[Debate] Custom Suspension Kit for 1.25-2" of Lift

Specs: 4x4 Manual, 3RZ-FE, Xtra Cab, aside from current suspension is stock all-around.

I created a poll for those of you who want to contribute a simple answer (intended to be based off experience, not opinion).

After much reading other threads with bits of valuable information scattered here and there, I have compiled a parts list that I have long been admiring; a custom suspension kit.

This is what I am debating; buy an established suspension kit for a higher lift or build my own custom suspension kit for a lower lift. My objectives are:

1. Renew handling, cornering, on-, and off-road characteristics
2. Setup for ~1.5-inch lift
3. Moderate to medium ride firmness (not harsh, not soft)
   
4. Set up as daily driver (85:15, bitumen:dirt)
   • Southern California
     • Terrain: dry, soft & hard dirt, mountainous, hilly, rocky, rutted
       
     • Roads: Uneven, potholes, dips, bumps, etc.
5. Install less aggressive all-terrains with a bias for highway use
6. Balance height front/rear (if rake; biased to rear preferred)

Parts list thus far;

1. Rear:
   • (2) Heavy Duty Leaf Spring, 4(3/1) 90-203HD
   • (1)
   • (2) U-Bolts
2. Front:
   • (2)
   • (1)
     • for driver side sag
   • (1)
   • (1)
   • (1)
   • (1)

With this setup I should not need "lift" shackles or an extended muffler hanger.

What I am expecting:

• Bilstein 5100s to adjust ride height according to settling OME 2880s and General Springs HD Leafs
• As a daily driver, the 5100s smooth on bitumen and not harsh light off-roading
  
• OME 2880s should meet the ride height of the General Spring HD Leafs

I am unaware how these combined components may affect the performance of each other. Aside from the custom suspension kit itself, I am replacing bushings and other steering/suspension components such as tie rod ends, ball joints, LCA/UCA bushings, sway bar links, steering rack bushings, sway bar bushings, etc.

Pages I have gathered information from:
Stock Height Front Suspension Upgrade
1st Gen Coils - Seeking Stock Height Replacements
Stock Leaf Spring Replacement
Generalspringkc.com HD Leaf Springs

I would like some feedback; compatibility, missing items, considerations, etc.

Thank you for your contribution.

 

I would recommend getting a better leaf pack than the GS HD ones, they will ride pretty rough since you will mostly be on pavement. You may consider more of an overland style spring (others with more experience can give their input). I would also recommend going with 2881 coils to get the ride height you want once they settle. I have had 81's for about 2yrs now with 5100s and can get you measurements if you want.

Sounds like you have been doing a good bit of research which will payoff in the end. Good luck!

 

What are overland-style springs?

I have searched and searched but the only thing I can think of is going custom with a set of Alcan leafs for the rear; to ensure ride height and application as per another thread.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stock-leaf-spring-replacement.533418/page-4#post-20684536

 

Hi I think that is a good setup.
Any other aftermarket “overlanding” leafs will crank your ass up super high. Definitely would stay away unless you plan on carrying 300 lbs on you at all times

Maybe you could run 2881, but it’s hard to say for sure. Personally I like a little rake in the rear, and with 2880 you could always come up if you had to with the adjustable 5100. Not the other way around.

 

I did an AAL in the rear, 5100 all the way around, and 2880 on the second notch and got exactly 2” front / rear. Was hoping for 1 -1.5” but got more lift on the AAL than advertised, so took the coils up 1 notch. 5vz pre runner Xtra cab

e/ been about 6 months, possibly in another year or two they’ll settle to around 1.5”

 

Good to hear about your AALs. The problem with my leafs at the moment is even with little weight, the rear end sags. Instead of AAL, I am going to buy a new set of leafs. As far as I know the truck has OME Nitrochargers all the way around, and because the ride is stiff, I reckon either,

1. The wrong coil springs were installed for the application and
   
2. The OME kit that was installed used an AAL, or
3. All OME Nitrochargers shocks stiffen when they are worn out, or
4. Overall, the wrong kit was installed for this truck, or
5. The previous owner may have had the truck loaded with camping gear which makes sense, because the ride is stiff for me, but maybe it wasn't for them.

Am I mistaken that AAL (even on new a pack of leafs) would stiffen the ride? That would put me at a disadvantage on the road whereas a custom pack would net me better overall performance, because it was designed specific to my application. Nevertheless, I am going to replace the leaf springs with a new pack; just which one is the dilemma.

If notching the 5100s make the ride stiffer, I would think to go with taller shocks to begin with, perhaps that would account for the lost preload on notching-up the 5100s?

I have considered purchasing a camper shell, though I am not sure why or what I would use it for.

This is what I am thinking, but to what degree would I be able to lift the 2880s; is there compression as it is which will compensate for the "taller" setting on a 5100?

The other thing about Old Man Emu springs and shocks is this: these are purpose-built for real off-roading, if I am not mistaken. This should mean that the ride will be stiff (to account for the outback of Australia). Correct me, please.

____

Question about spring rates:
Should the spring rate of the front springs be the same spring rate as the rear springs?

I think I just answered my question by thinking; it depends on the weight you're carrying and what purpose those springs have within your application. I do not even know if there is a specification for spring rate on leaf springs.