Looking for better suspension, not necessarily a lift

Hi all,

I'm looking to improve my suspension performace from the stock TRD stuff. Unlike most of what's asked on here I'm not really looking to lift. Might consider up to a 2" lift if it really helps performance, but will need convincing. So I'm just wondering what my options are.

I guess we should start here though, are my old leafs shot? The truck currently has 204K on it.





If they are, I would most likely be looking at an aftermarket setup like Dakar's or Wheelers, and then shocks/struts to go with.

It seems like 5100's are the choice around here, so could I go with those, stock coils, and just set them a 0"?

Thanks in advance and sorry if I'm beating a dead horse, it just seems most info on here petains specificly to lifts.

Brett

 

For the front end just go with Kings or Icons set to stock ride height (depending on whether you drive mostly town or highway). In the rear, shocks from the same. Replace the leafs with a custom Alcan or Deaver pack made for stock ride height. Swap out your bumpstops for Wheeler's Superbumps.

Cushy ride, essentially stock load-carrying characteristics.

Edit: Yes, your current leafs are dead as fuck.

 

Yeah, that pack has been dead for a long while. I'm suprised you didnt notice a smell......

 

Kings, icons, and fox are kind of overkill IMO, but of you can afford it go for it, you'll have no regrets. If you are looking for a good alternative that's a fraction of the price, find a stock leaf pack on here and add 5100s all around, you'll be just as happy and spend less than $500.

 

Another option would be to get with doug (4WD) and see what you would need to do to make a custom set with some springs from the salvage yard. You can do that on the cheap and probably get any ride height you want. Put some billies on the front, and you would be good to go.

 

Thanks eveyone for the suggestions.

One more question, how much does the topper settle the rear? Would it be wise to get something a little heavier for that reason?

 

5100 all around

 

If you are going to leave the top on, I might get something a little heavier. Might as well increase your load capacity while you are at it. If I rememeber reading right, I think a top on stock leafs will drop it about 3/4-1 inch. I'm not sure on that, since it wasnt really a concern to me and it was just mentioned in passing where I read it.

I will comment on the Dakars since I now have them on. You could put a topper on it and I doubt you would get 1/4 inch drop. On my stock springs I would get 3-4" drop when I would stand on my hitch. Now I barely settle any. My truck is stiffer than it was, but I can actually put a 4wheeler or something in my truck without bottoming out.

 

That makes me wonder about running the Dakars minus a leaf. Anyone know how much lift Dakars would give you if you take one leaf out? Might work well with a set of 5100's @ .85", or possibly 0. I was hoping to get a stock stance (not level). If that doesn't work I'll be in the market for some stock leafs, just makes me wonder about how much the topper affected the stock pack because I'll definetly be keeping it.

Thanks again for all the help,

Brett

 

go check out the mid travel BS thread. Alot of people go mid travel for a suspension up grade.

 

New members take note! This guy can use the search function. And use it he did. I'm thinking about going 5100's all around. And probably running the dakars as well. Interested to see what you end up with. Subd

 

I think the dakars lift you about 2.5". You could probably get by with dropping one of the overloads. If I remember correctly, they looked about 3/4" thick, so you would net a 1.75" lift. Your springs would still be loads better than stock. Stock springs make for a good ride cause they are so light, but crappy hauling of even light loads.

Maybe somebody else will come along shortly to give some more input. I hate being pretty well the only one giving you advice. Have you called wheelersoffroad or toytec? They would have some more options for you.

I will tell you one thing for sure though. Stock springs are out of the question unless buying them used. The dealership wants $650.............A PIECE! for thier springs. You can get a full custom set fro about $600 if I recall and packs like the dakars or alcans and such run around $400.

 

I don't know the likelihood of getting good condition 1st gen springs. It seems like for the cost alone a set of dakars or similar would be worh it.

 

The price I told you is for 2nd gen springs. I missed the fact that you had an 01, so some of my info may be skewed since I have looked into my '08. I dont know what factory 1st gen would be. I did a quick search and it doesnt look like the dakars for your truck are the same as mine. the only image I have seen did not have any overloads. IT may not have been the same set as they were selling, but you might look into it. I also did some looking on wheelers and this is what I found:

OME DAKAR 2.25" Lift Leaf Spring Set, 98-04 Tacoma: 355.00/pr
These OME Dakar Series Springs part #'s CS046RA and CS046RB require shackle bushings shown below, other parts that are recommended with these are our longer u-bolt set, FK 21 muffler hanger, extended rear brake line and rear shocks, all shown below:​

 

5100s, Wheelers 5 leaf pack replacement leafs(~1.5" lift), once the leaf pack is in with topper on decide if you want to leave the front 5100s @ 0 or bump them to .85

 

1.75 or matched with coils may get you more level while staying under 1.5"-2" of lift

 

Looks like I have a month or so to wait on the 5100's so I'll do some more digging and decide on a set of leafs here soon.

Thanks again everyone for the helpful advice.

 

Did you try DSM? They has a shipment a bit ago I think

 

Those leafs are just fine, thats how the first gens look, springs only determine ride height, you don't need stiffer ones unless its bottoming out.

 

Placed my order for a full set of 5100's and Wheeler's 5 pack as reccomended by Dan a Wheelers. Front shocks are still B/O for a couple weeks, any reason not to install the rear leafs and shocks until I get the front stuff? Was planning on bolting it up this weekend. Will report back with results and hopefully some info on how much lift I will actually achive (hopefully aroun 1" total).

Thanks everyone for the help,

Brett