Why is my Suspension routed like this? Should I relocate?

I’ve had this 1998 Tacoma for a year now and I’m just getting around to throwing some new struts on. The guy I bought it from had an uncle who built this thing but he put some things on that I’ve just been confused why. For example he relocated the rear struts to being on the same side of the axle. I assume he did this to potentially add longer travel. Anyone have any ideas, and do you think I lose travel due to this configuration? I’m planning on putting some 5100’s in the rear.

 

Look at the bright side, the C channel rear frame is boxed using TG parts it seemed. Stock 5100s might not be a direct replacement as it looks more compressed than factory.

 

You're right that folks will sometimes mount the shocks to a custom crossmember behind the axle in hopes of getting more travel. That change usually accompanies an aftermarket leaf pack, which it looks like you have. You also have frame reinforcements plates and upgraded bump stops installed, which are both nice.

That said, the execution of your truck's shock relocation looks questionable.

- Most people who do this work put the shocks as far away from each other as possible to give the shocks the best mechanical advantage over the axle (and therefore best stability). Yours are much closer together than they need to be.
- Most people put the custom crossmember and the upper shock mounts as high as possible to allow longer shocks. Your upper mounts are lower than they need to be, and the shocks look like they might be OE length.
- Most people have both the upper and lower mounts oriented so the pivots are in line with the axle. Your upper mounts are turned 90 degrees. I'm not sure how much of a problem this actually is, but it looks questionable.

If you have fabrication skills, or if someone with fabrication skills owes you a favor, consider relocating the mounts before buying new shocks.

Whether you relocate again or not, be careful to get the right length of shock. Aftermarket springs and relocated shocks can change the shock length needed, meaning you can't assume any shock labeled for a Tacoma will fit. If you get the wrong size you could either over-compress (bottom out) or over-extend (top out) the shocks, which can damage them.

Here are a few examples of relocated shocks others have posted recently.

@cynicalrider 's truck


@Speedytech7 's truck