885 or 884s for my DCLB

So I'm in the process of upgrading stock suspension. I bought 5100s front and back, got the 5100s installed on the rear already.
I'll probably add a 3 leaf progressive AAL to the back when I lift the front
5100s waiting to be added with either 884 or 885 OME
LR SPC maybe

I've read many threads on this topic for a while and still find myself wondering which way to go, 884s or 885s, prefer to only do 1 alignment.

Biggest thing I wonder about is UCA.
If I can get away without needing new UCA and be able to drive straight at high speeds with 884s, have no problems, I'd probably just do that to save money.
Seems like trying 885s with stock UCA isn't worth trying.

I read about peoples caster numbers not being above 2 and they say it still drives fine and whatnot. I dont know where it's worth trying to get away with sub optimal numbers. I don't offroad much, it is my daily driver and having good drive ability is preferred

So I know its come up a lot on here, but should I try getting away with 884 coils with stock UCA or just go 885 with some LR SPC or something.

 

Do 885 coils if you're open to doing UCAs. You will probably want them, but won't "need" them. Otherwise, go with 884 coils.

My 885 coils gave me the exact same lift as stock springs on 5100s set at the 1.75" setting. On my V6 4x4 Access Cab, that was 2.5 inches of lift.

 

I also have a '07 DCLB. It really depends on how much lift you want. I went with the 884s, 5100s, and I also have the 3 leaf progressive AAL. At first I did not upgrade the springs and ran the 5100s at the 1.75" setting. The ride was terrible. So I ended up getting the 884s and setting the 5100s to 0". Rides pretty much level and much smoother. If you'd like a pic of what this looks like on a DCLB I can take one tomorrow. Pic in my profile is stock.

 

Do you know what your alignment numbers were? How does it drive at high speeds and whatnot?

Seems like 884s with stock UCA is worth trying, it should work out. I don't think I'd wanna try 885s with stock UCA though

 

Need pic please

 

Here are the numbers from an alignment. Just got this done, actually, because I replaced tie rod ends. 884s in front with 5100s set at 0". It drives great.

Sorry just saw this and it's dark outside now. I'll try to remember to take one tomorrow.

 

Cool I've been sitting by the computer waiting since I typed it in. Maybe I can get some sleep now and exhale

 

Interesting...caster seems a little bit low, can you notice any wondering at high speeds?

People seem to say caster over 2 is preferred, did the alignment guy or you aim for that?

 

Actually when I got an earlier alignment done at the dealer (right after these 884s went in), they told me that one of the bolts to adjust caster on the right side is totally seized so yes it is on the low side. It does not wander. Does it drive like my wife's 2016 sedan? No. But I'm pretty particular about that kind of thing and I had actually forgotten about it until you mentioned it.

 

Id say either 885s or 887s. Im running 885s with bilsteins at 0” and wheelers progressive pack. I have a slight rake with this setup. If I could do it over, id get the 887s. Based on my research and personal experience this is going to to be the most level setup for a DCLB. As far as the UCAs, should you get them, probably but do you need them, probably not. Im running stock UCAs, my alignment is in factory spec and have had 0 issues.

 

Regardless of which you choose, you will likely need to swap your needle bearing for the EGCS bushing. Have you seen this yet? I wish someone had told me first... https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...differential-bearing-vibration-thread.152173/

 

Interesting, how does it drive at like 70mph? I'm leaning towards getting new UCA. Either Total chaos or SPC LR. I'm on the highway all the time and if it drives like shit on there It would probably bother me. Seems like having a caster above 2.4 is the best way to guarantee that. Do you know what your alignment numbers were?

Really? I heard the 1/4" spacer for taco lean is common and needing the driveshaft carrier bearing drop kit is also common to fix the vibrations at higher speeds. Haven't heard much of what you just mentioned though, is that tough to deal with?

 

I do not recall what my alignment numbers were unfortunately, its been a few years. I do know that I am fairly picky when it comes to that sorta thing and i was satisfied. Truck drives true and has no pull at all. Also my tires wear completely evenly. As far as high speed goes, it drives like a lifted truck. Ive always driven lifted trucks so i dont thinks its a big deal. Its not a cadillac but i think it’s relatively comparable to the stuck suspension, maybe just slightly stiffer. Ive done a lot of road trips in this truck. The farthest being from VA to Maine (several times) that being said i dont have an issue with it whatsoever and i would do it all over again (just with 887’s). Also running 887s should not change ride quality from 885s at all. They both have the same spring rate, the 887s just being a slightly taller coil. Hope that helps

 

When you lift the front of the truck you change the angle of the CV axles coming out of the transfer case and it causes a vibration on the driver side. I first lifted to 1.75" with 5100s, but then I decided to go with the 884s and I'm lifted probably ~1.25"-1.5" now. I can tell you for sure that the 1.75" lift caused the dreaded vibration, and this was at all speeds, not just higher speeds. So I took the whole thing back apart and installed the bushing. But I can't say for sure that the 884s with their slightly less lift would have caused it. The thing is, the EGCS bushing isn't too difficult to install, especially if you already have the front end taken apart for doing the springs. But to take it apart again after you've already done it once, like I did, sucks.

If you were anywhere near me I'd say take a trip here and drive my truck and see if you like it. But Vancouver is about as far as it gets from NY.

 

It does so thanks for sharing. I think the 885s for me will be a good start. First lift for me and I should get the full 2.5" no problem, I don't have any extra weight up front. You got me rethinking about going to 887s but after reading a lot it seems like 885s are a solid choice. The difference between those two when I'm already getting 2.5" of lift probably won't be noticeable to me Can always change it down the road too

Interesting, seems like for now I should try the install without switching that. If it comes up that I got to fix it, it won't be too bad I think.

I'm curious why you're getting 1.25" 1.5" though, thought the standard lift for 884s is 2"

 

Well after lots of thought I'm probably gonna order this pretty soon

-SPC LR UCA
-885x coils
-New strut mounts
-3 leaf progressive AAL
-1/4" Spacer for taco lean
-Center pin head lengtheners

Seems like headstrong is always a good option to order from so I'll probably go through them

 

I second going for headstrong. I'm on 885's, 5100's, LR UCA's, Deaver Progressive AAL and I'm loving the stance and the ride. The UCA's make all the difference. 5100's are what should have come factory on these trucks. I know it's my personal preference, but I love the stance, and trucks should have a little bit of rake.