Leveling Kit ????

I own a 2008 Tacoma 4 door. I have Bilestein 5100's and the
rear TSB done. I am running 265's currently. I guy pulled up next
to me in a 1st Gen Tacoma and told me if I put a leveling kit on the front
I could easily run 33 x 12.50. Are my Billesteins not essentially a leveling
kit? Does anyone know if this will work? He mentioned that this would be the most economical way to fit this size tire, not having to get into a body
lift etc. Any comments, thoughts, or negative implications would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Les













x

 

Lifting a truck with a "leveling kit" does NOT in any way mean you can run larger tires.

The guy who told you that is plain stupid.

I suggest you do some reading/researching on lifts so you can understand the basics of them before purchasing anything.

In my opinion backspacing of the wheel and wheel width is key to fitting larger tires with the least modifications.

 

what are the billstiens set at now?

 

Do you have yellow bilsteins or silver? If yellow, then no they don't provide any lift.

And as XXXX mentioned above, a lift will only help clear tires when the suspension is not flexed. When flexed, they will rub just as much at stock height as they do with a lift, so the lift doesn't change anything if you plan on flexing the suspension.

Also, you would need aftermarket wheels or wheel spacers to clearance anything wider than 265 from the UCA's.

And finally, leveling kits are about the most damaging and hardest riding way to lift a truck.

 

Looks like he said the 5100's and if you do have the silver shocks with the front adjustment you can set them at 2.5"s and fit 33"s but you would have to trim and get wheel spacers like KPT had mentioned to clear the UCA's.

 

I have the 5100's set to the suggested 175 to level the front end.
I pretty much want to run 33's for astetics I don't go off road. It has been made
apparent that lifting will not change the fixed special issues in the wheel wells and
other areas. So my new question is what would be the least damaging way to run
185s. Do I need some spacers and simply raise current setting on my 5100's and
then do some minor cutting?

 

I think they are set at 175. They certaninly raised the front end a lot.

 

Raise to 2.5", get wheel spacers, and cut.

They should have raised it 1.75" and no more. If they raised it more, you may have the spring perches upside down, in which case it is not safe to drive the truck.

The spring perches should be shaped like a bell if they are right side up.

 

At the advice of many, I have scowered the posts and am
getting more confused by the minute.

1. Does anyone know a garage in the Orlando Fl or surrounding
area that can help me to achieve what is necessary to run 285s
on my 16 inch Toyota Baja rims?

2. AALs, Backspacing, and Coilovers have become Chinese to me at this point and I am of modest means but feel incapable of moving forward without seeking an expert to help me achieve my goals, despite all my reading.

3. I have a daily driver which will not be involved in any off road driving.
I have Billestein 5100s set at 175 in the front. I had the rear TSB
performed in the back.

4. Any non technical suggestions at this point, (like see the guys at
Blah Blah Trucks and they will give it to you straight at a fair price
without installing items only neccesary for the regular Baja racer.

Thanks to all who have tried to help. I have tried to read and learn
to no avail. Someone direct me to the right truck facility or garage.

Thank you,
Les Callahan

 

All the terminology is a little overwhelming. I don't know any shops but I can help with your questions.

1. you will need to set your 51000's up to 2.5". you will also need wheel spacers. Spidertrax makes 1.25" ones that are hubcentric. They are the best way to go.

2. AAL means "add a leaf". It's an extra leaf spring that goes into your stock pack, providing lift. If you are pretty level right now with 1.75" front, TSB rear, then setting the front shocks to 2.5" will make your truck nose-high. so you'll want an AAL to lift the rear more. You'll also need longer rear shocks if you plan to do that. The 5100's are only rated for up to 1.5" of rear lift.