Tacoma Lift Questions

Hi all! I just picked up another Tacoma after a few month break (thought I would like a Ford more for some reason). I am looking at putting a lift on the truck myself (I think), and wanted to run through my plan so somebody could tell me if there is something I am missing and/or give me advice. Currently I am in between doing a 5100/6112 setup, and only looking for about 1.5" of lift, maybe 2" in the front. I am open to other options and recommendations. And yes, before someone asks, I have searched threads and read guides. I intend on doing the 6112's in the front, with a pair of 5100's in the rear. I was thinking of going with Icon AAL. Would it be an easier install to order a whole leaf pack? Is there anything else besides the leaf pack and shocks I need to do the rear? And then on the front, I understand I will likely need UCA's. Should I just go with the standard SPC, or is there something more affordable out there that I can get? Also read something about ECGS needle bearing replacement. Is this a must, and is it easily doable in a driveway? And last question - having a DCLB isn't going to change my parts requirement, correct? Thanks in advance all!

 

You are fine , have fun.

 

6112’s /5160 for me. SPC’s, ecg done. 255/85/16. You are on the right track. I’m running icon rxt leaf pack option 2 for the weight I run. Keep us posted when you get lift. Good luck and have fun

 

Thank you!!! What size are those tires? They look great. I am in between doing the whole leaf pack or just the progressive AAL. Leaning towards leaf pack longevity wise. Leafs are new to me (previous Jeep owner, never did anything to my last Tacoma).

 

Thank you appreciate it!! Tires 255/85/16. IMO I would do a leaf pack right away. I started with aal and moved up of course after aal started sag with weight

 

Since you are turning you own wrenches you can hold off on replacing the needle bearing. Also upper control arms are not necessary. That is my experience. I am running the 6112's/5160's. My truck has about 50,000 miles after increasing the height 2 - 2 1/2" in front and 1 1/2" rear. I ran 5100s on 887 springs for 30,000 before going to the 6112's. For anything except high speed runs on bumpy road/trails the 5100's in the rear will be the same as the 5160's. High speed for me is above 25 mph or so when off roading LOL. So that is my experience. Plenty of You Tube videos on the install. Some are really good and even tell Ya what size wrenches etc you'll be needing. Getter Done.

 

Very content with my 5100 and stock coils

 

I'm in same boat as OP. Bilsteins and doing the progressive aal on new. If you look around, the stock new leafs are un sellable. So, I decided to flop em out a bit for cheap and in who knows 20-50k mi get a full new leaf pack.

Can someone simply explain the ECGS Needle Bearing and Clamshell Bushing.

I'm guessing the bearing gets more stress from harsher angles of lift or bigger tire or something. But is this replaced with stock or is it a beefed up bearing, part#?
Same with Bushing, thanks.

 

Thanks! I’m thinking the same thing on lead packs. I read you can fit those on the stock suspension… probably not the best idea though.

 

The OEM needle bearing gets replaced by ECGS's clamshell bushing, which is a solid bushing. You're correct in the harsher angles from the lift being the culprit, as the driver side needle bearing isn't supported very well, so lifting puts additional stress on it and causes it to be the weak point, causing vibrations. Passenger side doesn't seem to have that issue as it's better supported.

Here's a link to the ECGS bushing and tools for removal/install. You can save some money on the tools by asking around to either borrow or buy one from another member since it's typically a one and done use for people. I think there is a thread about it if you search. Likewise, searching for ECGS install or similar will walk you through it. My only advice after having done one before is to put the bushing in the freezer for a day and take it out right as you're going to install it, the cold will shrink the bushing very slightly and make install easier since the tolerances are so tight.

https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/c-1207180-toyota-clamshell-bushings-2016-newer-tacoma.html

 

Wow! Perfect, thanks Granny!
That was exactly what I was looking for. I do truly appreciate your response!

 

Do the ECGS bushing as a preventive measure while everything is apart. Its cheap and fairly easy and I had mine installed when the 5100 went on. The stock coils with 5100s ride great on all perches. Have 2 Tacomas on different setting, all same specs and no difference in the ride.