Improving the suspension with no lift

I'll admit, reading about this diff. bearing vibration, and how common it is, has turned me off a bit about lifting my new truck. Because if I'm honest with myself I don't need a lift, but I sure would like one. I'll call around to a couple mechanics in the area to see if they'd be willing to do the ECGS bushing install, but I'm guessing it will be a difficult sell. But even if they do it'll be another ~$500 down the rabbit hole....

Keeping my options open, do people here just upgrade the suspension, either with the 5100's or OME's, but leave the coils and leafs alone? Will I still see a noticeable improvement in ride quality?

Or should I just pull up my skirt and do the lift anyways?

 

Just upgrading to shocks like 5100s, you will notice the ride quality and the way it handles.

 

I think you're just reading all the problems people have had without realizing those are only the people that have had problems. its not very often someone starts a thread raving about how he hasn't had problems. but the second he's driving with his radio off and notices a small vibration he starts a thread about it.


when it comes down to it, do you want a plain boring stock truck like the way you bought it? or do you want something a little more customized? if you think you want a lift, you probably should get a lift.

its all easy to install anyway, theres no need for a mechanic. same thing goes for the ecgs front diff bushing.

 

I like the way my truck handles as from factory. 14 TRD Sport 4X4 A/Cab.
Lord Helmet, are you saying a significant, positive difference in handling by going to Billy 5100's? Without altering ride height?
If so, that is great info to have. Was not aware of more possibilities without lift.

 

you can get a much better quality ride than 5100s.

any of the mid travel coilers (King, Fox, Icon, etc) can be set up with a softer spring and crank it to no lift. theres just not no point in doing that.

 

I don't know, that's a pretty big and convincing thread, and there seem to be those, even Chase himself, that are convinced that, due to the design, it's not of matter of 'if', but 'when' the bearing goes. I would agree that there are those that get by just fine, but I know myself, and if I'm going to do this I want it done right the first time and prevent drama down the road.

No, I definitely want to beef up the truck a bit, but I'd like to think there's opportunity for that without having to lift. I want a 2-3" lift, but what started off as a $1000 mod turned into +$400 for UCA alignment issues and now +$500 for diff. bushings.... Still probably doable, but my desire is being tested.

You're far too generous with my mechanical ability and availability to tools, sir.


EDIT: Jesus your truck is insane. You're my hero.

 

This^^^^^

 

It all costs money, yes. But making it your truck makes it worth it.

There are "how to" threads for just about every mod on these trucks and they make it simple. If you still aren't ready to tackle a mod yourself I'm sure you can offer beer and pizza to a few local members in exchange for their help. I know I've installed or helped install close to a half dozen lifts for members on here. Beer is usually an excellent motivator.

Most people can get away with a 2.5" lift on stock uca's. My first lift was 5100s with the Oem coils and set to the highest notch. With 5100s and a wheelers add a leaf in the rear. It worked great and I didn't need uca's to get a good alignment.

If you want a full 3" of lift or if you're going to spend the money for a mid travel set up then I'd say f-it and buy the uca's anyway.

The front diff bushing is like $50 and a couple hours to swap out. Ive done a few of them too and it's really not hard, but worth waiting until you have vibrations to worry about it. I changed mine at 80k miles and found that it didn't even need to be replaced. Then at 90k I installed an arb front locker and that doesn't need the bushing anyway.

I'm no mechanic, and most of my experience is just from reading diy threads and messing around on my truck. You can learn a lot from here. Don't doubt yourself so much


And thanks.. The truck is a work in progress and I assume it always will be. Lol