First Gen Suspension

I am wondering if someone could explain the absolute basics of suspensions to me, I am new to suspensions.


I have a 2002 4x4 Double Cab with 290,000 miles. I am pretty sure it has an aftermarket lift from when I bought it a few years ago because it looks taller than other 4x4 first gens.


I just want to know where to start to upgrade my truck’s suspension. My main question is what does a suspension consist of? I don’t know how to inspect my current suspension, or how to know what to replace/upgrade. All I know is that it’s pretty stiff and I just want to make sure I’m not ruining my truck by not properly inspecting/maintaining its suspension.


Some background:

I use my truck for some light off-roading in Southern California, and also full time for work (no heavy loads). My work kind of consists of off-roading too (road and bridge construction so plenty of hills, bumps, dips, rocks, sand, etc).

 

Post some pics of your front & rear shocks, top to bottom, so we can see what you got.

 

Yes here are some photos. I cleaned most of them so you could see some detail. Sorry it took me a while to respond, works been... well work.

 

Looks like you have one of these kits:
https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/c307/OME_Lift_Kits_(1995-2004_Tacoma).html

Figure out your current ride height/lift by measuring vertically from center of wheel hub to fender at all four wheels, on level ground. Write these numbers down somewhere, and report back. I'm not sure what stock numbers are for 1st Gen, but someone else here will chime in.
Once you decide what lift you want (same, higher, or lower) and ride quality (same, stiffer, or softer) you can find a lift package tailored to your use of the truck. Depending on your budget, you have many options. Great job on the pics, btw.

 

It's been a while.

Here is what I have on all four wheels:
Driver F: 22.25"
Passenger F: 23.25"

Driver R: 22.5"
Passenger R: 23.5"

The truck is an inch lower on the drivers side. I would like to level the truck at a height of around 23-23.5". The ride is not bad but I might consider a slightly softer ride.

I recently got an alignment done and I was told it could not get aligned perfectly straight due to the lean. They recommended I get a new front suspension.

I would like to hear anyone's thoughts on whether I may need something adjustable in the front to fix the lean? And if the rear should be changed too?

 

OME Dakar rear leafs with Fox 2.0 shocks, Fox 2.0 coilovers: Loaded down for Beach Sand!



No load:

 

how do you like that setup? are the fox rears bolt in or do you need to do a relocation? trying to help a friend of mine upgrade. he currently has 5100’s front and rear at stock height and is looking to do a lift with new shocks all around and new leaf pack as well.