How do you keep aftermarket struts/shocks from "topping out"?

I've been learning more and more since I joined up here and I appreciate all the help so far. But I've come to another big issue that I cannot figure out on my own by trying to research and such.

How to you prevent shocks from "topping out", as in, traveling too far and ramming the end of its' self? I'd like to prevent something like that, although I don't plan on going nuts I still like to be protected.

Even on the stock setup, what keeps the axle from going too far? Is there a stop I am unaware of? Obviously there is a bump stop (typed bump stock earlier oops) for when you hit too hard...but what about the other direction?

 

Limit straps? Is this basically just a rope or belt of some kind that keeps things from going out of range? Is there a stock one on the truck already?

 

Whoa cool, sounds like something I will do. See I ordered the dakar leaf springs, the 300 lbs not the super 600+ lbs ones, anyway so Marie thankfully told me that leaving the bil-4600s would basically be a disaster.
Basically it looks like I can do extended 5100s but have to change the brake lines and the bump stop, OR just get the rear nitro-chargers. However I don't like the idea of the shock being the only thing holding everything from going to far... So now after reading this all I am thinking that limit straps would be a good investment. Or if anyone else has any suggestions? Or are the rear nitro's built strong enough for the job? Note that I won't be doing anything off-road BUT I would like the ability to drive some trails if the chance arises without breaking things.

Originally I was just asking for the front, but as I've learned being on here there is always something else to be aware of, haha.

 

All regular and mid travel aftermarket shocks for Tacoma's are (or should be) designed to act as the extension stop, no need for limit straps.

 

The famous OME clunk I keep reading about... is the rear nitro capable of handling this stress? I just fear hitting that "PERFECT" bump and hearing some awful noise and everything going wrong. haha

Oh, actually I see that the rear nitrochargers say "with 2 inch lift", and that they have further travel. So that sounds like it would be fine. Though... how far can you go before you need to adjust the brake lines?

 

Good to know. I was looking at limit straps too since I went with an Icon RXT leaf pack and the TRD Pro 6112/5160 Bilstein setup. If regular / mid travel shocks are designed with internal bump stops(in effect limit straps) then I won’t worry about it any more.

 

I’m running into this very problem now with my new king coil-overs. They are topping out violently. I’m positive this is going to cause damage quickly.

 

I hear you, at this point I've decided that I'm going to get shorter coil springs, and then put spacers on top of them. That way the 5100s won't be extended out too far

 

You need to lower your ride height or get a +2" kit.

Spacers on top of the shocks can allow them to extend further than the ball joints, steering, and axles can handle. They also change where the shock bottoms out and can cause the shock to become your bump stop. Spacers are risky and not recommended.

 

What? A spacer with a shorter coil? My shock is already acting at the bump stop on down travel.
I also thought the ball joints where the best final bump stop. I guess limit straps could be used.

Anyway yeah 885 coils and 5100s are just too much, there is only slightly less that 1" of travel downward.

My thought was a shorter coil with a spacer would preserve the shocks and travel?

What would you recommend?

 

Most spacers go ON TOP of the shock and are not recommended. Spacers under the coil spring are better, but still not recommended.

Ball joints are not meant to be limit stops on extension.
Shocks are designed to limit droop travel (low force), not compression travel (high force).

You need a longer travel shock (may require UCA) so you have 3" of droop.

 

@*TRD* knows his stuff.

 

I have after market uca's. Hm... Low force limiting sounds good, because right now mine violently slam if they top out haha.
I might just get shorter coils and be done with it.

Hmmmmm

 

Thanks. This is the conclusion we came to today as well.