Susp. lifts

Hello and thank you for already making you website difficult. I was looking forward to maybe making some new freinds and learning some new things but I have already had to jump through so many hoops I am wondering if this is worth it. I just wanted to get some opinions on some different lift kit options for my 2002 4WD tacoma. I am thinking about taking it up 2 to 3 inches and wanted to get some opinions from others about possibly a Revtek, Fabtech, or possibly Pro Comp susp. lifts for my stock Tacoma. I am willing to spend the money on something quality so I would really value the honest opinions of others who have been there before. your input is appreciated. Thanx.

 

Hi, what do you plan on doing with your truck?

Old Man Emu offers new coils, shocks, and leaf springs that give a significantly better ride than stock (if you match it to your application) and usually gives 2-3 inches of lift.

You can also go with adjustable coilovers like King, IVD, Camburg, etc. and then swap in some Deaver or Alcan leaf springs along with new shocks in the rear. This is a more expensive option than the OME kit and is popular with many people.

I've used both systems on a 2002 Tacoma and the OME suspension was great. The drawback is that it is non-adjustable for height. I also used an IVD/Alcan setup. I personally liked the OME suspension better for my uses (low speed trail riding). Adjustable coilovers are nice to adjust for any leaning or extra weight added like bumper and/or winch.

Other options for the rear are an add-a-leaf or longer shackles, but the add-a-leaf will make the ride harsher unless you carry more weight in the bed.

Anything over 3" of suspension lift either requires cutting your crossmembers out and installing a drop bracket lift or removing the entire independent front suspension and installing a solid front axle. Drop brackets are generally for looks and tend to reduce clearance, although some people do offroad with them. A solid axle conversion is the most complicated and expensive route but gives you more suspension travel and the strength to run large tires that would kill IFS. This is usually for guys who use 35" tires or larger and run on difficult/extreme trails.

Ok, so now coil spacers. Those are found in the $200-$400 kits that you get from Revtech and Daystar and some other companies. Inside-the-coilover spacers (you disassemble the factory coilover and add a polymer or aluminum spacer to preload the coil spring which results in more lift) are supposed to wear out the stock springs quickly and give a harsh ride. Spacers that fit above the factory coilovers won't change the ride from stock but are supposed to potentially damage your ball joints by overextending them. I don't know, I've never used them. I think some kits might use a combination of both types. Again, like the drop bracket lifts, some people wheel with spacers without issue.

You can check out some options at Toytec or Wheeler's Offroad There are other sites as well, I have just used these in the past.