6" Fabtech Drop Bracket lift - Fabtech shocks suck but seem to be the only option.

I was out exploring some trails today and all the sudden loud noises from front passenger side of the truck. I go look. The shock shaft was poking out of the spring and the spring is bowed out touching the tire. I regret not taking a photo... I got things back in line and used ratchet straps as a shock limiter to get off the mountain back to the house. When I got home I looked at the other top hat and the washer and bushing are gone from that side as well!! See pic below proving I installed the bushing and washer.

I guess I used cheap shocks but they are the only ones that fit my truck.

Anyone have insight on this?

My thoughts are to buy some new bushings and washers and button it back up. I don't like that idea. I found some 6" extension blocks that bolt into the top hat location effectively lowering the top of the shocks. Then I can use some 5100's. That's dropping a lot of cash...

What do y'all think? Anyone cruising the passes near Denver having these issues? What is your solution?

 

Looks like some drop bracket kit, so that’s your first issue.

Second, there should be a lower washer that makes sure that doesn’t happen.

Edit: It looks like the upper bushing is missing.

 

You could center a washer and spot weld it.

 

Has anyone used these in order to use standard (Bilstein) shocks? I'm thinking this may be the best option...

$125 Fabtech FTS26010BK Coil Spring Spacer Kit for Toyota

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0016606ZQ?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

 

Says it fits 05-13 Tacoma... Is there any reason this would not fit my 2000?

Edit: Is the top hat bolt pattern the same?

 

I am almost 99.99% sure the pattern on second gen is wider.

IIRC, the FB coilovers are designed for factory coil springs and not be too combined with lifted coils.

 

Uuuuggghh... This is bad news.

If I'm not mistaken, I used stock spring rate coils that were a little longer to help carry the weight of the bumper and eventually winch.

I do have the stock... Springs that were on the truck when I acquired it... I could slap those back on. I would need the top bushings and washers.

I was looking forward to the idea of having Bilstein shocks on my truck...

 

Old hardware.

 

You could just buy the regular Bilstein 5100’s and run a top spacer for what ever size your lift is. That’s how most the drop bracket lifts come.

Edit: oh that’s what those bushings looking pics are

 

Springs that are on the truck are 2880s.

 

I'm struggling to find the correct top spacer. All I see is the one above for 2nd gen trucks.

 

Found these... Not sure if Rough Country is an upgrade on Fabtech...

https://www.roughcountry.com/product/premium-n3-lifted-strut-501151

 

RC is garbage but might be something you can use for now until you find a solution

 

I prefer KYB but these should do and they’re cheap

 

@Dare Devil Diablo I get what your trying to do. But I don't know if it is/ or for long it would be...safe. I have seen where these shocks have bent down low just above the lower mount on the control arm. Usually it is because of the spacer lift at the top. Your idea kinda mimicks the same thing. It might get you a little further down the road for now, but I feel this would not be a long term fix

Maybe contact Fox, or Kings and see what they can offer you. Sounds expensive, but if that is a 6" lift on there, they cut the subframe to make it fit. So there is really no turning back to stock either.

 

Solid axle time….

 

I ran RC on my 3rd Gen for a bit and was pretty happy with their valving, I didn’t have any issues

 

Rod ends too damaged to use. I ordered the Rough Country stuff.

 

I received the Rough Country front suspension. Upon inspection it is much beefier than the Fabtech stuff. Mainly the shock shaft on the Rough Country shock is roughly 18mm whereas the shaft on the Fabtech shock is roughly 15mm. But really it appears to be beefier all over. I'm excited to throw these on!

 

The shock tube is thicker as well. Fabtech 51mm. Rough Country 54mm