2WD SR Lift

Ok, I know, I know, there are 100,000+ threads on this topic (well, maybe not that many specific to the 2WD), but with so many options/combinations, it's pretty dizzying to arrive at a decision on components, particularly since most lifting threads involve 4WD trucks. So, if you would be patient with me over a few specific questions regarding my 2WD Tacoma, I'd appreciate it.

1. As I understand it, the 5100 in the front can range from stock height to up to 2.5" of lift based on the setting. What is the maximum recommended lift using the stock coil with the 5100, and is there any reason, other than ride, to change the stock coil? The truck will never be off-road if that matters.

2. I assume 5100's in the rear would also be recommended. To match the desired height of the front, it seems an AAL is the most preferred method (over a block for example). How do you determine which AAL to go with to reach the desired lift in the rear? Or, do you start with the rear, and then use the adjustability of the 5100's up front to match the rear height?

I'm simply looking for a cost effective way to raise the truck no more than 2", but don't want to go cheap with strut spacers and blocks. I want to do it right without going overboard. If anyone has the above set-up on their 2WD, with settings and specific part numbers, that would be awesome. Based on reading through a ton of threads, this seems to be the best way to go about it, but if there's a better way, I'm all ears. I also don't want to lift the truck too high, and run into premature component wear (ball joints, UV joints, etc.). The suspension on these trucks, at least mine, seems to be already finnicky from the factory, with vibrations and steering wheel shake at certain speeds that seem to be "normal." I don't want to exacerbate those issues if I can avoid it.

Thanks!

 

I set my truck up with 5100's on all 4 corners, 1" lift in the front and an Icon progressive add a 3 leaf AAL in the rear (1.5" of lift). I kept the stock coils. I think you can use the stock coil for any lift ...as it gets compressed to lift the truck. The more you lift the more the spring is pushed down and the stiffer the ride (I think this is accurate) . The ride is soo much better than stock shocks at 1" of lift. It actually makes it feel like a truck (not too stiff though) compared to the stock squishy shocks. I'm not 100% sure the benchmark for needing to change the UCA's, but I'm sure you can find that here pretty easily on here. I went with 32'ish Falcons WP tires too... they are kind of Jekyll and Hyde. Some days they ride smooth as glass others the give me a slight wobble in the wheel. I think that has to do with a wider stance from my Spydertrax 1.5" spacers and the corduroy freeways in SoCal mostly though. They're pretty great in the dirt. Check out my Youtube - Traveling by Tacoma - if you want to see some of the DIY camping builds I did for my SR5. Truck sits slightly raked when empty and almost level (slightly higher in back) when I have my RTT, and all my camping gear in the back. Good luck.

 

Thanks...So, would 1.5" in the rear, and 2" in the front level the stance?

 

I think so. It would be really close anyway.. not sure which way it would lean though. Best way is to measure to the center of the fender on front and back from the center of the hub and add your projected lift heights. The math will get you within a 1/2 inch of reality after the lift. Lifts will sag over time as well.