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What is the difference between front 2WD and 4WD suspensions 1st Gen? 5lug/6lug?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Taylor, Mar 17, 2012.

  1. Mar 17, 2012 at 6:09 PM
    #1
    Taylor

    Taylor [OP] Check out NASA Spec3!

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    I'm asking because there is so much information on 4x4s, but people who want to lift their 2wd (or just learn about their truck) are left in the dark.

    Trying to find information on a 2wd 5 lug first gen has been tedious at best. All I hear is "Spindles, /thread"

    Well, I've only found like 3 places that sell spindle lifts and they cost an arm and a leg.

    What is different between the two?

    Why won't spacers work? (or can they?)

    Do the amount of lugs affect anything other than what wheels you can buy?

    Can someone give me a basic run down on how front 5 lug 2wd 1st gen suspensions work?
     
  2. Mar 17, 2012 at 6:22 PM
    #2
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    1st Gen 2wd 5-lug are comparable to 2nd gen.

    Prerunner are virtually identical to 4x4. The leafs are above the axle, and the front control arms are mounted lower to provide a "natural" lift compared to the 5-lug.

    Lifting the 5-lug is going to require spindles for the front if you want more than an inch or so. You can get spacers that bolt on above the coil pack, but more than a small amount stresses the ball joints and steering components, same as over-cranking the torsion bars on a pre-Tacoma truck.

    Rear suspension is a bit easier, but the first step can provide a significant lift.
    Cheapest on the rear is a flip-kit to move your springs to the top of the axle.
    Using your stock 2wd springs, this will put you higher than a factory 4x4.
    A common LOWERING mod for the 5-lug is to put 4x4 springs on the rear... over 1" drop.


    If you just want to level the stance and make room for slightly larger tires, I think you'd be pretty safe with a small spacer lift, but I would not go beyond "just level"
     
  3. Mar 17, 2012 at 6:25 PM
    #3
    Phuket

    Phuket Well-Known Member

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  4. Mar 17, 2012 at 6:33 PM
    #4
    Taylor

    Taylor [OP] Check out NASA Spec3!

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    Clear, precise, and very informative. Thanks!

    I had never heard of the flip kit before, I think I want to do that.

    I really want to get more than an inch of lift, but those spindles cost so much :(
     
  5. Mar 17, 2012 at 6:42 PM
    #5
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Just be aware that the flip kit is going to give you like 3-4" right out of the box on your stock springs.
    That's well beyond the capacity of spacers to safely do for the front.
    Flip kit with the 4x4 springs might drop that to a 2.5" lift, which is still a lot for spacers, especially considering that the front end sits over an inch low to begin with.

    Personally, on a limited budget, and what I did with my '94 SR5 (torsion rods front end)... I installed a Fabtech Add-A-Leaf on the rear pack and cranked the torsion bars to just level the truck.

    On a Taco (1st or 2nd gen), your major cost jump is going to be with what you'll need to do to the front to match a flip kit on the rear.
    On a budget, I'd go with the add-a-leaf and a basic spacer kit.

    Spindles are one option, but will likely require larger wheels to maintain clearance since your wheel will no longer be centered in the spindle.
    Another option is a long-travel front suspension kit as mentioned above, but that does involve replacing the upper control arm.
    Either way, it's not a $200 mod.
     
  6. Mar 17, 2012 at 6:50 PM
    #6
    Taylor

    Taylor [OP] Check out NASA Spec3!

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    Yeah, I'm not really interested in the flip.

    Does this seem good?

    http://www.fabtechmotorsports.com/products/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=266&display=TOYOTA 2WD

    I might try to buy the parts separately to get cheaper shocks and forgo replacing the front ones if I can.

    And yeah, I'll be getting bigger wheels, probably a 15x7 and try to get some 235s or higher.
     
  7. Mar 17, 2012 at 7:41 PM
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    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Ouch.. Over $650.
    I seriously don't know what Fabtech's reputation is lately. I used their helpers and shocks on my '94 and was happy with them, but even in '97 when I bought those parts I was hearing mixed reviews on their parts quality.
    They were the go-to company for the pre-Tacoma trucks because they offered a complete product line for them to build a complete Prerunner.

    Here's my '94 (not me in the foreground, that's my friend Bill may he rest in peace)

    [​IMG]
     
  8. Mar 17, 2012 at 7:43 PM
    #8
    Rich91710

    Rich91710 Well-Known Member

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    Hmm... I just noticed the Pep Boys helpers on the rear... I think that pic was taken before I installed the add-a-leaf and cranked the front end.
     
  9. Mar 17, 2012 at 8:25 PM
    #9
    Taylor

    Taylor [OP] Check out NASA Spec3!

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    I'll keep this in mind. I appreciate the info! Sorry to hear about your friend, looked like an awesome guy.
     

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