Another Lift Question ~ Help me get rid of my spacers

Hey Everyone,

I recently purchased a 2013 Toyota Tacoma SR5 DCLB and absolutely love it. I could not have asked for a better truck, I am sure this will be with me for a long time.

I made the rookie mistake of having a spacer added to it while I was having some work done since I wanted the truck levelled to help clear my new tires (BFG KO2's 265/75R16).

The truck looks great and the spacer has served me well albeit a short while (only about 3000 kilometres) but it is time to move on. I am hoping to sell my spacer kit to recoup some of my cost, but you live and you learn right.

Through all my reading on here I have seen that a lot of people recommend going with the Bilstein 5100's for all 4 corners with or without an AAL along side them.

I was wondering if anyone else has any recommendations that I might be able to have done for around ~$1200 CAD.

I found these from Headstrong for the Rear that peaked my interest: http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p183/Fox_2.0_Performance_Series_Rear_Shocks_with_Reservoir_-_Lift_Heights_0"-1.5",_2"-3"_and_3.5"-5"_(PAIR)_-_05__Tacoma.html

Does anyone have any experiences with them? My only concern there is the current exchange rate is not favourable for those of us up north.

My local Toyota dealership also works pretty closely with Toytec so going with one of their complete kits might be an option for me as well.

Toytec Option: http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...ith-Bilstein-5100-Front-Coilovers_p_364.html#

Second Option (really pushing my budget, unless these are easy to install at home): http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...oss-Suspension-System-for-05-Tacoma_p_15.html

I do realize that some of the options I have listed above do exceed my desired budget of ~$1200 CAD, but if I am able to get a suspension set up that is better than the 5100's for slightly more I am willing to wait a month or so to allow to the extra cost.

Currently I am leaning towards the first Toytec option that I linked above, but I am happy to have some suggestions tossed my way

I suppose it might be useful to outline my intended use for this vehicle.

I will not be rock crawling or doing any hardcore off roading. Just lot's of washboard back roads, forest roads, back country camping, and that kind of thing. I will probably spend ~3500 Kilometres (~2100 Miles) away from pavement per year, with another ~6000 Kilometres (~3700 Miles) on pavement.

Thank you in advance to everyone I greatly appreciate everyones input on here

**Edit:**
1. Thank you to everyone who has responded. I will be working on responding to everyone here shortly and in the morning as I am currently exhausted

 

The first toytec option is great but you're gonna be overcharged for parts you won't need (like the diff drop and u bolts). This option gives you exactly what you need without all the extra crap. http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/BK0510--Bilstein-Adjustable-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks_p_132.html
Don't add the diff drop and if you can afford it choose the pre assembled coilovers. It'll make the install a quick,easy job.

 

5100's set @ 0", OME 885X coils. That'll provide 2-1/2" of lift in the front. You'll be right on the borderline, but should do just fine without aftermarket UCA's. That'll help the budget. Some people still use UCA's and go for increased caster. Rear AAL (Deavers 2" is my personal suggestion) Get all that from Headstrong Offroad. Talk to Marie. This "kit" can show up at your door for around $800. You'll get all sorts of advice. Much of it confused and in-accurate. Marie is the expert. She won't steer you wrong. I've had this exact set up on my truck for close to 50,000 miles. Rides great, works extremely well off road, and provides a reasonable cost.

 

This is good advice. I'm running 5100s with 886s and a 2"AAL. I love the set up. I know some people worry about mixing billies with OME which is why I suggested the toytec kit.

 

Not sure why "some people worry"....OTHER THAN...the 886 is mighty stiff for 5100's...Can cause rebound dampening issues as the shock wears in. 885's and 887's are a tad bit lighter spring rate and seem to work EXTREMELY well together. The Bilstein shock/OME coil combination is the #1 selling combo on the market. No need to worry about them. I'd MUCH rather go this route than 5100's with preloaded stock coils.

 

I agree, ask Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road. great advice, great service, great prices.

also, @Bluegrass Taco, how are those Deavers? any squeaking going on? I ask cus the procomps my bro has squeak like hell.

 

Quiet as a church mouse....Never heard a sound...

 

thanks man, i'm looking on doing an AAL for added weight ability. got blocks now and eh, you know lol.

 

I have a restored Windstream camper trailer. The AAL added just enough increase in rear spring capacity to tow it without issues. A full leaf pack might be better, but I've had zero complaints with the AAL. Closing in on a year and a half/50k miles and still happy. No sagging after initial settling. Staying put at 2" of lift.

 

your advice has been helpful man. I wanna stay away from a leafpack for now cus brand new truck... stupid i know but eh. lol might need to contact Marie soon lol

 

I've got 886s due to a bumper, winch and full skids. They're not too stuff with the extra weight. I'm not worried about 5100s with ome coils but there's plenty of threads out there where someone says that your truck will explode and burn you alive if you mix the two.

 

If mixing Bilstein and OME was gonna cause a fire, I'd be blazing away by now! Other than spring rate and coil length....a coil is a coil is a coil...

 

Thank you! After looking at the link you provided I am very interested in this option, particularly because I am slightly concerned with my front coils, though I am not sure if they need replaced or not yet.
It also seems as though it might be easy enough to install myself with the help of some mechanically inclined friends if they are so willing, which would be awesome since it would save a ton on labour costs. If someone is willing to give me a hand, I will definitely spring for the pre assembled coil-overs.
Thanks again!

 

Thank you everyone for the discussion! I really appreciate it. I will definitely be calling Head Strong tomorrow and seeing what they are able to due for me. Unfortunately shipping combined with the currency conversion might end up pushing this one out of budget, but I am definitely not ruling it out and might see if a Canadian shop would be willing to work out a deal for me on the same parts - but I will be calling Head Strong first! All of you seem to really recommend them and I have noticed many other recommendations for them around the form and they sound like good people who I would be happy to give my business too.

Is their a big difference between the 2" AAL's? I only ask because a local shop carriers the Toytec AAL's for $125 CAD which is really competitive due to shipping and duties when importing parts.

Thank you so much!

If I may ask, would anyone be able to explain the difference between the 884, 885, 886, and 887's are? I'm sorry, but I am new to understanding spring rates and everything so I am not sure which would be the most suited to my current use and or future use.

Thanks again

 

I'm running the toytec AAL for the past 2 years. No complaints here. As for the springs, the 884&885 are a shorter spring with the 884 being less stiff. The 886 &887 are a taller spring with the 887 being less stiff. With the shorter Springs (884&885) you could run a spacer on top of your strut or if you're running 5100s you can move the c-clip above the lowest setting to give you more lift. The 887 is supposed to give you a full three inches of lift without the use of spacers or moving the c-clip on your 5100s. The 886 does the same thing as the 887 but is much stiffer to account for extra weight coming from something like a steel bumper, wench, or skid plates. If you're not planning to add any heavy steel to the front of your rig this softer Springs would be better.

 

Thank you so much for the recommendations @Bluegrass Taco and @ahkouchi