Aftermarket shackle hangers question.. Went with Archive Garage

Do you have standard 5100s in rear or 5125 extended travel? I know my rears are going to be the limiting factor on droop with my current setup off road. I currently have smooth body 8100s in the rear lol you’re probably absolutely correct about me having a 4th upgrade though lol already been looking at options but I don’t wanna change front 8112s I love the ride up front… trying to get the rear end ride quality to match the front tbh and that’s the main reason for the hangers

 

I just have the standard 5100s. I’m hoping that bilstein comes out with something to compete in the 2.5” market, but right now I’m leaning toward king. Do you have any weight in your bed?

 

What about 8100s?

*edit* I guess technically they are 2.362” my bad

 

I’ve got icon rxt leafs stage 2 with about 125-150lbs of weight in the bed depending on how my fridge is packed of beverages

 

I’d highly recommend 8112s/8100s if you’re looking at 2.5”. I love mine. The rears are just stock travel that’s the biggest set bsck with my smooth bodies

 

Good to hear. Was looking at these as an upgrade from the 6112/5160s

 

to clarify 2.5x12s

 

So how did the install go @CLVol1255 ?

 

I actually decided to wait yntil this weekend when I know I’ll have plenty of time and not need to rush the install get myself mentally prepped and have everything I need tool wise. I also went ahead and ordered the crossbar and it’ll be here Friday

 

So I’ve been working on this since 5am and I still have a side not finished. It’s been very frustrating and more than I wanted lol. I hope they improve alot bc I’ve been cussing myself for doing this. A lift would be huge. Just no room for an old man to really work and eye protection is a must. Will report back hopefully soon lol

 

Well it literally took me all day and I wanted to turn around a few times during the day but I couldn’t. Definitely the most time consuming install I’ve ever done but I took my time and tried to be as neat and thorough as possible. Bottom rivets were a pain in the ass even with serveral drill bits and sanding pads for angle grinder. Even bought ball joint press and I don’t guess i used ot correctly bc only one came out whole and had to grind and cut the rest out. I’m 6”2 and 42 years old so being bent over grinding and drilling and trying to miss electrical and brake lines really wore me out! Anyway happy with the outcome but I wouldn’t install his again on my own without a hydraulic lift to use and stand. About to take it for a test drive and gather some thoughts!

 

First impressions is that it oddly way softer in the back but more freaking stable… how the hell does that happen?

 

The stiffness is the actual feel of you RXT'S. The hangers and crossbar stiffen the chassis so it doesn't flex. The chassis was flexing before with your leafs which made it ride a little more harsh....like a truck. Now that the chasse is now stiffened, you can actually feel the flex in your leafs

 

Well I definitely like it! Seems like the rear 8100s and Rxts are now matching the ride of the front 8112s without sway bar.. I took the sway bar off Wednesday and I don’t think I’ll ever put it back on. It rides so much better and handles just a good imo

 

Feels like the rear really plants and digs in with hammer hangers and crossbar

 

@crashngiggles are you a mechanic? could you take a look at my other post and give me your opinion about it? I’m having some really bad front end squeaking turning lock to lock. I’ve replaced damn near every component on the front end trying to eliminate them all before getting a new steering rack but I ended up ordering a oem salvaged rack off a 2019 that was totaled with 15k miles on it off eBay(first time ever ordering parts from eBay)

 

I have Rago hangars. Slightly better in corners on the road, wheel travel might be a bit better, and it got rid of some gnarly axle hop in sand/snow.

 

I needed an air hammer. My little craftsman has been a beast for me throughout the years and even getting cvs to release but it didn’t want any of this job. That’s where my time was mainly lost bc I was stubborn and kept trying it. I had plenty of good drill bits until I started getting frustrated with the time and i burned through them putting more force than needed rather than allowing drill to work. I’m happy I upgraded to the hangers but man I was pissed earlier today in the middle of the struggle I had to walk away a couple times so I didn’t make a mistake lol. Truck definitely seems to be much more planted and take bigger bumps and dips in the road easier. Exhausted I’ll report more tomorrow or early this week once I’ve had some time in it. Plus I’ve gotta get my mind right now to install this steering rack when it arrives

 

Well you're right and wrong. A newcomer's hangers have the shackle pivot point way back, which with short springs like RXT or Dakars, even Deavers, results in an increased spring rate, making it feel stiff. Newbs

Hammer Hangers are the only hangers with 2 positions: stock position and rearward so you can adjust to your setup. HH make the rear feel softer because HH are rigid and let the springs do their job.

You really need to replace your hangers, stocks are trash, it's like bolting your leaf spring to another spring, which is why it is so twitchy.
You can't fix the poor ride caused by stock hangers with even the best shocks, you have to improve the foundation of your suspension by replacing the stock hangers.

Get the Hammer Hangers with 5.5 years of experience and improvements, you won't regret it
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hammer-hangers-by-archive-garage-2005-2023-tacoma.519625/