Noob questions for a Lift Maestro.

I want to re-do my suspension. Looking for advice on what OME package to order and what to be sure to have included.

I bought my 99 Tacoma with some kind of 3" lift already installed. There are spacers on the front struts and some kind of shocks that are all black. The rear springs have AAL's and Rancho 5150's
I'm not positive but I think the UCA's are stock. They have a black coating that matches all the stock frame/suspension parts.
I have 16" rims and am currently running 265 75 r16.

I like the way my truck takes bumps, but it's pretty wafty on turns.
I'd like to increase my tire size a little but am fine staying where I am at if budget mandates.


I've been looking at theses OME kits:

http://www.rocky-road.com/old-man-emu-tacoma.html
But those 2 differ some in what is included and the Rocky Road kit also comes with pre-assembled struts. The main differences I am confused about are:

Rocky Road comes with a driveshaft spacer, but Wheeler's makes no mention of it. Is it necessary?

Wheeler's comes with rear greasable shackles but it's an option at Rocky Road. Which is better?

Rocky Road has a 'trim leveling kit' and Wheeler's has a 'front trim packer' What's the difference? Do those refer to spacers in the struts for the full 3" lift, or the trim adjust for the Taco lean?

Rocky has a leaf spring option of heavy duty or medium duty? Whats the real world difference? I have a camper shell and load up with gear for camping. Sometimes a canoe. I don't haul rocks or tow.


Other things I need to know:


-Which front coils/shocks should I get? In the future I'd like to get a good bumper and winch, but it may be a year or more before I can afford it, so I'll probably be driving on this suspension with the stock bumper for now..

-Rocky Road recommends that you remove 1-2 leafs for ideal ride height? Why? I thought I needed an AAL to match the front lift? I'd like to have my rear sit slightly higher than my front.

-Am I going to need new UCA's? If so, which ones?

-If I go with bigger tires, with this lift, will I also need spacers?

-What are the largest tires I can go with without new UCA's. I thought I read 275.

-Do I need to do a diff drop? Or can I get by without it?

-I want the full 3" lift. For that, do I need the pre-load spacers in the front and the AAL's in the back? It's confusing that Rocky Road suggests you need to remove leaves from the pack whereas I thought an AAL would be better.

Thanks for any help. I am a noob, but I'm trying to do this right.

 

109 views? No one can answer a question or two? I thought this was one of the most popular lifts.

 

Here is my OME kit install "write-up" for a second gen. It includes alignment info after the install as well as the measurements before and after. I didn't install the diff drop because they are useless on a 2nd gen. On here, I read anything over 2"-2.5" you need UCAs. I went with Light Racing for the price and the good reviews on TW.

I am going to upgrade to a Dakar leaf pack with all-pro u bolt flip kit, extended brake lines etc. once I find some places to wheel and my brother and friend get trucks.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-builds/293161-ome-kit-finally-installed.html

 

OP, since you have a number of questions, just give me a call and we can go over them.

 

Thanks. Nice write up.. And it looks good too. I've got a first gen., so some things will be different. But I'm basically doing the same kit. UCA's do seem like a good idea. When you can, come out west to wheel.

 

Will do.

 

definitely give wheeler's a call. i bought my OME kit from them and have nothing but good things to say about their customer service and knowledge!

 

Couldn't tell you exactly what springs to go with up front. Wheeler's know better than I would but I would go with a full OME kit (OME shocks and springs up front and in the back)

 

Drive shaft carrier bearing drop is not needed till you hit 3+" rear lift. Oer wise the bearing can go bad and u joints. Axle shims are also a good addition.

Greasable shackles are handy as you can grease them without taking the bolts out.

Trim packer is the same. For 881 or 883 coils to add more lift or just on the driver side to get rid of taco lean

For leaf packs. I bet the difference is either just the Dakar packs or the Dakar packs with the addition DX9 AAL in it. The added AAL will be nice for additional weight. But you can always add it later if you decide you need more weight capacity. I'd personally get it to avoid the packs sagging when loaded for camping. But depends on how much gear you pack.

Wheelers will also have the option for putting in their packs made by Alcan. Either 4 or 5 packs. I'd go for 5 packs as you have a topper. Plus they also make an AAL you can add for even more weight capacity. Which is a great combo.

Front coils if your going to get a bumper and winch I'd go for the 883s for the capacity. They will give you almost 3" lift without a bumper but not quiet. Will go great with either the Wheelers 5 packs or Dakars.

With the 883s I'd plan on the Dakars or wheelers 5 packs with the addition AAL. This will keep the rear hire then the front like you wanted. We call this stance having Rake.

UCAs are needed. They will get your alignment back in spec though. They are nice but if you can't afford them up front. Don't worry about it.


Spacers? Like suspension spacers?? Nooooo. You'll be plenty high. Wheel spacers? Maybe. Will depend on the wheels and tire choice. Largest you could run is 285/75r16s or 33x12.5r15s. But you will have to cut the pinch weld in wheel wells and hammer the fire wall a bit. With 12.5s you'll need about 3.5" back spacing. For 285s you'll need 4" minimum. So if you have stock wheels, you'll need so,e .75-1" wheel spacers up front. I'd also recommend extended lug nuts for the fronts.

Diff drops help a bit. Can't hurt for 20-30 bucks.


For 3" lift and some good capacity. I'd go 883 front coils with trim packer and wheelers 5packs with the AAL or Dakar leafs with AAL and possibly 1" lift shackles to maintain rake stance.


But you can always add AALs and shackles and the trim package. So for starters I'd just go 883s and wheelers 5 packs and AAL or Dakars and AAL. Add the shackles and trim package later after a front bumper and winch.

You'll also need longer rear shocks if you get shackles.

 

Once I get her more "Wheelin' ready" and get a few friends together.

 

thanks for answering all that!

 

props to you too, for taking the time. i think i understand it better.

 

You bet. Hope it helps.