Another Guy Trying To Lift His Truck

Well guys, as promised here's a couple pics. I did it all myself with my mechanically savvy friend there as an extra set of hands and guidance if I needed it. I must say, it was a lot easier than I thought! Here's a breakdown of everything.
5100s all around
OME 885
Wheelers Offroad 2" AAL

 

Looks great!! Planning on adding Billies all around, fronts at .85 and 1-1/2" AAL, for a little more aggressive stance. Yours is the look I'm shooting for. Nice job.

 

Good luck! You may want to put the front at 1.75 if you want a similar look. I've got about 2.5" lift in the front. If you can swing it, I'd recommend getting 885 coils and leaving the 5100s at 0. It's only an extra $160 for the pair on Amazon. Mine rides fantastic now.

 

Came out great.

 

Thanks man! It was a blast installing everything myself. AALs were harder than I thought they'd be, but it all worked out. Now for an alignment.

 

No joke.

They were a pain in the ass for me. If/when you upgrade to a new leaf pack you can rest assured, it's far easier.

 

We had to use a vice (not vice grips, a full on bench mounted vice) to clamp them together and we had a tie down strap wrapped around the frame to give clearance for the new pin. Nothing else was working for me. I'm sure I'll upgrade to a full leaf pack once these get tired.

 

Thanks for the input. $$ isn't an issue. After reading numerous threads on lifts, I wanted to stay under 2" to avoid and UCA issues, diff or transfer case drops....things like that. This fall I planned on putting new tires on 265/75-16 and I wanted to lift it a bit. Plus the Billies are supposed to improve the road manners.

Just curious, how long did it take you and what is your wrenching experience level? I'm typically not afraid to tear into a machine at work, comfort level and all that, plus if I screw something up I have a machine shop to bail me out.

 

If money isn't an issue then definitely get aftermarket coils and keep the 5100s set at 0. The difference is night and day. I was worried about all that too, but dot have any issues yet. Got him aligned today with no problem.

It took me 4 hours for the front and 3 for the rear. As always, the opposite side always goes faster! That was taking my time and just enjoying it. I'd say the most difficult part was the AAL. It was just hard getting the body/leafs high enough from the axle to get room to work the extra leaf in.

As far as my experience, I don't have too much. I know the basics like changing oil, changing a tire, etc and can follow instructions. It helps to have a second person there for an extra set of hands as well ass a second opinion.

 

Looks awesome! Love those wheels with that color. I'm regretting not doing mine myself but I'm still happy with how mine came out. I did the exact same lift but a Deaver 2" AAL.

 

wow both trucks looks good. I was thinking of 884's with Deaver's 2 inch AAL or HS progressive AAL since I'm going to get a Leer shell. but after seeing your trucks, i might end up with having a high rake. now I'm thinking of going 885's. i cant decide now. My wife is pregnant and i need to make sure she can get in the truck.

 

A few random comments;

I installed 5100's, 885x coils, and Deavers 2" AAL. All from Headstrong Offroad. Hands down, best vendor I've ever dealt with...... Even with stock coils/shocks, my truck had a slight "taco lean". To get level side to side AFTER the lift, I needed 1/2 plate spacer on drivers side. I did that, in addition, 1/4" spacers on BOTH sides. I ended up with 2-7/8" lift after a few thousand miles to settle.... Stock UCA's still.....Aligned to 0-0-2.9....Drives great, rides smooth and ZERO vibration. Looks great. Also did a Headstrong U-bolt flip. VERY happy with the results. Counting the Ubolt flip just over $800 invested....

I may go back with Dakars later, maybe not. I've pulled a 21' Airstream travel trailer with the AAL's and had no complaints. (Stock 3-leaf pack, Deavers 2" AAL, kept overload leaf from stock pack.) I don't feel the need to haul extremely heavy loads in such a small truck...In my somewhat limited experience with Dakars, they're a tic over-kill for my wants and needs.

If you do any off roading, I'd suggest installing a U-bolt flip while you're spinning wrenches. Instant ground clearance on the back axle, all for under $80.

No diff drop. Waste of time and money IMHO. In spite of all the reports of Tacomas needing carrier bearing drops, front diff needle bearing updates, etc.....Never did any of those things and have no need. This is after 87,000+ miles. The latest lift has been on the truck for almost 6000 miles and no issues. YMMV.

I have a small business built up installing lifts and such. So far, I've put everything from $80 "ebay spacer lifts" to a full on $3800 lift on "customer trucks" in addition to my own ride. The Bilstein/OME/Deaver combo will give you all you'll need for street driving, 99% of what the average person can expect for off roading, and do it at a respectable price. If you plan on jumping dunes, you might want to go a step further.....I try to keep all four on the ground....most of the time.....My setup is working excellent.

Stock TRD OR wheels, 265/75/r16 Duratracs, lrC, Bora 1" wheel spacers. Tire clearance galore....Will be putting 285's on in the near future.

 

I was thinking the same thing but another member convinced me to get 885s, and I'm so glad that I did. I vote for 885 for you.

 

These will be a little bit stiffer than an OME coil.

 

My rake ended up at right about 3/4". Driveway is a bit sloped in my pic so it looks like more. I have the Go Rhino side steps and my wife is "height challenged" and the steps work good. I also have an 11 year old that climbs in no problem. The steps really help IMO.

 

thanks @Bluegrass Taco, EatSleepTacos and ZRXDean . My wife is height challenged as well and being pregnant doesnt help..lol I'll just have to help her and my 3 year old toddler get inside the truck..lol

Thanks to you guys i've made my decision to get the 885's .

 

No problem! Maybe some steps will help you out. I'm going to pick up a set in the next month.

 

Dealer threw in the OEM ones when i bought the truck in 09. I wonder though if my wife will be able to tell the difference when i get the lift done. I was able to actually convince her it's time for a camper since number 2 is coming. but i told her i will need to make sure that the suspension is up to par when i get the camper. i cant believe she actually said OKAY

okay done jacking the thread.

 

Haha! I like it. I'm hoping my wife will have trouble getting in the truck so I can order some. Shouldn't be too hard since she's short.

 

@EatSleepTacos i absolutely love your truck, great job with the lift. Im gonna mimic your setup to the T!