After a 3" lift

Hello everyone.
So recently I lift my truck 3 inches. I only use regular spacers in the front abd back. I did it by myself and only for good looking ... but here's my question.
Why isn't the truck feels the same anymore, it does feel a little more rough, like if am able to feel or hear the engine or transmission little more ? its hard to explain. I know at least in the front end, things are a little more under stress because of the control arms and everything is pushed down. The other thing that I can think of is the drive shaft that also is a bit angle down because of course the rear differential is also pushed down to inches. Overall the truck feels good though but like I said it doesn't feel the same smoothness I am still with the same factory type kind of tires which soon are going to be replaced for which I am debating if mud terrain or all terrain which I would take suggestions though.
Thank you for your help if anybody

 

You need upper control arms and a proper alignment. You will notice without UCA's your truck will track bad, not pull left or right but both at any given time.

 

Agreed. At the very least you need to go get an alignment. If the tech can't get it aligned and driving properly, you need control arms. Welcome to the world of buying just one more thing.

 

Yea, for that $200 lift you need $500 UCA's. It's a vicious cycle.

 

Oh, and it doesn't stop with $500 UCA's. After that you have to get rid of the cheap spacer lift because it doesn't make since with the money you are spending elsewhere. I know, I've been there. I still have my spacer lift in the garage and won't sell it because I refuse to put anyone through the shit I went through.

 

get rid of the spacers!!!

a proper lift with something like 5100's at the very least... and an AAL in the rear.

Or just go all out.... 2.5in remote resi's and 12in 2.0 remote resi's in the rear with bamf relocation brackets.... @snowsk8air2 made me a believer this weekend in cal city.

 

You guys are just right ! How couldn't i figure that out. Now since am doing all the research seem like everybody is right but me with those poor boy spacers ... Oh well, Upper Control Arms will be then. I think I can do that myself
I agree when you say that this is going to be a vicious cycle. Can you guys actually tell me what is the complete but cheapest way to get this job done properly... so far I have the upper control arms what else...

 

I have 5100s and the toytec coils with the top spacers up front for 3", the OMEs are also a good option. In back add a leaf is the least expensive way to do it "right" I'm probably going to do the Boss 2" leaf pack, right now I just have blocks. I'm sure others will chime in on this.

 

Hello James, I am going with the first kit on this page: KIT #
HS05BK-1

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/headstrong-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

I believe it is going to be worth the money and if you do go offroad you should have a good ride.
5100's OME coils (optional Eibachs) . I am staying at 2.5 inches and should not need UCA's.

Headstrong off road and I here they are great to deal with.

 

While you're going to get a lot of recommendations from a lot of well-meaning members, it would help us to know what you want out of the vehicle. So far it sounds like you want a noticeable lift from a cosmetic standpoint, with similar to stock suspension dynamics.

Going 2.5 inches or under will keep things easier to manage both in terms of cost and tuning. The bilstein 5100 front shock absorber and a coil spring suited to whatever driving characteristics and weight you want will take care of the front. The 5100 is widely used, performs well, and is affordable. The coil spring rate for the front of your vehicle is very important to select appropriately as the spring rate is a determining factor in the way your vehicle recovers from a bump. If you're curious how to figure out the spring rates work you can do the math yourself or watch this handy video from the old-days.

The rear will require both shocks and either an add-a-leaf or a complete replacement leaf pack. If you stay under like 1.5" on your leaf pack, you could use the 5100 in the rear. If you want more than a 1.5" leaf pack, the 5125 works. With the longer travel you'll probably need to do something with your brake lines as well. Personally I would pursue the option of a new leaf pack like Old Man Emu's DAKAR leafs, or something from Deaver like the Expedition pack. Both would give you tremendous lift over stock to give you the appearance you want, in the range of 2.75+ inches range. That being said, there are leaf packs with less dramatic lift which someone else may know more about.

A word on safety. Something feeling weird during normal driving may end your life in an emergency situation. Talented people with decades of experience toiled to make your vehicle's stock suspension as comfortable, safe, and affordable as possible. As you modify one component, you throw out of balance the equation which governs your vehicles performance. In order to keep the truck doing what you want, you have to manage the entire equation.

 

Viscous Cycle = More modding

 

Did you ever have it aligned after you installed the spacers?

 

Not just yet will do this wkend. Truck drives strait tho. I may get the tires too. Now am concern if i should. Its a good point

 

You word it right @Liquix for the most part. I want a noticeable lift from a cosmetic standpoint, with similar to stock suspension dynamics.
However I think it's doable I am really concerned about the UCAs as far as the alignment once i got the truck aligned with the new tires I will move to the next step.

 

Appreciate it sir

 

I think that's the most valuable advice @TexasT

 

Well there is the major part of your problem. Driving straight doesn't mean much. Your alignment is horribly off right now.

 

"If you stay under like 1.5" on your leaf pack, you could use the 5100 in the rear."

This statement is inaccurate and misleading... It's not the lift height that determines what shock is needed.

The shock selection will depend on the additional extended length needed to accommodate the lift chosen. This will vary based on the type of lift (AAL, Block, Leaf pack). So many people don't completely understand this and will buy the wrong shock simply based on the advertised lift it allegedly accommodates.

 

Yep, thanks.

 

Talking about alignment which is what I'm concerned most... So i guess without aftermarket upper control arms I have little positive camber on front wheels ?