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Lifting my 2001 Tacoma, need advice!

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by shred sled, Oct 20, 2018.

  1. Oct 20, 2018 at 4:07 PM
    #1
    shred sled

    shred sled [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2001 4x4 Tacoma
    Hey guys,

    I've been reading through the Tacoma World posts for a few months now but just made an account. I have a few questions regarding lifting my truck...

    First off, it's a first gen 2001 4x4 extra cab tacoma with the 5 ft. bed and I'm looking for a 2" lift all around.

    For the front:

    Based on what I've been reading, it looks like these Bilstein 5100 (24-249928) adjustable shocks are pretty good. My question with this is, if I have them at 2" (which is the highest they go) will the ride be stiff?

    And, any objections to this part?


    For the rear:

    I've read that the following AAL's will work fine for what I'm looking for.

    -Toytec 2" (only comes with one leaf)

    -SkyJacker RTC20 Softride 3" (only comes with one leaf)

    -or the Icon progressive (3 leaf.. leaves...lol)

    I've read the 3 leaves are a better ride, but I can't seem to find any Icon progressive AAL's in anything taller than 1.5"

    Any advice on which of these parts would be best is appreciated!

    And my final question: I have a camper shell, will be building a wooden deck/ bed in the rear, and will be loading it up with camping stuff when I go out for the weekend.

    I'm thinking that I want to lift the rear a little higher to offset that weight that will be in the rear.

    I believe the camper shell/ topper is around 150-175 lbs. (a.r.e) and the deck will be about 100 lbs. Those 2 things will remain on the truck at all times. And when I load it up I'm adding at least another 100 lbs.

    How much sag will this kind of weight put on the rear? And how many inches should I look to lift the rear higher than the front to offset it?

    Sorry for the long post, but thanks in advance!
     
  2. Oct 20, 2018 at 4:22 PM
    #2
    Blue92

    Blue92 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    You will actually see closer to 2.5" on the 3 leaf add a leafs. Thats if you leave your overload spring in, and install axle shims, which you should. Thats what I would do, my single AAL squeaked like crazy (fixed with some teflon liners) and is kinda stiff. But, its not affected by the minimal weight of the camper shell I have. Billies on the top notch may be pretty stiff. Most here dont recommend that. If I were you, I would buy some OME 2881 coils and leave the 5100's at "0". That will net around 2" if you have a V6 in an Extra Cab. If its a 4 Cyl, still get the 2881 coils. I have 880 coils in my 4 banger and I only got 1.5" maybe slightly more of lift.
     
    SierraMare likes this.
  3. Oct 20, 2018 at 5:05 PM
    #3
    shred sled

    shred sled [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Messages:
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    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2001 4x4 Tacoma
    Hey,

    Thanks for the response. So you're saying if I order these AAL's:

    https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...MIqvqu-ZWW3gIVEF8NCh1osAlVEAQYASABEgJnz_D_BwE


    and I leave the overload spring, I'll actually get 2.5"?

    I'm not entirely sure what axle shims are but I can look into those.


    And if I were to get the Old Man Emu's, why would I also want the Billies? Will the Bilstein's add a little extra to the EMU's?

    Sorry, I'm new to this so I still am learning hah.

    And yeah I got the V6 extra cab.

    Thanks again!
     
  4. Oct 20, 2018 at 5:11 PM
    #4
    Blue92

    Blue92 Well-Known Member

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    Get these cuz cheaper and free shipping. https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...eafs_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY055-3AL.html
    Axle shims go under the leaf pack and keep your pinion/driveshaft angle close to stock. Prevents vibrations and other clunkish noises. They made my truck ride a lot better after lifting 2". You can get them from Headstrong too. @eon_blue ran their 3 leaf AAL for a while .

    I have 5100 shocks with EMU coils. Ride is great at the 0 setting. Using the 5100 and your stock coil at the top setting would preload the spring and have a stiff ride.
     
  5. Oct 20, 2018 at 5:26 PM
    #5
    shred sled

    shred sled [OP] Member

    Joined:
    Oct 20, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Kevin
    Vehicle:
    2001 4x4 Tacoma
  6. Oct 20, 2018 at 5:43 PM
    #6
    Blue92

    Blue92 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Vehicle:
    2004 4x4 2.7L
    Yeah those shims will work, get them in 3 degrees. Headstrong has the best customer service of any vendor on this site, thats why I recommend them, along with free shipping. You can email Marie at Headstrong and she'll be able to answer all your questions more in depth. They also can sell you a set of 5100's and OME coils if you want.

    5100's can be set to I think 2.75" at the tallest setting. Problem is, they will ride like a brick when you preload the coil that much. I recommend OME coils to pair with 5100's set at "0" simply for ride quality. They will provide your lift and ride firm, but not harsh feeling.
     

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