Diff drop

Good morning Taco World, happy taco Tuesday

I'm composing a Christmas wish list for my misses. Although all I recieved was the eye roll once handed it to her; I had a question which I cannot seem to find the answer to amongst the lift threads. If purchasing the new 2016 billies, is it wise to get a diff drop? Ive only seen it with complete kits like toytec, etc. Thanks guys!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but diff drops are only recommended at 3"+ lift. And you better have 33s or taller or else you'll just drop the diff back almost at stock height and not gain any clearance. Do the new Bilsteins (I assume that's what you mean by Bilies) lift to 3"?

 

This is why I am inquiring. When I had my 4Runner and lifted it with a toytec kit and had 33s on it, it came with the diff drop and it was installed. Along with LRUCAs. I'm only asking if it would be recommended to buy as well.

And yes I am referring to the new 2016 Bilstein with OME 888 Springs. Theyre stating top notch lifts 2 inches but I believe (might be wrong) someone here reported 3 inches lift with 888 Springs. Just trying to do my research and do things right the first time.

 

I think it may be a CYA type situation. I haven't heard of catastrophic or premature (anything noticeable to actually do the diff drop) at 3" lift in regards to the halfshafts and rod ends, etc. It may be recommended, but not necessary. Hell, I've seen people with 5-6" lifts and have no diff drops. Their halfshaft angles are ridiculous looking and that lift is silly in itself, but they still daily like that. Granted to me, swapping out a halfshaft isnt too hard (done it many times on many cars) and I would personally have the clearance vs not and just swap it out if it really does create an issue prematurely (within reason).

 

From my research (not experience) anything greater than 3" should have a diff drop. At 3" or below it is not needed.

 

Awesome thank you everyone for your replies. Its greatly appreciated.

 

It really didn't help the angle of the cv axles on the 2nd gen and was usually advised against. Haven't really seen anyone go into too much detail about them on the 3rd gen though.

 

I installed 887 coils with bilstein shocks and did install diff drop, sway bay drop and carrier bearing drop spacers. It was easy, inexpensive and I wanted to ensure myself of having no vibration issues or premature wear.

 

sub'd

 

Hey I thought id share my experience. I went with the second gen 5100s set at 0, Driver side 1/4 in space. OME 888 coils, LR UCAs, TRD Pro wheels, BFG KO2 275/70-17 and Headstrong 3 leaf AAL. I got about 3-3.25 inches up front. At first I didnt get the differential drop but after talking to the dealership they recommended it as my CV angles were pretty steep. I got it. The angles look much better in my opinion afterwards. I went with this one. http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/TAC-DR-05--Front-Differential-Drop-Kit_p_11.html Also I did not require sway bar relocation brackets. Also I did do a carrier bearing drop and 3 degree axle shims in the rear. Hope this helps.

 

How hard was it to install?

 

It can go both ways... it covers over stressing the CV's a little. Installing a 1" diff drop only lowers the half shafts by 1/2" which isnt much. Now you have a diff that sits 1" lower to be damaged and Ive seen some nasty pictures. The diff is not level so parts of the diff could see premature lube than what was designed. Also you have to buy skid plates that are designed for a 1" diff drop and the entire skid is 1" lower therefore losing a bit of ground clearance. Personnel have changed a few CV's and can be done with standard tools besides a ball joint tool which isn't that much and 2 hrs max if you know what your doing.

 

It wasn't bad at all. Just a few bolts and removing and then re installing the oem skid. Took about 40 mins.