Bought a truck that came with lift. Need advice on what to do next

It's about 38" from center. And my tires are 265/65/17.

I did check the lbjs there are no play in the tire. I want to get a better set of coilovers then I'll replace all of that.

 

Yeah I want to keep the lift on the truck k. I like the way it's sits. How I've mentioned I just want a really comfortable ride. I don't mind paying a little extra if It means it will be a very comfortable ride.

 

Alright, one more shot. They fail without warning. While there is a test you can perform with a pry bar and dial indicator, there is basically no way to tell WHEN they will fail. The only solution is to replace them frequently with OEM parts before they do.

 

So I recently upgraded from 5100s (front and rear), to the Icon 2.5s you posted (along with Toytec 2.0s in the rear). Haven't actually had the truck off-road yet to test them, but they absolutely feel much better on-road. Not sure they feel $1000 better, but significantly better yes.

In the process I added Icon UCAs too. And the truck feels much more stable at speed and the steering feels heavier in a good way too. I wouldn't put that kind of money into a 2wd pavement princess though. Go with the Bilsteins and change your LBJs, as others have advised.

 

nitemare pictures!!

 

Just a quick image search away. Easier than digging through the "My front wheel fell off" posts here (roughly 1-2 a month).

 

Yeah I might just do this. Get the bilsteins. How many inches of lift did bilsteins get you? What kind of springs did you have on them?

Also did you sell those bilsteins?

 

I'm going to do it asap. I already have them i just need to pay someone to install them. Any body do work on these 1st gens in the Socal Inland Empire area?

 

Should be pretty well supported in the IE, but check the socal regional sub forum for a good recommendation: Southern California | Tacoma World

 

Hey Andy
QQ

When the ‘prybar’ test done…
Does the tested corner of the truck need to be jacked up? Or with vehicle weight on said corner?
Thanx

 

I had the Bilsteins paired with Toytec 3" lift coils (so they gave me right at 3" of lift). I believe this is the better way to get the lift, as opposed to preloading stock length springs and running them at the higher clips on the 5100s, as they'll ride softer that way.

I did sell the 5100s to my neighbor for him to lift his 3rd Gen 4runner

 

,
Thank you for all pictures, options and prices included..... valuable information.
I had same Q's last couple years, finally i decided for wheelers set Bilsteins 6112 at front, 5100 rear set, also new ALCAN custom made leaf springs set carrying 200\300 max load with camper.
At the time of execution as someone said in this chat///.... gotta change lower arms, LBJ's , etc etc , alignment and labor, all included $5,100 out of door. Mechanic said no need to change the UCA , it rides supersmooth , looks about same high of the RED taco in this post.
I'm still waiting to get some bucks and do new tires.... Michelin xLTS\2 from Costco with 5 yrs warranty.
Cheers !!!

 

I see some like these I'm interested in these since they have the eibach springs. I understand the front lift. But how do I lift the rear do the rear shocks just adjust them self to match the front lift? I'm really confused about this

 

I don’t know about that. I installed my Kings the way they came from the factory. I just went out and measured mine from center of hub to bottom of fender and it’s 23”
In the rear I have Deaver J59’s and those measured 24”. So I have a slight rake. I can’t see yours measuring 38”. That would be insane
I have 265/75/16

 

The rear has a single leaf Add A Leaf already installed into your leaf pack.


The stock pack is 3 leaf + overload- you can see that you have 4 + overload.

Shocks themselves do not alter suspension height.

I would bet that the previous owner ran the fabtech shocks until they failed, and rather than replace them with the right shocks, just put the OEM ones back in. Or they never installed the fabtech ones to begin with.

Either way, the back is already lifted. you just need to replace the shocks. Also make sure it's got an extended rear brake line. If not you need one with the lift and shocks. The current shocks would limit down travel and to some extent prevent the brake line from being stretched to break.

 

Haha I'm funny I measured from the floor.i remeasured mine sit at 24" bottom of fender to center of hub

 

So what rear shocks would you recommended now knowing I have extra leaf packs. If I was going to go with the bilstein 5100s w eibach springs for the front.

Btw I appreciate all the info and advice!

 

Maybe send a PM to @Superdave1.0 , He does a lot of installs and work in socal.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/superdaves-lift-installs-mechanic-service.682299/

edit: He could probably give you advice on shocks too.

 

I would do the Bilstein or Fox's you posted earlier.

 

Bilstien 5100s. There are two (common*) versions for the 1st gen trucks. A stock height replacement, and one that accommodates 1-1.5" of lift, which is where you're at. I don't know the part numbers of the top of head.

*I say common, cause really, shocks are fairly universal depending on mounting style, length, and valving. In this case, Bilstein just makes a convenience model with the right mounts, length, and valving for a 1st gen tacoma without and with a lift, so you don't have to figure that out.