Custom Baja suspension

Hello,

I’m looking to install suspension upgrades beyond the off-the-shelf kits made by Fox, King, or Icon. I think they all make great options but I’m looking to do something a little more serious.

I’m having a trouble on knowing where to start. I’ve seen a few ideas out there but not a lot for 3rd gen. And I’m not trying to build a complete Baja truck.

I’d appreciate it if people would refrain from criticizing me for removing the stock shocks on the Pro—I understand that starting with a less expensive trimline would have been more cost effective. Thanks for all of your help ahead of time.

 

I don't know much about suspension..but I don't think you're going to get much better than long travel kings. Anything else will probably be complete baja truck style.

What do you plan on doin exactly?

 

Hey, thanks for that info, that’s helpful.

I noticed that once you go to long travel you have to start replacing control arms and other suspension components which started to push me toward something more custom. I may very well use long travel coil overs but to get the amount of travel I was looking to get, it seemed like they needed to be relocated to get anything beyond 6 inches.

I go on overlanding trips a couple of times per year with a group of buddies that have Raptors. So a lot of what we’re doing tends to be fast paced desert travel (eastern Oregon, Joshua Tree etc.). The more I do it, the more hooked I get. I’d prefer to mod my existing truck rather than buy a new truck.

 

Total choas.

 

The Pro suspension parts will sell really easy so no sweat there...

 

How about bp-51s?

 

Also if your travelling with raptors man, just go long travel. You'll probably be happier in the long run.

 

Total Chaos
Camburg

???
Possibly - Fabtech
Possibly - Giant Motorsports

 

Does dirt king make a LT kit? I can’t remember.

 

Yessir they do. Two versions, one with bushing UCA and another with heim joints.

 

http://www.chaosfab.com/2016-2017-Tacoma-3.5-Race-Series-Long-Travel-Suspension-Kit-86000-R-16.html

https://camburg.com/vehicles/16-18-tacoma/

https://fabtechmotorsports.com/prod...6-176-lug-6-inch-systems-performance-systems/

http://www.bajakits.com/c-1339672-truck-suspension-toyota-4wd-tacoma-2016-prerunner-kits.html

 

You can always purchase piece by piece instead of going for a full kit. Beef up the suspension so it can handle more without having to go full trophy truck. Icon has some good options for that. If i can help you find anything let me know!

 

The wider the long travel kit, the more travel you will have in the front. The truck itself will be your limit on suspension travel. In fact, you'll have limit straps preventing the downward travel from over extending. You can only push the travel so far before the angles put critical stress on your cv joints and other components.

As far as using something other than off the shelf kits, you'll probably need to find a local shop that is willing to work with you. A goal of more travel than a on-the-shelf long travel kit will mean tons of custom fabricated parts (this means time and lots of $). I have no idea how much your looking to spend. It could be somewhere in the $20-30k range but probably much more.

I am not a suspension expert. I am not trying to discourage you from building the most badass 3rd gen. I just want you to have a good idea what you'd be getting into. I personally was considering the long travel kits but decided against it as it can be a pain in the ass on a daily driver. You have to check torque on stuff often, parts will rattle, things will break. This is the nature of long travel. Check out the sticky at the top of the long travel forum and read for yourself and make sure you're willing to commit to long travel.

Imo, I would suggest a 3.5" LT kit. If you want the most performance, add a second shock and a king or Fox bump stop. That should soak up some large hits with ease.

Good luck sir!

 

Thanks so much for this info (and to everyone else). You’re right, spending 20-30k is not in the cards. My current budget is 15k, which seems more inline with a really nice off the shelf setup. I can imagine that long travel kits will take away from everyday usability. I will check out the sticky you referenced. Thanks again!

 

Hey, can you show me Where the Long Travel Forms are at? Thanks

 

Why don't you buy a used Raptor? Sell your truck plus the 15k, that should cover it.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/considering-long-travel-read-here-first.180457/unread

Good place to start

 

It’s certainly easier to buy a raptor, but I’d rather have a Tacoma that’ll (eventually) eat raptors for breakfast.

 

Raptors are piles of shit that’s why. The only thing worse than a raptor is the guy driving it.

I think you could do long travel front, glass, maybe rear long travel camburg with bed cage wheels tires and gears for around 15k as long as you did the work yourself.

There is tons of info out there on the different options on making a broed out racing Tacoma. I’d say spend a ton of time researching. Also, try to ride a long in an LT rig. There are lots or squeaks and clicks that you might not be ready for.

On second thought, fawk it, just get a raptor.

 

Stick with your Tacoma and do a Lt, total chaos +3.5 w/ Kings and glass
I had it on my 07 tacoma, not much squeaking, just keep the bushings well lubed.
I just got a Tacoma 4x4 Offroad premium TRD package. I’m going to do the +2 kit because I dont want finders. My only concern is can I still run 33” or 285’s and not rub when bottoming out.

Your truck is hella bad ass, and you will get at least 1500-2k for your pro suspension.
Tacoma’s are smaller, easer to get around, more fun, lighter weight, and better on the fuel. Just my 2cents.