2009 Tacoma, new member to TW

Hey Tacoma World. Just introducing myself. I've read through the forums a number of times but never created an account. Currently I have 2nd Gen 09' Base 4wd, crew cab w/6ft bed. Absolutely love this vehicle and its been nothing but the best for me. Its my go-to for home depot runs and my "Elk Hunting Truck". I'm currently working on my first mod, adding a 2" lift using KYB SR4464/SR4463 that comes with a spacer. I'm a complete knuckle dragging newb so this has been about as enjoyable as colonoscopy!! Trying to get this shock to even lightly compress is throwing me off as well as the fitment, tools are everywhere, dogs are scared, kids are crying, wife is mad... you know the drill! Anyways, looking forward to getting through this and future mods to the truck, as well as learning more here on TW.

Ed
Idaho

 

Current state of affairs

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Howdy, I’m curious to hear how this worked out for you in the end.

I just bought this same set and they didn’t fit with the spacers on. I was expecting a near-OE fit, but they pushed the control arms so far down that the UCA rubbed the coil spring. I ended up removing the spacers and then it worked out great. Still lifted it enough to lose caster spec, so I guess I’ll upgrade UCAs and throw the spacers back in after the springs settle.

The perplexing part was when I was thinking about how to proceed, and I laid it out with the old one, a discontinued Moog (junk) with a 1-1/4” spacer vs the KYB with 1” spacer that I had to crack the control arm bushings loose for full droop to squeeze it in place.
The moog was longer at rest! Wtf!

Anyway, here is my truck that’s lifted by nothing more than a KYB shock absorber in the front, and in the rear I have General Springs HD leafs, bilstein 5100 shocks and it’s sitting at the height and rake that I had intended over my previous setup which was a tad bit too much rake.

P.S. ignore the un-seated coil spring, I had to put it in the compressor after that to get the top hat properly aligned with the bottom.

 

Hey thanks for reaching out!
I ended up at the same conclusion you did, pulled the spacers and just went with the full strut w/out. On my initial measurements, it lifted my front about 2.5"..... with the spacer in (you probably experienced the same thing) it lifted my front over 4", along with the UCA hitting the coil. To your point on the droop from the Moog vs the kyb, I experienced the same thing with my other kyb that I pulled off. The only conclusion I can come up with is that this is an EXTREMELY STIFF coil and strut! I called back to KYB multiple times and each time I didn't get anywhere with them. My guess is this particular strut assembly has a very specific setup and your average stock taco is not it. for the rear I added airbags rather than upgraded leafs. Quite often I have extra weight in the truck and this made it so the truck is always level regardless of what I'm hauling/towing. I finished my project in mid May, and I'm noticing now the coil is starting to break in. There isn't enough in there to add the spacer back in but I may even add a smaller or different spacer when the time comes. Let me know what you decide to do when you upgrade your UCA's! I'll be doing the same when the time comes to keep my alignment.

Hope you enjoy the new ride and good luck with future mods!

Ed