HD leaf packs=more lift that expected, advice

After snapping a stock leaf (unloaded, no offroading) I decided to upgrade to a heavy duty set of springs. I have read a lot of threads about lifts in respect to wheeling, but not so much in the realm of the work truck.

My leaf swap went smooth despite 80k of New England salt, but the 2.5 of lift was a little unexpected. On the good side I measured 21.25" center of wheel to fender flare, now I'm at 23.75, I'm not complaining about it, I'm surprised and pleased. But........I would like to bring the front up, not level (when it's loaded I'd rather not have the back lower than the front). I'm new to doing my own suspension so forgive me if I'm a little clueless about my options. I'm just looking to gain about an inch (aren't we all?) HD coils? Adjustable 5100's? Any advice is more than I know.

 

For such a short lift, I'd check out 5100's and set them at .85 up front. That'll give you just shy of an inch up front. Most of the coils will give you more than an inch up front. Eibach and 883 coils will lift you about 1.5" up front and both are stronger than the stock coils and can be mounted on 5100's.

 

What rear spring did you go with?

 

I went with the 90-297HDs...haven't heard much about them, but Palmer springs here in providence ri recommended them as the best bang for the buck. So far I have to say, the ride is a little stiff on the highway, but WAY less lean when cornering. My truck actually rides like a truck now.

I have noticed a little vibration on initial acceleration, not sure if it's subtle axle wrap (i dont hear it, just feel it) or just the stiffer response to the lousy roads, it's tough to find a smooth one around here.

As for the front, I think I'll try the 5100s. I'd like to keep my stock coils (I'm a ride it till it explodes kind of guy). Any one advise against that?

 

90-297HDs

 

Is that the face of confused disapproval? If so, please shed some light on my poor decision.

 

I think it's just a confused face and his way of saying he's not familiar with that part number.

 

i did the OME kit. came with shocks and 884 springs for the front. i got exactly 2" of lift on my truck. access cab.

maybe you can call Wheelers and just buy the front half?

 

This ^^^
I have not heard of these

You are not yet familiar with the smiles
Its cool man I'm not either just like to use them

 

If your pinching pennies, best bang for your buck are Bilstein 5100's all around, since you can .85, 1.75 lift with them. I had bilstiens on my tundra for a while and they made a difference and were a good shock. Wheelers offorad or you can ebay them for about $330 for all 4 corners, add $100 if you want someone to install the springs for you. Get some replacement springs if your fronts are shot, toyota oem, or Old man emu, since you said they are salty

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bilstein-5100-Series-Ride-Height-Adjustable-Shocks-Toyota-Tacoma-05-13-/330964495145?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ATacoma&hash=item4d0f056b29&vxp=mtr#ht_1629wt_845

 

Definitely not familiar, especially when squinting at my phone...they all look like they're laughing at me.

5100s seem like by best route, not looking for much lift, but a little more beef all the way around will be better than the squish I've been riding on.

Next step however will be this damn take off shudder...how long can I let this go?