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Crazy High Lift from Add-A-Leaf

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by retroboy1989, Sep 27, 2016.

  1. Sep 27, 2016 at 8:45 AM
    #1
    retroboy1989

    retroboy1989 [OP] Single Cab 4x4

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    99 2.7L 5spd 4x4
    1999 Single Cab 4x4 2.7L - 265/70R17

    Over the weekend, I discovered a broken Ubolt on my truck. Long story short, my truck now has new Ubolts and an add-a-leaf. I wanted about 1.5-2" of lift in all four corners to fit the 265s without any rubbing. I also wanted the ability to haul the occasional few hundred pounds without the back end sagging to the bump stops. I was also bugged by the negative arch on my leafs with no load. My leaf springs were replaced with new aftermarkets in the spring. 0 lift springs.

    Front lift still in the works... I am in no rush.

    Now, my poor little single cab has nearly 3-3.5" more ride height in the rear than it did before the AAL. My factory-length shocks were topped out and actually pre-loading the leaf springs and making the truck ride like a brick. I removed the shocks and ride quality and handling improved drastically. I feel safer WITHOUT shocks! I ordered new KYB shocks that are close to Bilstein 5100s in dimensions (about 2" longer than stock specs). They will be here tomorrow.

    My question is this: Is it normal for an AAL to cause crazy right height at first? Do they settle much at first? I want 2" lift max. I am not going bigger in tires and I dont want driveline problems.

    Here is the kit I installed:
    http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-rear-add-a-leaf-lift-kit-2wd4wd-1995-2016-p4314.aspx

    What do I do? I am tempted just to put it back to stock and forget lifting. Minor rub is better than the problems this is causing. I am on a family budget. I understand there are different ways to lift trucks and "pay to play". Usually more expensive is a better quality lift. For my $4,300 truck, I felt an AAL was a reasonable compromise.

    Thoughts?
     
  2. Sep 27, 2016 at 9:27 AM
    #2
    Clay_916

    Clay_916 Well-Known Member

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    Fort Collins, CO
    Vehicle:
    2000 x-cab 4x4
    5100's, All Pro 3" Standard leafs, 32" KM 2's
    Put 1000 lbs in the back and let it settle over a few months.

    The factory ride height of the rear is taller than the front so 1.5-2" above that is 3" taller than an aged rear leaf.
     
  3. Sep 27, 2016 at 9:44 AM
    #3
    3rYODA

    3rYODA Don’t sell to me, I don’t pay.

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    Santa Clarita, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 white 4x4 TRD
    Fox 2.5’s up front, icon 2.0 rear shocks, stock leafs, !Meso map and dome lights make all the difference in the world!
    yeah go throw a bunch of weight in the rear and drive like that for a month minimum probably a few months and they'll settle and look good.. i got a brand new spacer lift 2.5 inches with install instructions i want to get rid of.. if you want a cheep front lift for now, i ended up buying 5100's all round
     
  4. Sep 27, 2016 at 11:04 AM
    #4
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    lewisporte Newfoundland
    Vehicle:
    95 extended cab sr5
    cxr turbo, fic6, methanol injection, king coilovers, jba uca, skyjacker leafs, rear 12" 5125s, no-slip rear locker, 35" grabber x3, magnaflow muffler, retrofit headlights, trans cooler, bed lined exterior, etc...
    To say an average of 2" lift is stupid when talking about 3 different gens. A v6 dbl cab 3rd gen is gona be alot heavier than a 4cyl single cab 1st gen.
     
  5. Sep 27, 2016 at 11:05 AM
    #5
    3rYODA

    3rYODA Don’t sell to me, I don’t pay.

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    Santa Clarita, CA
    Vehicle:
    2015 white 4x4 TRD
    Fox 2.5’s up front, icon 2.0 rear shocks, stock leafs, !Meso map and dome lights make all the difference in the world!
    this guy is talking about a rear lift with leafs not front coils that shouldent have anything to do with it
     
  6. Sep 27, 2016 at 11:11 AM
    #6
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    lewisporte Newfoundland
    Vehicle:
    95 extended cab sr5
    cxr turbo, fic6, methanol injection, king coilovers, jba uca, skyjacker leafs, rear 12" 5125s, no-slip rear locker, 35" grabber x3, magnaflow muffler, retrofit headlights, trans cooler, bed lined exterior, etc...
    Im talking about the description of the aals on the site. their advertised for 1995-2016 trucks. Theres a big weight difference there and he has the lightest model possible netting him 3"+ of lift. I think that should be said in fatbobs description
     
  7. Sep 27, 2016 at 11:13 AM
    #7
    RynoDyno

    RynoDyno Well-Known Member

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    i thought the 3rd gens weighed less... ive been lied to!!! usually AAL on average add about that much hieght give or take an inch, so sounds like a nice educated observation.
     
  8. Sep 27, 2016 at 11:18 AM
    #8
    RynoDyno

    RynoDyno Well-Known Member

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    the rear is still relatively light, although i wouldnt recommend that AAL. something that generic looking and wide range would make me iffy about it. look into a progressive AAL kit.
     
  9. Sep 28, 2016 at 9:02 PM
    #9
    retroboy1989

    retroboy1989 [OP] Single Cab 4x4

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    Well, I installed the KYB shocks. Part number kg6199. Unloaded, it sits right to the top of thier operating range. Close to 3" of lift. With 250 lbs of sand bags, i have it sitting at 1.5-2" above stock. The shocks seem happy and the truck rides firm but smooth. I think ill run the sand all winter and see where it sits in the spring. With any luck the add a leaf will break in and settle that 1 inch or so.
     

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