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Screw this Forum! (Lift Kits)

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by JRod4928, Aug 17, 2012.

  1. Aug 17, 2012 at 5:53 AM
    #1
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    For making me spend my money!

    Day 0 - When I first saw lift kits on toytec I thought I could get a lift for less than 250-300 dollars (spacers).

    Day 1 - Spacer lifts are the devil

    Day 2 - I need 5100's with stock coils (preloaded) or OME springs set at 0" with AAL.

    Day 3 - Understood the advantages to OME coils...I need at least 700 dollars for new coilovers and AAL to do the job right.

    Day 5 - Realized that rear AAL may be stiffer ride than I'd like, so... started researching new leaf packs

    Day 7 - Considering a new leaf pack and realizing that I'm going to have to spend 1000+ for a quality lift kit, new coilovers and new leaf pack in the back for the best ride quality. (Hoping I won't need UCAs as well)

    Future - Realized I need tips to convince the wife that 2.5" is worth 1000+ dollars.... (Christmas Bonus?) and that spending 4x the amount I thought we'd spend in the beginning is somehow OK :D

    Seriously though - I'm convinced that my plan for the front suspension will provide a good ride. BUT, I'm concerned that AAL will be a stiff ride. Are Dakar leaf packs > OME shocks with 1.5" AAL (or Billy's with 1.5" AAL)? Is it worth the extra 300 dollars for smoother ride on 99.9% highway driving?
     
  2. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:00 AM
    #2
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I don't do much off-roading, and only haul things once in a while. My main concern is preserving a 'near stock' feel of the truck when there is no load in the bed. I don't have plans to add a winch, cap, tool box, etc. in the back. Only a tonneau and maybe a bed extender
     
  3. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:01 AM
    #3
    skidooman

    skidooman I'm your huckleberry

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    So this is day 8? Dont forget about ucas... hahaha.
     
  4. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:06 AM
    #4
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's right, haha.

    Yeah I want 2.5" of lift to avoid UCAs.... I'm hoping OME shocks or Billy's set at 0" with 885 coils without the top spacer will give me 2.5"

    REALLY don't want to get UCAs unless I need to
     
  5. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:13 AM
    #5
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

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    I've learned that if you work in "safety" or a variation of the word when discussing a major purchase with the wife it is easier to get her to agree to the purchase. Recently I have purchased a new helmet for use when riding my road bike that was $255. I mentioned that I needed it due to my concerns for "safety" which was true in this case. I then purchased new tires for my mountain bike. I had wrecked earlier in the week and I mentioned to my wife that new tires would make me feel "more safe" when riding the trails.

    Try this when discussing your lift purchase.
     
  6. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:18 AM
    #6
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I feel safer knowing that my tacoma looks cooler than other tacomas...think she'll buy it?
     
  7. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:19 AM
    #7
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Day 8 - Lift kit installed, can't get proper alignment
    Day 9 - Find out I really do need UCA's, join group buy for LR UCA's and spent another $375.

    It's a long known and proven fact. Join TW = Spend lots of $$ on things you never knew you needed
     
  8. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:20 AM
    #8
    g35man

    g35man Discount Double Check

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    LOL! Good Luck :D
     
  9. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:21 AM
    #9
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    %$^@
     
  10. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:22 AM
    #10
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    You should be able to avoid aftermarket UCA's with a 2.5" lift. ;) Running stock wheels and tires?

    The single AAL should ride just fine especially on pavement. I've had a single AAL since 2008 and I never had any rough riding issues.
     
  11. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:23 AM
    #11
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Yep, that's why I stayed under 2" of lift :D
     
  12. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:27 AM
    #12
    Day Cowboy

    Day Cowboy Well-Known Member

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    IMO, the adjustable Bilsteins from Toytec will be fine.

    Unless you will be hauling alot, the AAL would be your best option. New leaf packs can be as stiff/stiffer than AAL.

