Suspension upgrade maybe?

This is my truck as of a few days ago its on Wheelers type B's with 31x10.50, has full Budbuilt skid plates and the shell which is only on during the winter. Does the suspension look a little tired or is this fairly normal for factory?

 

How many miles does the suspension have on it? It is a 16 year old truck...

 

If you think it looks tired, then it probably is.

How does it drive?

 

Front has about 35k rear leafs are factory and rear struts have about 35k. It drives ok... I've been contemplating OME 881's and dakars with the nitro-chargers but I don't want a lot of lift. Although I'm also contemplating tube bumpers as well.

More pics for fun.

 

Oh and that would be 207,000 miles on the truck.

 

With the truck being that old and that many miles I'd say the suspension is dragging a little bit. I'd say put a small lift on it like a 3" suspension lift and you will be very happy with that.

 

Hello all.

I am in a similar position. I have about 185,000 miles on my 04 tacoma trd. This is a 2 wheel drive with the rear diff lock.

I have been looking at Fox Shocks Here >

$1,949 FOX 2.0 COIL-OVER IFP SHOCKS (FRONT/REAR) Fit Tacoma 1998-04 2WD W/0-2" Lift

http://www.amazon.com/COIL-OVER-SHO...r=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=fox+shocks+04+tacoma+trd


or these > http://www.shocksurplus.com/products/rancho-quicklift-set-96-04-toyota-tacoma-4wd-2wd-prerun.html


Any info or direction would be greatly appreciated. Not looking for anything big as this is my daily driver. Really just need to have a cush ride back.

here is what she looks like now.


Thanks

Mike

 

Is that picture in Johnson Valley?

 

Yes it is. Good eye.

 

Hahaaa I'll never forget that place.

 

Youd be better off with this kit.

 

Speaking of which. will the bilstein D558 shocks that are in my previous post work with stock springs?

 

So why this over that? What are the pros / cons. My main reason for the coil overs was they are EZ to install. I don't have a spring compressor nor do i want to use one. I ride dirt bikes not work on cars / trucks. My main objective is to be ale to run down a water board dirt road and not feel it. Plus the back end sags a bit with 2 bikes in the back.

 

1, price.
2, neither of the 2 that you linked come with a real lift. your ass will still be dragging. unless you buy the pump kits or extra canisters. the one I linked is an actual physical lift that adds both ride height and carrying capabilities (for the rear) through the physical springs. the fox shocks aired up, under the added weight of yoru bikes, can blow.
3, you will be using the same tools to do the same job, minus the spring compressor that you can either rent, or see if a shop can swap out for you real quick.

id add more but i gotta go to work. maybe later after i think about it.

 

Of the two choices, the Fox setup seems like the better option if cost isn't a factor. The only downside I see is that they are a smaller diameter shock which means they have a limited oil capacity so under heavy use you may see some fade from heat. Also, it apears they may not be rebuildable or revalveable. Not sure if that is important to you. I do like the fact that they are truly height adjustable so you can dial in the exact amount of lift you want.

I am not sure why TW members always recomend the Eibach 620# coils paired with 5100s. IMO, they give to much lift and can create issues because of it. Some trucks will experience more that 3" with the Toytec billie/eibach lift and those coils are very stiff unless you have a lot of weight hanging off the front end.

I see a couple of downsides to the rancho deal. I am pretty sure those are the older type shock technology and are not a nitrogen charged, monotube design. Also, it may just be the picture, but the rear, top shock mount is wrong for the 1st gen Tacoma. The compression adjustability for ride comfort is nice tho. I used their rs9000 shocks years ago with that tech and it was nice to be able to change from stiff (highway/pavement) to soft (offroad). The price is nice too.

 

your stance in general is good with the rake. if you're looking for load carrying but NO LIFT get these http://www.generalspringkc.com/product_p/90-237hd.htm

if you want a lift then you may want to opt for the AAL with Dakars or the AllPro Expedition ( )

you could even get air bags as suggested above or "spring helpers" http://www.4wheelparts.com/Towing/Leaf-Spring-Helper.aspx?t_c=67&t_s=2&t_pt=3398