Correcting a top-heavy ride

Hi Folks

My 07 base single cab truck has a 3" lift on spacers (spacers on the front shock towers and blocks in between the rear leaf springs) and nice 265/70/17 Michelin LTX on 4runner wheels. It has a high center of gravity, and I don't need the honkin' lift.

I am installing an ARB bumper soon, and I would like to ditch the lift. I understand from this thread (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/largest-tacoma-tire-sizes-on-stock-suspension.67550/) that I could run the tires on the stock suspension.

Am I right that if I take out the spacers and install the ARB bumper, I should:

1. Install some kind of replacement shocks
2. Set them to a height to accommodate the bumper weight
3. Get an alignment

Does that sound right? I hear that the Bilstein 5100s make sense for this application, but I welcome shock recommendations. What do I do about the springs?

Cheers,

Reinhardtius

 

Assuming you have the 4 cylinder?

 

Correct, 4 cylinder. I like that little engine a lot.

 

5100's with some aftermarket springs should be good. Could use the OEM springs but they might sag with the bumper's weight. As for the rear, you could keep the block or ditch it and get an Add-a-leaf. Yes on the alignment because anytime you fiddle fuck with the front suspension its best to make sure she's all good still. Hope this helps man.

 

That tire size works on stock 4X4 and Pre-Runners. Probably not on non Pre-Runner 4X2's.

 

Mine is a 4x4 Base (single cab). Is that, in your definition, a stock 4x4?

 

Congratulations on planning to ditch the spacer lift. Yes, it increases the height of the vehicle with no benefit to your suspension travel. Detriment as you've found is it just increases the center of gravity. As all have said you don't need a lift with those tires.

I have 5100s with OME 884s up front and this is a very nice suspension. If you want no lift with the ARB then I'd go with this setup. If you want a lift with the ARB, I'd go with the 885 or 886.

Yes, you can adjust the 5100 with the stock springs to compensate for the bumper and create lift. However, this is not ideal and will increase the preload on the strut, and it won't ride as nicely, slightly harsher. You can pick up OME springs here for about $100 used.

 

So, to confirm, I should just set the 5100's to the lowest possible setting when installing?

 

Yes, set the 5100s at the lowest setting. Get taller springs if you want more height.