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Simple lift

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by 55rag, Aug 15, 2013.

  1. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:22 PM
    #1
    55rag

    55rag [OP] Active Member

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    Hello,
    I know there is a ton of info on different options for lifts and that is part of my problem. I have read numerous threads on it but want to make sure I understand. I have a 2013 AC TRD-OR and just want to lift it an inch or maybe two at the most and level it. Can I accomplish this with just a set of Bilstein 5100's and nothing else? I do not want anything that will potentially cause issues like vibrations or wandering. I appreciate the confirmation.

    Thank you,
    Jason
     
  2. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:29 PM
    #2
    LowerBost

    LowerBost Well-Known Member

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    Old Man Emu Lift w/ Dakars and Billsteins, K&N Intake, Throttle Body Space, Front Bull Bar, Side Rails, Painted Stock Rims, Bilstein 5100 Front Shocks, Third Brake Light Cover, Satoshi Grill Mod, BHLM Mod
    I am no expert, but I sit here and read this website at work all day lol I just purchased a set of adjustable 5100's for my front as well to level it out. Set them at 1.75" and going to do them myself this weekend. For all I've read, that will be all you need. With the exception of the correct tools and some common sense to install.
     
  3. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:29 PM
    #3
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    Doesn't get much cheaper or easier than this:
    http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/index.php/lrt-2005-2013-3-leveling-lift-kit-for-toyota-tacoma.html
    The diff drop part you can throw away, doesn't really do anything for a Gen 2.

    Long term: The Billies are a much better solution. The front shock is much more robust. Combine that with an AAL in the rear and you are doing your truck well. The truck will be able to haul a little more and will handle better.
     
  4. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:32 PM
    #4
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    For the most part very true. You'll have to pull the front struts and have a shop compress them and swap the coils into the Billies. Then bring them home and stick them in the truck. It's all straightforward and there are some very good writeups in TW.
     
  5. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:33 PM
    #5
    BORNWILDGUY

    BORNWILDGUY Well-Known Member

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    2020 TACOMA TRD SPORT DCLB LIFTED W KDMAX-PRO XT TUNE
    FULLY LOADED WITH THE TECH PACKAGE, LEATHER, JBL SYSTEM W UPGRADED JBL SPEAKERS IN AL DOORS AND SUB, LED HEADLIGHTS, MOONROOF, EXTANG FULL TILT COVER, NFAB SIDE STEPS, OEM ROOF RACK, TRD PRO TAILS, COLOR MATCHED TRD PRO GRILL WITH WHITE RAPTOR LIGHTS, 15% TINT ALL THE WAY AROUND, TINTED WINDSHIELD 50%, BILSTEIN 6112'S W 650# SPRINGS AND 1/4 SPACER, ICON LEAF SPRINGS W 5125 REAR SHOCKS, WELD LEDGE 6 WHEELS 18 X 9 -12 W 275/65R18 TOYO AT III LOAD C TIRES
    ^ this
     
  6. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:39 PM
    #6
    55rag

    55rag [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks for the replies. So I see you can get a 2" or 1.5" AAL. How do you know which size to get?

    I have a well stocked tool box and have a spring compressor. I should be able to do it myself but I've never worked on a truck or leaf springs so that will be a learning experience I guess.

    Jason
     
  7. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:43 PM
    #7
    BORNWILDGUY

    BORNWILDGUY Well-Known Member

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    2020 TACOMA TRD SPORT DCLB LIFTED W KDMAX-PRO XT TUNE
    FULLY LOADED WITH THE TECH PACKAGE, LEATHER, JBL SYSTEM W UPGRADED JBL SPEAKERS IN AL DOORS AND SUB, LED HEADLIGHTS, MOONROOF, EXTANG FULL TILT COVER, NFAB SIDE STEPS, OEM ROOF RACK, TRD PRO TAILS, COLOR MATCHED TRD PRO GRILL WITH WHITE RAPTOR LIGHTS, 15% TINT ALL THE WAY AROUND, TINTED WINDSHIELD 50%, BILSTEIN 6112'S W 650# SPRINGS AND 1/4 SPACER, ICON LEAF SPRINGS W 5125 REAR SHOCKS, WELD LEDGE 6 WHEELS 18 X 9 -12 W 275/65R18 TOYO AT III LOAD C TIRES
    1.75 in front will just level your truck and so you won't need an add a leaf unless you still want the rake. In that case wouldn't go more than 1.50. Better off going with the 3 leaf from icon or wheelers
     
    Last edited: Aug 15, 2013
  8. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:44 PM
    #8
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    I can't help with sizing the AAL. I just replace whole leaf packs :) I'd recommend you make a call to Downsouth motorsports (DSM) or Wheelers Offroad. Their tech guys can get you set up with what you are looking to accomplish. Their representatives are floating around here on TW as well and are very helpful. Check the "Official Vendors" link under "Buy/Sell/Trade" above.

    If you've got a strong spring compressor you'll be all set! It's all super simple for someone whose had some wrenching experience, which is you.
     
  9. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:45 PM
    #9
    55rag

    55rag [OP] Active Member

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    Ah, thank you
     
  10. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:47 PM
    #10
    YotaDan

    YotaDan Dan

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    For the AAL I would recommend the 3 leaf design. Rides much smoother, and still provides the needed 1.5" of lift.
     
  11. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:49 PM
    #11
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    If your going with a full 3" up front then you want the 2" AAL but if its under 3" then go with the 1.5" AAL. I have 3" lift up front with a 2" AAL and it levels out perfect...no rake.
     
  12. Aug 15, 2013 at 12:50 PM
    #12
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    See!?!?! I told you, they float around like little 4x4 angels and help answer questions :)
     
  13. Aug 15, 2013 at 1:04 PM
    #13
    55rag

    55rag [OP] Active Member

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    Thanks guys.

    This is a great site with such knowledgeable people. I think I will pick this up very soon and run with my stock tires until I wear them out.
     
  14. Aug 15, 2013 at 1:43 PM
    #14
    DeeKay21

    DeeKay21 Lieutenant Dan.

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    Yeah lots of good info here but your going to empty out your wallet with mods haha.
     
  15. Aug 15, 2013 at 2:31 PM
    #15
    55rag

    55rag [OP] Active Member

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    My wallet is always empty. This truck is just the newest addition to the fleet, haha. The truck will just get a few mild changes but I'm not going to go too crazy. I'll just be using it for mild offroading, camping and light towing.
     
  16. Aug 16, 2013 at 4:52 AM
    #16
    LowerBost

    LowerBost Well-Known Member

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    Old Man Emu Lift w/ Dakars and Billsteins, K&N Intake, Throttle Body Space, Front Bull Bar, Side Rails, Painted Stock Rims, Bilstein 5100 Front Shocks, Third Brake Light Cover, Satoshi Grill Mod, BHLM Mod

    ..........Mark my words.....THIS WILL CHANGE....hahaha Good luck on the lift! Always post pics of the finished products too!
     
  17. Aug 16, 2013 at 5:59 AM
    #17
    YOTA LOVER

    YOTA LOVER Stay Calm, and Fire For Effect

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    In six months he'll be selling off his other toys and starting a build thread :rofl:
     

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