work better) than an add-a-leaf, as well as last longer.

 

I think they are kinda pricy off the bat but the offset of not having to buy UCA is there. I think you could use 5100's all the way around with your stock front springs and full leaf pack in the rear with spindles and get a nice 4in lift for a 2wd truck that will look great, have factory alignment specs and will drive better than stock. If 4in is too much then skip the spindle lift. But what do I know, my old 4runner with on 5in springs with a 2 in body lift and 37's at one point haha.

 

How are you liking the ride with the ome heavy duty? I also have a camper shell. I just picked up a set of those springs but haven't installed them yet. Was trying to decide to leave in the extra leaf or not. I also currently have the icon 3 leaf all installed. I though about taking both packs apart and making a custom pack.

 

I think the heavy is the way to go with the shell. I've never run it with a med but I don't think it would handle the constant weight well.

 

I could go 5100s front and the Deaver leaf pack in the back, only concern is he said it was too much lift for him. Thank you for looking out!

 

Maybe my best bet is to get some nice all terrains and wheel it until I REALLY need a lift, find the limits. I was hoping to try to get in on some group rides with y’all this year but being 2wd may make that difficult, especially without a lift. I do understand that my options will be more limited being that I want to keep it very budget friendly.

 

That deaver pack is an absolute deal! If I hadn’t just put an icon pack in recently I’d be heavily considering the drive. I’d assume the seller being way down south is the reason they’re still available.

 

Oh I didn’t notice the location, haha! That’s quite the drive. I’d list it in Florida classifieds as well if I was him!

 

I will say more people should absolutely get out with their stock trucks and find the limitations. You'd be extremely surprised how capable a stock (even 2WD) tacoma is, especially with a good set of tires. Considering its a 2WD, you're on a budget, and you're obviously not gonna wheel it hard, I'll go against the grain and actually suggest for one time in my life - don't count a cheap spacer/rear block lift. Retain your stock ride, get the "look" you want, and get some good tires. Just understand its meant for nothing more than gravel roads.

 

I did the Georgia Traverse in stock form last month and I did end up scraping in a couple of places, but nothing too bad. I do like the look of a lifted truck, but am mostly hoping to gain just that extra inch or two to clear the crests of whoops off the pavement. The stock sport suspension is also VERY stiff. I honestly don't need 4wd that badly as long as I'm carrying some speed behind me.

https://youtu.be/uqZBSmGRBCw
https://youtu.be/JYxF4x2VaXM

 

Just for clarification, lift won’t really help that. You need to cut and trim the areas that are hitting. Adding a “lift” only makes it easier to clear bigger tires. Bigger tires is what makes you get the “lift” aka ground clearance. You could take out the front suspension and jack up the tire until full bump and then see what it hits and cut it out.

I’d recommend doing that to get better clearance and if you want the “look” go with a decent shock, AAL (for reasons stated above about learning your truck and the time it takes). Keeping it cheap until you can get/need bigger tires to justify everything else. Best of both worlds, cheap, rides smooth and you won’t be rubbing anywhere. But alas I’m a 1st gen Tacoma who still rubs

edit: yeah you need new tires, get a good All Terrain tire in whatever size you’d prefer (32 or 33) get that cleared by trimming the fender wells and full send. Then if you want the “lifted” look go down that path. Invest in sliders and skids and you’ll be set