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Leafs/Shocks/Coils Question... flame away!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Madjik_Man, Jun 3, 2012.

  1. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:41 AM
    #1
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man [OP] The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I've honestly read so many threads over the years and have been inundated with so much great information.

    Only problem is, I never took notes.

    Here's my question (and yes I know there will be lots of different opinions)...

    What leafs, shocks and coils do you recommend if I want to remain at stock height? If there's a 1/2" gain or so, obviously I'm not going to care.

    I will always run 31 x 10.5 15s.

    I mostly drive on-road but do a fair amount of off-roading in spring in summer. But on-road feel is more important than off-road. (and I do a lot of drives up wintry passes... don't know if that makes a difference or not)

    Also of note: My topper is on 99.9% of the time.

    Thanks in advance, for all the legit help and the "wtf search the threads assh*le!" replies

    :eek:
     
  2. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:43 AM
    #2
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    I dont know about coils or leafs. but for shocks, Bilstien 5100's
     
  3. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:50 AM
    #3
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man [OP] The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I ran into this before.

    I noticed when I replaced the shocks 40,000 miles or so ago (before I was a TW member) I just went with stock Bilstien shocks from the dealer.

    Apparently those are different (at least in the manufacturing process) shocks than the Billy 5100s every one recommends. Is this true?

    And what kind of ride do these shocks provide? I understand all the other components and aspects will factor in also.
     
  4. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:54 AM
    #4
    Bishop2Queens6

    Bishop2Queens6 Well-Known Member

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    Icon 2.5 RR/w CDCV 700# springs Front Shocks JBA UCA's Wheeler's Offroad Superbump Front Bump Stops Icon 2.5 RR/w CDCV 4"+ Rear Shocks AllPro Expo Rear Leaf Pack Timbren Rear Bump Stops ARB Front Bumper @Shmellmopwho Rock Sliders w/ Kickout RCI Aluminum Front Skid Plate Prinsu Roof Rack Roll-N-Lock Tonneau Cover CBI Ditch Light Brackets Cali-Raised LED Ditch Lights Cali-Raised Amber Fogs Cali-Raised Flush Mount LED Pods
    Stock bilsteins from the dealer and Bilstein 5100's are like comparing apples to oranges. They are different in valving, design, and performance with the 5100's being superior in every way compared to stock. Twin tube vs mono-tube, adjustable, dampening strength etc...

    The 5100's are the best struts you can buy under $200 for a pair.
     
  5. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:56 AM
    #5
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man [OP] The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    I remember cursing the sky when I found this out wishing I was TW member before that investment.
     
  6. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:58 AM
    #6
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    X2

    And they ride great
     
  7. Jun 3, 2012 at 10:58 AM
    #7
    BuzzardsGottaEat

    BuzzardsGottaEat Well-Known Member

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    Idk what the lowest coil yields in lift for first gens but if you get wheelers 5leaf pack it'll be 1.5" minus whatever your topper brings it down. Then either 5100s set to .85 or the lowest OME coil should keep you under 1.5" total.

    Wheelers also makes a stock ride height leaf pack I believe so you're choice between the two. I just don't know of any after market shock/coil up front that won't lift a little. Unless you don't replace your stock coil maybe

    If you don't care about getting anything crazy maybe you can look into what someone's stock shocks/coils would do for you after they lifted their second gen.

    I'd sell ya my shocks but don't have coils

    Idk if any of this helps, just throwing ideas out
     
  8. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:00 AM
    #8
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    He has a first gen lol
     
  9. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:02 AM
    #9
    Madjik_Man

    Madjik_Man [OP] The Rembrandt of Rattle Can

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    Appreciate it. Any info helps.

    If I go with aftermarket OME and/or wheelers etc and it raises me up 1"... would i really even notice it?

    As it is I feel like there's a decent amount of wheel gap on my Tacoma and that's with 31x10.5x15 and frowning leafs. I'm just afraid of having it look super goofy with more wheel gap
     
  10. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:02 AM
    #10
    BuzzardsGottaEat

    BuzzardsGottaEat Well-Known Member

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    I know, I said he could look into if 2nd gen shocks would fit. I have no idea if they would. OME, 5100s and wheelers all make stuff for first gens, yes?
     
