5 lug 95.5-04 Lowering info for newbs

So, for a daily driver who is going 3/4, talking about prep... Is a 25" tire the tallest one should run if we aren't planning on dropping any lower? I am trying to save some gearing for highway use too. At 75-80mph, that diameter jump will net ~300rpm.

Next, is a notch smart on a 3/4 to maintain sufficient travel and ride quality and how much added travel should it allow?

Lastly, if I were to, say load my Sportster in the bed would it still be safe with the notch?

 

Thanks! The last question is what is the biggest common tire size used on a 3/4 drop to not rub yet maintain low highway gearing:
205/65x15 or 205/70x15?

 

Hate to sound Tacoma ignorant...but which "4x4 leafs" would I need to drop my '02 2WD three inches?

 

Are they a direct, bolt-in swap, or are there other changes that need to be made?

 

I'm a noob and know nothing about lowering trucks my question is what would happen if I were to install only lowering blocks without touching the front suspension. I drive 60 highway miles a day what will the ride be like?

 

I just want it to even out tired of the ass sticking up. Please help!

 

I did 2inch blocks in the back and level'd mine out for now and it rides awsome no worries about the front suspention.

 

i have zero idea so please bare with me

i'd like to have a lowering kit installed but i'm looking for a simple part replacement solution. i've been looking at the belltech and djm kits but from what i've googled, it will require notching and i'd like to not modify the body or frame (if that's what this means). what's the lowest I can go without having to mess with anything but having someone replace and install parts? and what kit do I get?

basically i'm getting new shocks and have always wanted to lower it for better handling and looks so i figured i'd get all the parts and have it installed. i don't tow anything, don't really haul anything aside from the occasional bed frame or road bikes.

thanks in advance. I figure i'd better ask specific questions than research and compile different solutions and end up with the wrong solution.

 

Do they make an actual lowering spring for the front that drops a 4cylinder tacoma 2"? I know the 6 cylinder springs work but id like to get the actual 2" drop. Links would be nice if you could. Thanks

 

Hello TW,

I am experimenting lowering my 2004 Tacoma 2wd 5 lug regular cab. I found a set of belltech #4261-001 (super cheap on ebay) which lowered the front about 1.5". I noticed the truck was more predictable, less brake dive, more firm, but more loose in the rear. Up front I also used some energy suspension bump stops to allow more travel. So it was now time to lower the rear to get it to sit level. I found a set of 4x4 leafs, removed the main leaf, used the 2wd OL, made some 1"bump stops, and installed. I noticed a drop of 3" in the rear which made the truck sit level. It looked great, but handled and felt like CRAP (new KYB GAJ all around). After removing the main leaf from the 4x4 leafs I noticed that the overload is doing all the work with the weight of the truck. The other two springs in the pack are too soft to support the truck, especially over bumps, so the OL seems to be the only thing providing suspension. So the back feels super soft and bouncy until you easily hit the OL and then the ride is harsh. After 2 weeks of riding like this it was time to make a change. Time for air shocks? I was ready to purchase some ma727, but worried that they would be working too hard to support the truck all the time, so I didnt buy them. I decided to reinstall the initially removed 4x4 main leaf to make the rear be more functional/stiff. This raised the rear 1.5" and makes the rear sit higher than the front now. I havent had a chance to test drive the truck, but I hope the added spring will help the ride quality. My question is should I replace the 4x4 leafs with the stock 2wd leafs and add 3" blocks OR keep the 4x4 leafs in there and get a 1.5" lowering block? What are your experiences with 4x4 leafs? Feel free to ask me questions. Thanks!

 

Thanks Az,
I have never heard of belltech leaf springs for an 04 Tacoma. I will look into that, but imagine it will be pricey.

After test driving the truck with the 4x4 leaf springs (3 leafs + 2wd OL) I am much happier. It is hard to tell if it the handling is far superior than the 2wd leaf springs (stock), but going over bumps and potholes is not killing my back anymore. On a scale of (softest)1-10(firmest) I would rate it a 4 now. Before, with the removed 4x4 main leaf I would rate it at 1(too soft). Ride quality is good now with some oversteer tendencies. Now the rear sits higher than the front, but the truck feels balanced. The front feels planted and the rear is a little loose, but predictable. So, I suggest belltech springs (i used 4261-001) up front w/low pro bumps and complete 4x4 leafs w/ swapped 2wd OL in back. This setup will not get you low, but will help if you drive aggressively.

FYI- the belltech 4261-001 coil springs are $59 on ebay (suspension source i think) right now and will lower a 2wd regular cab 1.5".

Thanks for the knowledge TW!

 

Chain2RZ: Where are you finding the springs on ebay? I've entered the part number, but ebay shows "0 listings." I'll buy a set today for that price if I can find them.

Az lowtacoma: Belltech doesn't have a listing for drop leafs that I can find. Do you have a Belltech part number for them?

 

Chain2RZ: Never mind. I found them.

 

OK, Newbie question. What 4WD rear springs work? I have a 99 2wd standard cab. Is it the same year springs? Looking at going QA1's and these leafs if that is it. thanks

 

Reading through this stuff and getting acquainted many thanks for the experience, opinions, and the pics!

 

Im looking for a full race coilover kit for my 97 tacoma, want to eliminate the rear leafs. Would the streettaco kit work for me, is this even available? I plan on track racing the truck

 

New to this forum , i just bout a 04 tacoma Abt a month ago my problem is its droped nice but they burned the spring in the front and its hopes alot , i want to buy front coil overs tht wit go very low and good stiffness and might go a lil lower at the bck

 

I did a djm 3/4 drop and djm shocks love the look of it but having problems with tire rub and bottoming out in both front and back any input would be greatly appreciated

 

Hey Redwood,

Front and back - the tire rubbing is probably due to your tires being to large for your drop. As mentioned earlier they should be25" tall or shorter for a 3/4. I am running a low offset wheel with a 1" spacer on 25" tall tires with no issue at all.

Front - The bottoming out is kinda odd due to having new shocks but I would double check to make sure you got the right ones. I am lowed 3/3 and I am running stock shocks on the front with no issues.

Rear - The bottoming out is because with 4" block you are either riding on the bump stops or might as well be. Streetacos sells a super short bumpstop for the rear that should stop most of your bottoming out but a c-notch would be the best thing to stop you from bottoming out.

Hope this helps