VERY mild lift for 2011 DCSB

I'm changing wheels and tires; going from a 16x7.5/+30 to a 17x8.5/+6. I presently have 265/75-16 tires that don't rub, just barely, and would like to keep that rolling diameter, which I can do by using a 265/70-17 tire on the new wheels. However, the decrease in offset puts the outside of the tire/wheel about one inch further out, and I suspect the corners of the tire will rub at about halfway to steering lock up front. No issues in back.

If I raise the truck no more than 1 to 1-1/2 inches, the fronts won't rub when turning. I do not want to lift it any more than necessary. This is a stock 2011 SR5 DCSB 4x4. It sits about one inch higher in back than it does in front, and I like the stance; the rear springs have two full length leaves and one shorter, heavier leaf (see picture). Front is normal stock coilover, rear shock is stock.

What would be the simplest (and hopefully cheapest) way to buy an inch or inch and a half both front and rear, so I can use the 265/70-17 tire/wheel combo? It's so close to not rubbing, I'm tempted to install it and see if I can get away with it as-is. I don't do any serious off-roading, just an occasional mountain dirt road. I do tow trailers, the heaviest being an 18 foot flatbed with a tractor and equipment, weighs no more than 5000 lb and usually about 4000. This is why I want the slightly higher rear stance. I read the FAQ sticky, at least the 1st post that shows all the lifting options. I'm guessing spring spacers front and rear would be the way to go for both price and the spacing I want.

My other option is to drop to a 265/65-17 tire. These will be the same rolling diameter as the original equipment 245/75-16 tires, and that's okay I suppose, but I'd like to keep the slightly taller tires.

I figure the leaf spacer block is fairly straightforward, unbolt springs from axle, insert spacer and replace springs, but how involved is putting the spacer in the coilover up front? Does it go above the spring retainer? (Meaning, unbolt the coilover from up top, without removing spring from shock, insert spacer between coilover and its top mount, then replace coilover?

I've completely replaced a coilover suspension on a sports car before (performance Miata), so I'm no stranger to nuts, bolts, wrenches and jack stands, and have a good selection of tools. I just want this to be as painless as possible. I'm 66, and crawling around under cars and trucks isn't as easy as it used to be.

Thanks for all advice and suggestions.

 

Honestly, I think if you were to find 3rd Gen coilovers and the TSB leaf springs, you’ll be pleased.

The 3rd Gen coilovers yield a 1” lift up front on our 2nd Gens. You’re keeping that soft, stock ride and the proper geometry. The “TSB leaf springs” consist of 3 leafs plus 1 overload. You’ll be getting another leaf more than what you currently have. I honestly can’t tell you if or how much lift it’ll provide, but again you’re keeping the stock ride.

You can keep an eye on the 2nd and 3rd Gen marketplace for these take-offs for cheap as a lot of the members here upgrade their suspension. I’d even look for the regional section and see if you can find local members getting rid of theirs. Good luck!

 

what if you already put 4600's on your 2nd gen
can the 4600's be removed, and swapped into a 3rd gen coilover takeoff, and then installed?
Because 4600 rides better than stock
it's just not any taller

the 5100 probably rides the same
but is talled because it has snap ring grooves on the shock body (6 of them) offering adjustment of where the spring sits, to change height
and the shock is valved where it can handle a higher ride height
whereas stock 4600 is designed for stock height

maybe I should check if aftermarket 4600's are listed as the same part number between 2nd gen and 3rd gen
and what part exactly is different giving 3rd gen the higher height, such as perch, etc.

 

I agree with above, start by looking for a 2016+ take off, preferably the yellow offroad.

Top hat strut spacers work, but most are 2-3" and will be too big and won't ride the way you want.

Did you have the leaf spring recall completed? It looks like the old pre-TSB spring still.

 

I think it’d be possible if the coils are seated the same way, flattened or rounded, for starters. If you’re also able compare the length and rate that oughta give you a better idea on the compatibility.

I forgot what it was that made the 3rd Gen coilovers increase the height on 2nd Gens. I thought I read it was the heavier weight of the 3rd Gen

 

Find some 3rd gen TRD Off Road take-off suspension bits. Preferably assembled, that way you can just bolt them on with no worries of messing with the springs. The spring rate on the 3rd gens is increased so you gain about 3/4"-1" front lift. Giving you a little bit of rake still but pretty close to level depending on your rear leaf springs (TSB or non-TSB). If you're lucky enough you may find fronts assembled and 3rd gen rear leaf springs, then your whole suspension is pretty much refreshed. Usually you can find take-offs from someone adding a lift assembled front and rear shocks for around $200-$250 with very few miles on them. If you were closer I would sell you my 3rd gen setup as I just changed my setup.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/review-3rd-gen-suspension-on-2nd-gen.542843/

You shouldn't have any issues clearing those tires though. I ran that size stock without rubbing, except a very minor amount on the front mud flaps....which ended up correcting itself after a while.