  11. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:04 AM
    #11
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    oh ok. second gen stuff wont fit on first gens. And yes OME, Bilstein, and wheelers make stuff for first gens
     
  12. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:06 AM
    #12
    BuzzardsGottaEat

    BuzzardsGottaEat Well-Known Member

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    Stock height and minor lift leaf replacements, depending on what you do up front.


    According to that same page OME 880 coils will match the stock ride height leaf springs and OME 881 coils will match the 1.5" lift 5 leaf replacements.

    From there you just have to decide if you want to spring a few extra bucks for OME shocks to match or if you want to get 5100s.

    Personally I'd put OME with OME, they're not that much more expensive.

    Hope that helps man


    Random side note you didn't ask about, there's a GB for LR UCAs right now, by no means do you need them as you well know with 0-1.5" lift but just an option since you're replacing suspension
     
  13. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:07 AM
    #13
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    Yes you would notice it. Will it look goofy with 31s? Im not sure. But your rear would be sticking up in the air. so the front would need to be lifted unless you like the rake
     
  14. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:07 AM
    #14
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    Thats probably your best option for leafs OP
     
  15. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:10 AM
    #15
    Robertgeejr1

    Robertgeejr1 Well-Known Member

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    I have done all the hi-pro mods for a life time, since I got this truck at a great price, I will be happy with showroom new.
    Don't feel bad about asking, we are both in the same boat, (except you have a better option on springs) I need to gut everything this summer, and don't have a ton of money to spend, but I am sold on the Bilstein 5100. I got a broken leaf and and springs are sagging like a fat old lady.
    I figure thats how I am going to spend the week of the 4th.
    remember from what I have read, if your springs are worn like mine, they are frowning...... even if you did the cheap Dorman's, which I won't do... you should get a bump up about a inch to stock height.

    add to what Boss said, that the road I will take, if you are going to do it yourself, its a job, but its doable, and I figure if I am going to sweat my balls off back there I am going to replace them with something that will last for many years.
     
  16. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:12 AM
    #16
    TACOMABOSS

    TACOMABOSS Well-Known Member

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    Good point. no matter what leafs you get, it will "lift" the truck. Whether it lifts it back up to stock height or more
     
  17. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:18 AM
    #17
    BuzzardsGottaEat

    BuzzardsGottaEat Well-Known Member

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    Yeah I'll leave the rest up to the Pros, I was just tryin to give you some options I know of. If these dudes say those leafs packs are not the best they would know better than I.

    Good luck man, I hope at least some of that ramble about coils n ride height n such helped.
     
  18. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:49 AM
    #18
    Norton

    Norton Senior Member

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    This ^^. There's no getting around the fact that our trucks' stock suspension is weak and tends to sag with age. Replacing it, even with "stock" height components, will likely result in the appearance of having "lifted" the truck.

    I don't recall seeing much in the way of stock height coils when I was in the market last year. Like you, I have a topper on my truck, though mine is installed only about 1/2 the time. My LT265/70R16 tires are comparable in size to your LT31/10.50R15s. All of that said, I'm very happy with my , , and Bilstein 5100s (set at zero). They gave me about 2" of lift, so I may up-size to LT265/75R16s when my current tires need replacement. Until then, I don't think it looks bad.
     
  19. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:50 AM
    #19
    98Woodrow

    98Woodrow Well-Known Member

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    Just got a 4 leaf pack and 880 OMEs with Nitro shocks from Wheelers Offraod. Supposed to be stock height, but since my springs were so hammered, it raised the whole truck and inch or more. I could not be happier. It rides better, corners better, seems like new. Mine is a 98 reg cab 4x4. Just do it.
     
  20. Jun 3, 2012 at 11:52 AM
    #20
    Blackdawg

    Blackdawg Dr. Frankenstein

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    ALL OF THEM!...Then some more.
    Wheelers 4 pack will be the best bet man with OME 880 coils for stock looking "lift"

    a Wheelers 5 pack and OME 881s will give you about 2'' up front and 1'' or so out back over stock.


    however im sure all your stuff is sagging a lot so it'll probably appear much higher then that.

    Check out Lisas truck, she has 881s and the 5 packs with stock size tires like what you want. Looks very clean.

    since you have the topper, id get the 881s and 5 pack personally for you.
     

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