    And with all that, you have only spent $320 (Front adjustable shocks, nuts/bolts, and rear AAL.) Even if you only adjust for an inch of lift, it is still enough to clear a little larger tire than stock. Since you won't haul much and don't do much offroading, it will suffice for your needs (Looks only).
     
  13. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:28 AM
    #13
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Plan is to run 32.5" tires - maybe on 18's, or 17's not sure. Good to hear about AAL...i'm thinking of getting AAL and IF ride is poor, buy leaf packs - AAL is only 80 bucks instead of 400 for leafs

    I MAY shoot for 2.5, and hope it all works out. (don't install the top plate spacer). If I need UCAs even with 2.5", I'll just say screw it, buy the UCA's and put the top plate spacer in to get 3" lift.

    *Crosses fingers*
     
  14. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:33 AM
    #14
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    An another note, obviously a replacement leaf pack would be your best option but, since you have a nice, new 2012, an AAL would probably be more than sufficient. When I upgraded, I found someone selling a new TSB leaf pack, inserted an AAL into the leaf pack and have been running it for about 1.5 years. They haven't sagged a bit, the ride is great and it was a lot less expensive than a leaf pack replacement. I'm using the Icon 3-leaf progressive AAL and have been very happy with the results. The AAL gives you 1.5" of lift without the overload leaf, 2" with the overload kept in place. The AAL is around $185 and comes with new U bolts.
     
  15. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:37 AM
    #15
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    You're right, I could probably get by with that...

    however, I'd like to get rear shocks to avoid over-extending the stock rear shocks in the event that I do top out.

    And front coils are optional, but from what I've read, they seem worth it. Pre-loading the stock coil results in less up-travel - so i don't want to be bottoming out all the time in the front either.

    That's where the extra $$ comes in, I'd like to do this right the first time :cool:
     
  16. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:40 AM
    #16
    Day Cowboy

    Day Cowboy Well-Known Member

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    Pugga is right. The AAL is going to be your best option and I think you will be pleased with it. On my above mentioned price, that didn't include new U-bolts ($69). Still puts you only being out of pocket $400. Plus, if my memory is correct, your truck should have come with 17" wheels right? Lots of options there with that size (paint stock wheels, new wheels, or leave stock). I was satisfied with my stock TRD wheels as no one around me has them.

    "You're right, I could probably get by with that...

    however, I'd like to get rear shocks to avoid over-extending the stock rear shocks in the event that I do top out.

    And front coils are optional, but from what I've read, they seem worth it. Pre-loading the stock coil results in less up-travel - so i don't want to be bottoming out all the time in the front either.

    That's where the extra $$ comes in, I'd like to do this right the first time :cool:"


    I would go with OME then. But the adjustable Bilsteins would be fine for a mall crawler.
     
  17. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:47 AM
    #17
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Very interesting...I'll have to look into this - I'm intrigued. :D
     
  18. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:48 AM
    #18
    Day Cowboy

    Day Cowboy Well-Known Member

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    :D
     
  19. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:48 AM
    #19
    BOONDOCKSAINT

    BOONDOCKSAINT Well-Known Member

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    That's funny as Hell. Maybe because I'm experiencing the same thing. I started out only wanting to level out the front end, my thinking I need spacer's read post after post that they are junk get billy's 5100 (me what the Hell are billy's). Learned about billys, but now you need after market coils not to preload and aal if you do that to avoid the bro lean. (Me preload, aal, bro lean WTF! I just want my front end level didn't know I was going to need a language class in addition.) Start learning all the terminology billy's, eibach, OME, aal, and uca's and start to realise that what started out as me just trying to get a look for aesthetic reasons that may cost me $200 is now closer to $900. All I do is read myself into circles on this site when all I want is my truck level. (Me F it stock it is) or until a read another post or get a suggestion and change my mind............again :-/
     
  20. Aug 17, 2012 at 6:52 AM
    #20
    JRod4928

    JRod4928 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Is there a discount available at DSM or Toytec?
     

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