Rear lift idea for my 98

I am looking at the Allpro expedition leaf pack. 3" of lift. I already have Toytec coilovers on the front. Bilsteins/Eibach 600 springs. Fronts pretty much all been rebuilt. When I purchased the Tacoma 8 or so years ago it already had a lift on it. I am not sure what I have on the back but it's pretty beat up now and kind of rides like crap. I do have a topper and will be carrying some weight on the back. I have a hitch receiver motorcycle mount and have boxed in the rear of the frame to strengthen that up. When looking at reviews for this lift kit I do not see much. There is a little bit on here. Anybody have personal experience with using this kit? I know it will be stiff and handling will improve over my old stuff. The price is right around $900 for the whole kit. OME has a kit but they are backordered for quite some time. I looked into Alcan and I think they are top of the line. It's about $1000 for the springs alone with a lead time that reflects the quality I assume.

 

When looking at the rear, there are several options. From a leaf springs perspective, here's what I'd recommend in different scenarios (and price points):

Replacing Leaf Springs on a Tacoma

For shocks, you sort of have two main options - you can go with a "stock" shock replacement where you get longer shocks on the OEM mounts, or you can do a shock relocation (more work, but can give a better ride/handling/etc). Of course, cost on that is a lot higher than putting some 5100's, which are a great option for a lot of uses.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the OME Nitrocharger _shocks_. To me, they have a pretty harsh ride compared to other (5100 or high end smooth body) options.

How-To: Toyota Tacoma Rear Shock Relocation – Determining Leaf Spring Cycle and Mount Positioning

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Do you have a leaf spring shop near you? I had mine reached for lift and slightly extra carrying capacity. It was done same day, I just dropped the truck off and they handled everything. I believe it was 700 cash out the door.

My springs had 300k on them probably half of that with lift blocks. Before the springs were reverse arched and looking terrible.

Now they ride great, I put 5100s with relocated shock mounts. Loaded it does fine, i can haul a weeks worth of camping gear and a dirtbike on the hitch. Way down on power but it carries the weight fine.

 

Just passing trough, I haven't lifted a 1st gen in ages, but asking a few questions.

3" lift in the rear is a lot, the front doesn't seem to be that high, wouldn't a standard HD leaf pack make more sense? I'd consider air bags to supplement them when the motorcycle is onboard. This would keep things more simple.

OME is not my first choice anymore, the quality has diminished in recent years and they don't seem to last or take abuse anymore. Bilstein extended 5100's are minimum in this scenario now. Even non-alcan toytecs aren't great anymore, seeing more odd failures with them.

 

Those shock look to be too short for those leaf springs and shock mount re-location?

 

Thank you! I will do some reading and check this out!

 

I don’t think we do but I could ask around. That’s a good price so I hope there is.

 

I have Toytec coilovers on the front at 2” right now. They can go up to 3. When speaking with vendors via phone they all said 3” would be good (slight take) but when I am loaded up it will settle down some. I carry about 500 lbs. in the hitch and the topper is probably 200lbs I’d say. Plus gear in the back. Even with all that gear the pickup doesn’t suffer that bad. It’s my sad leaf springs that do.

 

Just because the fronts can achieve up to 3" doesn't mean you should try it. Keep it at 2" or maybe even just a hair less; doing so means less preload up front for better ride quality, while also maintaining some down travel.

Onto leaf packs, I'd only suggest a custom leaf pack from Alcan or Deaver.

 

They are 10" shocks, so I've got a couple more inches of travel on them than stock. They do look a bit wonky in that photo, but that's largely because the truck is completely unloaded in the pic (which you can't see). Loaded up, I'm right in the middle of the shaft, which is one of the really nice things about ordering a leaf pack from Alcan - you give them details on what your truck weighs, and how much lift you want with that weight, and they will send you a pack that does exactly what you're looking for, and lasts many years.

Here's the truck under normal operating conditions.

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Shout if you have questions, always happy to help out!

 

Oh I know. Had the pickup for quite a few years. I have manual locking hubs so the CV axles don't spin when not engaged (less wear on the CV boots). I have the lift up front set at 2" and the Bilsteins at normal height. This gives me a great ride. I'd want the back up a little higher to account for loading and level out when I am loaded up.

I have looked at both of those and leaning towards Alcan if I go that route. Thank you for your input!

 

Get longer shocks in the rear to dampen it trust me that much lift will stretch out the original shocks in the rear and it will ride like crap

 

WELL FUCK, doesn't that sound familiar

 

bruh, I'm a pro at this

 

I DON'T NEED YOUR HELP, I'M REPORTING YOU

 

I didn't say anything political