2001 Regular Cab 2.7 Lift

Looooooong time no post!

My truck recently crossed over the 215K mile mark, and given that it has never been the recipient of new suspension, and that the leaf springs were expressing a very pronounced frowny-face, I thought it time to refresh a few components. And, since I always toyed with the idea of a lift, I figured this would be an opportune time to do so.

2001 Regular cab, 4x4, 2.7, MT, 215K.

5100 Bilsteins all around
881 OME coils up front (driver's side spacer for lean)
SPC UCAs
OME Dakars - Full leaf pack in the rear
OME greasable shackles
BAMF BPV bracket
Extended rear brake line
Diff drop kit
Wheeler's Superbumps

Immediately after the lift, I measured about 2.5-2.75" of lift in the front, and 3" in the rear. After an alignment and 150+ miles, it has settled to about 2.25" in the font and 2.75" in the rear.

Before lift (I apologize, I totally spaced taking a before pic out in the wild. Hopefully, this can provide a little idea of where it sat.


After lift

Alignment Post-Lift:


I did not prepare myself well before the alignment. After reading a few threads, I believe my alignment could be more ideal, specifically, a little more caster, and less camber. Anyone, please feel free to chime in on your thoughts/opinion.

I consider myself an average(ish) DIYer, and after reading a myriad of posts regarding installation, decided to tackle it myself. I enjoy learning, and I also enjoy saving money while doing so =). Overall, it was fairly straightforward, but it still took me the better part of 3 days, working approximately 3-5 hours per day. A ton of time within those 3 days included staring, pondering, and web searching

Tools and equipment used:

-Full set of ratcheting wrenches from 10mm-22mm
-3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets, wrenches, and extensions from 10mm-22mm. A 1 1/4" socket was required for the top nut of the SPC UCAs
-3/8 and 1/2 drive breaker bars (Used a long breaker bar for a few areas)
-3/8 and 1/2 drive torque wrenches
-Large adjustable wrench
-10mm Flare wrench for the brake lines
-Hex wrench set
-Full set of various pliers (including pliers for removing and installing ring clips)
-16oz Rubber mallet
-3lb hammer
-Balljoint press kit (rented for free from Auto Parts Plus)
-Jack with 3 stands (used two for the frame, and one for the rear axle when installing the leaf packs. Jack and stands need to lift high enough for lift install. I believe my jack extended from 5-21", and my stands maxed out around 20")
-Angle grinder (to remove seized leaf bolt)
-Ratchet strap (to align new leaf pack onto axle perch)
-C-Clamp (to compress new leaf packs for easier alignment with shackles)
-Pry bar
-Finishing nail punch (used for various instances that required a small item for prying, poking, or manuevering small things in small spaces, my surprise MVP in a few situations)
-New bolts for front eyelet of rear leaf packs (had to cut out with angle grinder, Part: 90105-14025)
-I ordered my shocks preassembled, if you do not, then a spring compressor will be required
-Molyb based grease for OME shackle install
-Brake fluid to bleed brakes after installing the extended rear line
-Penetrating oil for rusted/seized bolts

Post-lift and post-alignment, I absolutely love it, the ride feels so much better. While noticeably more stiff, I appreciate the planted feel in turns, as opposed to the "motion of the ocean" feel I had before. Perhaps the only downside regarding ride quality would be driving the more gnarly streets in Seattle that have pretty serious potholes.

Huge shoutout and thanks to contributors of this forum, Tacomaworld was an incredible resource that helped me tremendously throughout the installation process:

Great Install Thread:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-suspension-install.55486/

Jack/Stand Points:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-jack-point.615845/

OME Coil Selection:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-4-cyl-single-cab-ome-880-vs-881.684469/

Torque Specs:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/torque-specs-for-1st-gen.680004/

Ball Joint Replacement:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/how-to-replace-upper-ball-joint.434497/

Leaf Spring Install/Troubleshooting:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/help-ome-dakar-leaf-springs-not-lining-up.669070/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/installing-dakar-rear-leafs-wont-fit-help.168290/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leaf-spring-bolt-siezed.633412/

Extended Brake Line and Bleed:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/brake-bleed-sequence.736065/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/extended-rear-brake-line-install.593618/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/assistance-with-rear-brake-line-resolved.624375/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/first-time-brake-flush.511034/

OME Rear Shackle/Bushing Grease:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads... supposed to grease,rotate in the leaf spring.

Alignment:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lift-alignment-specs.26692/page-3
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-lift-alignment.725521/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-alignment-after-lift.656869/page-2
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1st-gen-alignment.104148/

 

Nice work. Looks great.

 

Very nice looking rig, question for you I am in the same dilemma you were trying to figure out if I want 880’s or 881’s. I see you originally went with 880’s did they not give you enough lift?

I installed HD aftermarket leafs in the rear and now sit 2.75” higher in the rear so needing some front love.