Suspension Pic and questions for 03 Ext 4WD

Unfortunately, I have not. I think most are probably doing the opposite of you, lol. Most on here are lifting there vehicle from stock, where you seem to be restoring to stock. I have luck on youtube at finding things??

 

I did both boots and axles about 6 months ago. I had a shop do them. Cost about 650.00 I'm sure much cheaper if you do it. However, that was not bad considering how much the parts cost.

 

That’s about the cost I’ve got for both boots & axles to have a shop do with new axles.

 

I guess that is about par for those parts. I did pull the trigger this week like I said. Bilstein 5100 fronts with OME 881 and and a 1/2" spacer. I had Wheelers assemble them. Drop kit and Ext. break line and relocator kit. He said about 2.7" in the front. Got brand new leaf springs from General Leaf. 2" lift. BTW, were looking for stock springs? They def had them and there prices are very reasonable. I guess some other guys on here are running them. I also splurged on some new Pro Comp wheels with a -11 offset.

 

Well, as I said, I pulled the trigger this past week.

 

I've not weighted my OEM leaf pack yet, but word to the wise... get yourself some good blocking. I'm now at 3 layers of side by side 4x4s plus jack stands under the frame at the front leaf mount. Couldn't get the jack under the pumpkin with only 2 layers.

 

@borg1736 General Spring from KC is where I got mine. Thinking back, I should have talked to them & see what the add on would of been for an extra leaf - as I'll probably add one in for weight anyways. I left enough threads when I cut my U-bolts to add in. You just got the 3 + 1 correct just with more arch?

My step dad wanted to help me out - he wire wheeled & painted my wheels. They look pretty sharp as most of the chrome/coating was off the aluminum & they were pitted. Saved me at least $400, if not more.

 

Man, those rims are sweet!! I talked to the guy at General Spring, and I wound up ordering HD leaf springs that fit the '96 to '98 year Tacoma. they are the same fit as the 2013. They have 2 inches of lift. I installed all the parts on today.. I am getting my Pro Comp Wheels (-12 offset) put on tomorrow. I took pics of everything as it progressed. I will post the pics this weekend under 1st generation "what did you do to your Tacoma today."

 

Sorry.!! I meant to say they also fit 2003 Tacoma. They gave 2 inches lift where the 2003 springs give 1.5 inches. They were also cheaper and come with bushings!! They fit my truck excellent. Of course I replaced all U-bolts, front pin, and shackles. A lot of less headaches to just cut the old bolts out!!!

 

I liked what General did, 21mm & 22mm bolt/nut for what they sent out on the leaf packs. Saves having to buy a second wrench.

I thought about their HD version of OEM, but didn't for the $60 more per side. Probably should have and will likely add an extra leaf in the near future.

With wheels on the ground, sitting as high or higher than with the 3" blocks.

Gonna loosen up passenger side U-bolts tmrw, and turn the shock mount higher, not liking the length diff from the drivers side.

 

I hear ya. I am very impressed with the HD springs. Nice lift and not a real harsh ride. I got my new wheels mounted yesterday, and did a wheel alignment on my truck today. Next project is replacing all steering components. I'm ordering the MOOG front end rebuilding steering package. look it up on there site. It has everything needed for the front end rebuild. I'm also going to install the rack and pinion mounting bushing kit as well. It should keep me busy for a bit I guess. I'm posting my recent build on 1st Generation "what did you do to your truck" tonight.

 

let me know how those Pro Comp front coils/struts do for you.

did you say you were getting an Energy Suspension bushing kit too? I might go with this... https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-8-18107g

 

I didn’t do Pro comp struts in the front. I did the Bilstein 5100’s with OME 881 Springs and a half in top plate. Yielding a 2 3/4 inch lift. Awesome ride. Instead of 5100 Bilstein shocks in the rear, i installed Skyjacker 7000 series Hydro shocks. I am truly impressed with the construction of the shock and rode. Also about 80.00 dollars cheaper than Bilstein. My General HD Springs lifted 2 inches and ride smooth with no sagging. I am completely happy with my set up. I am replacing all stearing components up front front with the MOOG REBUILD KIT. Including both upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rod ends, and MOOG rack and pinion bushings. All ball joints are greasable. This should make a dramatic improvement over my stock components that have 300,000 miles on them, lol!!!

 

also adding the right and left stabalizer bar links. I found that Amazon had the best price on these two parts. Easy install and will make a big difference in your steering. I like MOOG parts. they seem to be a better alternative to ome in my mind.

 

I posted a before and after link on First Generation Tacos

 

2003 Ext. 4wd Upgrades