Spindles for 3rd Gen?

Hey Tacoma brothers,

I lifted my 3rd Gen last year with 5100's all around (set at 1.75 in the front) and Dakar 3 leaf mini pack in the rear (I have stock UCA's). I also got Spidertrax spacers to run 285's on stock rims. I'd like a couple more inches of lift, so I called the installer to see what I could do. He suggested getting spindles that he could install for $850. A couple of questions: 1) Can someone explain what spindles do exactly? (Does it just lift the front? Would I need to do anything to the rear as well? etc) and 2) Is there a more inexpensive alternative besides a body lift? (Besides replacing the 5100's, which I really like). Thanks for all and any help, guys!

 

1) The way spindles work is they lower the hub to raise the truck. It's great because you get a ton of ground clearance and everything stays within the OEM tolerances. You'll definitely want more lift in the rear because it will be an extra 4" on top of the 5100's if they are the Maxtrac spindles.

2) Go this route instead of a body lift. In my opinion, never do a body lift.

http://www.maxtracsuspension.com/05-16-tacoma-fj-cruiser-2wd-4-lift-spindles.html

Take a look at the link. These are what your installer is talking about.

 

@619HiluxLover ... if you add these spindles you could move your setting on the 5100s to zero. That way you won't be pre-loading your coils and will have full range of travel.

 

Thats true as well

 

Thanks guys! Appreciate the advice!

 

OEM Spindle vs Maxtrac 4" Lift Spindle - GOT BEEF?



Up in there with a 3rd gen 5100, OME coils, and stainless brake lines. (My 5100's are on the zero setting)



Note: If you get Maxtracs, sand and paint them PRIOR to install. Don't be shy with the clear. They are prone to rust, and the coating that comes on them isn't sufficient. Do not skip out on this, you'll regret it later.

 

Also, these do increase track width on the front. To offset that, I used 1.25" spacers in the rear. It lines up pretty much perfect.

 

Looks great!
So what did you have to do with the rear after the spindles? How much total lift did you get? And finally what was the final cost? Thanks for your info and patience with my questions! LOL

 

I'm at about 6.5" lift in the front and 4" in the back. I haven't taken measurements lifted yet, giving the front time to settle. Right now the rear is a 4" block, eventually I'll do leaf packs. I caught some sales, upgraded some hardware, did CMC, but I think I spent around $1300-1500 in parts. You should contact Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road if you want to do a Maxtrac lift. She helped me put my package together, and they always have great prices.

 

Oh wow really?? Looks pretty level! How long ago did you get everything done? Yeah, before I got my stuff from a local shop, I was in contact with Marie from HS...she's amazing!

 

Been 2 weeks now. It sits pretty much dead level. There's more pics on my instagram



Marie is da bomb.

 

Dude, you're seriously making me wanna get spindles NOW! LOL. Hey what size tires did you get?

 

Go for it, just know that you'll never be finished with it. I have 35x12.50's.

I got a couple Tundra TSS buddies and I sit way higher than them. I sit higher than most regular full size trucks on the road. Aside from fairly unforgiving 10-ply tires, it drives better now than it did stock.

 

Haven't come across spindle lifts before. Very interesting. Are there spindle kits that are LESS than the 4" lift provided here? I'd consider getting one around 3", so I could remove all preload from my coilovers and still get a small bump in lift height over what I have now.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-maxtrac-spindles.416793/

Check this thread out it's all about the lifted spindles

 

Thank you so much @AustinNative and again your Tacoma looks AWESOME!

 

CST has a 3.5", but agree a 3" spindle would be ideal.

 

Thanks @Clay7160 !

 

SO sick!! How did you fit 285s on the stock rims with no rubbing??
I want those same tires BFG KO2s 285/70R17... is that your tire spec?
and with 1.75" lift up front do you have any rubbing at all?? did you have to do a CMC (cab mount chop)
Thanks!

 

Also, what size spacers? TY