Toyota TRD OEM lift kit

10.5 hours to replace the rear shocks, add a 1" block, replace the front struts and swap grilles?
I could see that if UCAs were in the mix but that seems awfully long for the components in the kit?

 

If you have any mechanical skill set or have friends who do, buy some tools, drinks and food. Give it a whirl.

edit: You can also rent tools.

 

I read that the 3rd circlip groove that's not mentioned on the trd lift kit is for a 1 inch lift. Is this true? I was thinking about just doing a 1 inch leveling without having to adding anything to the rear but still using the trd shocks.

 

Correct, this is what I'm on currently.

 

I wouldnt run into any issues using the trd shocks for the rear without the inch block right?

 

Anyone on here have a specific AAL they used in conjunction with the TRD lift that works well? I find that the 1" block in the back creates for a pretty rough ride both on and off road with an empty bed. Washboard roads cause me to think the windshield is going to spontaneously explode!

 

Just my opinion which is basically worthless I guess. But first the OEM TRD lift kit is a rip off (~$1500) - again just my opinion. I say this because for the same $$$ you can get something (lots of choices) much better. Second, getting a lift with blocks is a bad choice because of axle wrap I am definitely of the opinion (and we all know what my opinions are worth) of NO BLOCKS.

OK so what would Mr. Worthless opinion recommend? Just get some Bilstein 5100s front and rear ($~450) and ICON AAL ~($250) - you can do that yourself in the driveway but even if a shop does it for you probably less than the Toyota dealer and a better set up. But I would go just a tad farther and will cost a bit more but way worth it - skip the AAL and replace the leaf pack with Deaver or RXT (~$700) because the stock leaf packs are garbage. And again in my opinion (yep - I know) I would go with the 5100 in front but get my lift with some coilovers (front springs) (~$850)

So do the math (if I got it right, better check me)
TRD lift kit is what about $1500
My basic recommendation is about $700
But if you were going to spend $1500 anyway then go all the way with the 5100s with coil overs and a new leaf pack for $1550

 

AAL will roughen the ride even more, 1" blocks basically do nothing to the suspension.

The best you can do is add weight to the rear or reduce tire pressures.

If you do go AAL go Icon progressive.

 

I right way noticed an improvement in ride, not at all worse. Bumps are better absorbed, including washboard roads.

 

I haven’t. Been running it with my current setup (1” front, 0 back) for about 50k miles.

 

Thanks for a helpful opinion besides getting all new suspension lol so the roughness in the rear is not due to the block included in the kit?

 

as previously stated adding blocks has nothing to do with ride quality , if u think its harsh now wait till u add a ad a leaf . its either tire pressure or the new shocks or both

 

That was a great deal, the dealership charged me 1700 for the Toyota tacoma lift kit

 

Nothing wrong with a 1 inch rear block. Didn't effect my ride when I installed 5100s 6 years ago. No issues!

 

The TRD shocks can be bought separately, without the whole kit, if you want to use Toyota/TRD stuff without buying all the extra crap the kit comes with (what I did).

I then threw the Icon 3 leaf add a leaf on mine and like the result (gave about 1” of rear lift).

 

Had it done December of 22 @ 4500 miles. I'm creeping up on 15k miles now.

 

This is what I did too. I waited until all the Black Friday sales were going on and I think that I was all in for under $600. I think that it was a big improvement over the stock TRDOR ride and handling.
My only complaint was that I only got about 3/4” lift out of the “1.5 inch” Icon AAL and had to go back and add 1/2” blocks in the back.

 

I’m also not sure why they call it a 1.5” lift. Both myself and my neighbor put it on and both only got about an inch. Maybe it’s 1.5” if you leave the overload spring in, but the directions say to remove it and I’m sure the ride would be awful if you left it in.

Ive also considered adding a 1/2 block in the rear at some point, although if I redo the suspension again I’d likely just do a full pack in the rear and adjustable Icon/Eibach in the front to get 2.5” front and 2” rear.

 

Okay.... now I feel like the universe is talking to me with this video dropping just 3 days after I asked the same question... this guy didn't have the TRD lift, but had a block in the back similar to ours. He has the same complaint about the rear being too rough and found that it was due to the block. He replaced the leaf springs completely and added Super Springs bump stops to alleviate the issue...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jhrJQLyJwo&t=1516s

 

I guess I should clarify that I hope to not change out the entire leaf pack, but hoping that someone has done something similar before with one of the AAL. I think the addition of the aftermarket bump stops on the front and back would be optimal as well.