 

The 4600's will work with either spring. The 3rd gen TRD Off-road spring is roughly a 700lb spring where-as the 2nd is around 550lb-600lb from my research. But don't confuse the spring rate with a harsh ride. The ride is based on how the shock is valved, the spring only supports the weight. The 5100 is valved like the 4600 (digressive) and will be smoother the faster the piston moves, ie if you go over a railroad crossing fast it will be smoother than if you slowed way down. The TRD Sport is progressively valved so that it gets stiffer the faster the piston moves, so the opposite of the digressive.

The advantage of the 5100 is the height adjustment for the lower spring perch on the front shocks. Plus better cooling as it is an aluminum body and a slightly larger piston/body which makes it more efficient. The ride isn't drastic between the 5100 and 4600, just depends on what you want and how much you want to spend.

Comparing the 4600 to "stock" as far as ride kind of depends on what you are coming from. If you have a TRD Off-Road then you won't notice much of a difference unless your current shocks are blown. If you have a TRD Sport or SR5 you'll notice it will be a smoother ride. Also something to note, the TRD Sport has a thicker front sway bar that will make one truck ride slightly different from another.

 

On my 2014 the 3 leafs plus overload are garbage. I wouldn't pay to get them.

 

It’ll be better than what he already has and could take advantage of the TSB recall if he got the notice. Otherwise, take-offs are cheap.

 

I'd just go el111r. Bit more money but would be worth the time saved.

 

Also depends on personal needs and uses

 

If you do the install yourself and have time it might be worth it.

 

I already have been running Icon RXT Option 1 for about 1.5 years. I was mostly shining light for the OP since he wanted mild lift if anything

 

What's the deal with the TSB and the rear springs? What year models did that affect? I bought my truck used 2-1/2 years ago, had 42K (I have 95K now). The rear of my truck is slightly higher than the front, which I like, and I tow quite often and never have any issue with the truck squatting with a hefty tongue weight (200-250 lbs or so). I've read some about the recall, but what I read said the bad springs lose their tension and the ass of the truck begins to sag, and trailer loads really drop the back end.

I don't off-road beyond some occasional mountain fire roads and rough dirt roads, and pulling a flatbed trailer with a tractor out into a field. I do mess around in snow, but not really deep stuff. This truck is my daily driver and semi-work truck. I put my new wheel/tire combo on on Friday, so we'll see if I even need to do anything to give me some front tire clearance. It'll be close, but I'm hoping just ditching the front mud flaps and a slight liner trim will do it.

 

You would have gotten a recall notice in the mail regarding the leaf springs but it sounds like you’re not having issues with them. Mine were actually fine as well but I only towed once. From what I’ve read, it’s the 2nd Gen owners that received the notice, not sure if it’s been “remedied” for all 3rd Gens. I received mine but already have an aftermarket leaf pack.

I’d say leave them as is since they’ve been serving you well. Your upsize in tires will give you a touch more ground clearance anyways. You’ll only need to do something about the leafs if you decide you do want more lift while maintaining rake

 

3rd gen suspension is your best option. It's cheap and gets you the 1inch lift your looking for. I too had the old 2+1 leaf pack and when I swapped it out for a 3rd gen it gave me 0.5in lift. Overall I added a 1/4 headstrong spacers in the front to give me a total of 1.5in lift and rear I added a 1/2 toytec flat shims to give me a total of 1in. Rides and looks great. Unfortunately I've been bitten by the tacomaworld bug and want to go higher now but I'm happy to leave the truck the way it sits til I get a good deal on some coilovers. I was lucky enough to get everything cheap and used except for the toytec flat shim but those don't cost too much. I did all the work and spent no more than $250 for everything.

 

Did you happen to measure the center of wheel to bottom of fender post 3rd gen install? I measured my stock susp. TRD sport DCSB 2014 at 20.5 LF and 20.75 RF. Others have posted post 3rd gen suspension install at 21" from center of wheel to bottom of fender. If that's the case I would I only stand to gain 1/4 to 1/2" inch or so with a 3rd gen shock/spring swap. I also have a 1/4" spacer and 1/2" block I was thinking about putting in as well so if you have that measurement too, that would be great! Thanks.