03 Tacoma - Replacing Bad Body Lift

Bought off an old framer, been slowly upgrading. Just got parts for the suspension (Bilstein 5100 and ARB Old Man Emu Springs 2884) and upper control arms (JBA STD).

Previous lift was a body lift, 4.5 rough country I think. Want to do it right even if it costs a little more.

Should I also replace the knuckles? Anything else I should do with the suspension?

 

That’s not a BL, looks like a DB.

 

Is there a drop bracket lift? It will be a bracket that repositions the lower control arm mounting points quite a bit lower (4-6" is typical). Can't see if you have one based on the two photos you shared. If you've got a drop bracket, then you're options for changing the lift, and the list of compatible components is going to be quite small.

 

Paid an arm and a leg for a new lower ball joints and also CV axel, lost one side while off road.

Really have no idea about the drop bracket,

 

That’s a 4” drop bracket

 

Is this something I should replace as well? I imagine it will be taken out?

 

Can’t. I mean, can but expensive and time consuming

 

If you are going to use the 5100's and OME springs as your lift, yes.
Otherwise, you just wasted a lot on money.

 

I can't see the full crossmember setup.
But it looks like it might be a design where they didn't have to cut the crossmember?

 

FWIW, OP....
There is a LOT of work involved in removing that lift. The whole front differential has to be unbolted and set back up in place.

One of the reason I HATE DB lift.
Cheap option to get a lot of lift.
But it's a "cheap" design for all the work you still have to do.

I won't even look at a truck with a DB lift on it.
Seen too many of them installed incorrectly, throwing all sorts of stuff out of alignment.
Not to mention getting parts 5 years down the road.....

 

Makes sense, ya I bought it like that. So I am trying to figure out what the best thing to do it.

 

Reverse back to stock or solid axle for longevity

 

That's a trail master drop bracket lift. AKA trail disaster.

There's at least one thread on here where someone reverted back to stock. It requires sourcing and welding back in the crossmember that's been cut.

 

Thank you for your help!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/posts/13382765/
Found a thread talking about this same lift.
You’ll need to go up to Post #1