2020 TRD frame crossmember replacement

Hey everyone, I have a 2020 TRD dual cab with a Rough Country 4" lift on it. I was really wanting to upgrade my lift/suspension to something that could handle more weight and give me more confidence overlanding with a lot of weight(truck cap, tent, awning, fully loaded Decked system, etc.). I decided on some Bilstein's but when I spoke to someone at Shock Surplus I was informed that there were very few options to replacing my Rough Country lift due to the third cross member having been cut to allow the bracket from the lift kit to fit. My question is this: has anyone in this group tried to replace a drop bracket lift kit on a Gen 3 Tacoma? Also, if anyone has, what was done about the cross member? Was it cut out and a new one welded in to replace it? Any info anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Unless you have the original piece cut from your truck's frame, it'll be difficult to replace that (and have it look decent, anyway). But it can be done. You'll need to cut a member off a junkyard truck, and then carefully trim & grind it so that it fits into the space on yours for welding. Sounds fairly easy, but will be time-consuming (not ideal if you're paying hourly labor and also want it to look good).

Why not build it around the lift? The lift brackets do not prevent you putting good shocks & springs on it (there are loads of people here wishing they could have 4" lift, but don't want to deal with the crossmember... Here that was already done for you).
Fox has 2.5s that fit while also eliminating the shock spacer up top, Bilsteins that are set up for stock height will also fit (keeping the spacer), 2.5" or so lift rear leaf springs (Icon RXT for example) can be used together with a 1" or 1.5" block... They were incorrect to say you have "very few options"... (fewer, yes, but not few).
The rear shocks is about the only place you'll run into this few less options (not everyone has 4-6" lift reservoir shocks, for example). Often, shocks from another application can be made to fit if there's something specific you want.

Welcome to TW.

 

Thank you for the reply and the info, I appreciate it very much.

 

So, out of all the Fox 2.5's, which ones would work for this application?

 

Fox pt# 883-06-048 (2.5 DSC) or 883-02-048 (2.5 non-DSC) fits the front of yours with the lift (eliminating the shock spacer).
Fox pt# 985-24-196 is a

$977 2.0 IFP Fox 2.0 Performance Coil-Over Front Pair compatible with 2005-2016 Toyota Tacoma

2.0 IFP shock that will directly fit the rear.

Unfortunately a 2.5 rear shock that is long enough is one of those I mentioned that will likely have to come from another application.

The rear shocks need to be between 26-28" extended, with a 10mm upper stud, and a 32mm width lower eyelet bushing.
The Fox # 883-26-118 (for a 2nd-gen Tundra) comes in @ 26.83" extended, but I don't have details on the stud dia and eyelet width.

I'll tag @AccuTune Offroad here, I recall they were modifying Fox FRS Tundra shocks to fit the Tacoma, hopefully maybe they can do the same with the above PES shock since it's right the length you need.

Barring that, there's some info about fitting Tundra shocks in this thread (the lower mount needs to be modified (ground down) narrower):
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tundra-rear-shocks-on-a-3rd-gen.659817/#post-23069608

 

Thanks @4x4junkie we had a factory race series rear option for this lift height, but that shock was discontinued.

 

Look at the max weight sticker in the door jamb.

There is more to safe weight management than suspension.

Yea, folks overload them regularly. But Toyota came up with that number considering driveline and brakes as well.

Sometimes less is more. Maybe you are a seasoned overlander. If not, actual experience learning the equipment of value to your use is better than jumping full monty.