Fox 2.5/2.0 Installation and Impressions

Last weekend I installed a Fox Level 2 kit from Headstrong on my 2014 DCLB TRD Sport. This was my first time changing shocks or installing a lift kit by myself and thought I'd offer some observations, tips, and impressions of the kit, install, and performance to date.

I really appreciate all the input here at TW which gave the confidence to do this on my own. The how-tos, experiences of others, etc provided the knowledge needed on what to do and what to expect. Headstrong was great at answering the multitude of questions I had.

The kit consisted of Fox 2.5 front coilovers, 2.0 RR rears, 3 leaf AAL, sway bar drop bracket and new u-bolts.

Prior to beginning the install I replaced the lower shock bushings on the rear 2.0s. The packaging label for these is for the 4 Runner/FJ but Fox includes a bag with each shock that contains the correct nitrile bushing and sleeve for the Tacoma. The factory installed setup must be pressed out and replaced with the included ones. I do not have a press but instead used a large C-Clamp (the same I used for the leaf spring work) and a couple of sockets as an improvised press to complete the job.

I'm fortunate not to live where there is much snow and no road salt so corrosion and seized bolts were not an issue for me.

Starting in the front the coilover swap was very straight forward. Out of the box the Fox 2.5s had 24 threads or about 1.5" showing. With the truck supported on jack stands I disconnected the sway bar end links and sway bar mounts, secures the spindles, and disconnected the spindle from the UCA at the ball joint. Removal was straight forward and I used a pry bar on the LCA during install to gain the clearance needed to seat the coilover and lower mounting bolt. Front end was smooth and easy.

For the rear headstrong includes nice instructions for the AAL install which followed essentially drama free. Removal of the factory rear shocks and stock overload leaf were uneventful. Install of the 3 AAL was likewise uneventful. The install of the Fox 2.0 rears were an "experience". Remember those replacement bushings mentioned earlier? I've seen others here detail their struggles but they are simply too wide for the lower shock mounts on the axle in its standard configuration. After much fighting and cussing I ended up dressing the width down carefully with a grinding bit on a dremel until I had a width that fit without binding, bending, prying, or excessive force. What should have arguably been the easiest part of the install was without a doubt the hardest and really killed the enjoyment I get from wrenching on my truck.

All in all it took me most of the day to do the job solo.

Immediately after dropping the truck off of the jack stands it sat at the following heights from hundreds center to fender bottom. DF 21 7/8, PF 22 5/8, DR 22 7/8, PR 23 1/4. That's a gain of 2 1/8in up front and an inch and a half in the rear.

Since install I've put just over 500 miles of mixed city, highway, and dirt road driving on the suspension. During that time the suspension seems to have settled in a bit and the ride is noticeably improved. It's most evident with higher speed impacts like speed bumps and especially the crappy interstate conditions in SC. Zero driveline vibes to 80mph.

Remeasuring today height in the rear is unchanged but the front has settled about an inch with DF now measuring 20 7/8 and PF 21 1/8.

I'm very pleased with the components, ride, and the service in received from Headstrong. I have front and rear Superbumps on the way now and that will likely complete my suspension setup.

I am adjusting the front coilovers a bit to regain a little of the height lost during settling and even out the lean.

Edited to add:

I meant to also mention I am running the factory UCA and had no issues getting it aligned after the lift.

 

Have fun with them! They're great shocks. I love mine. They level things right out at fast speeds, and they keep the body roll to a minimum on the slow crawling trails. Congrats

 

Thanks! I am so far.

Are you running factory bumps? I'm eager to see what difference the superbumps make day to day.

 

Yup. I'll switch them out at some point. I just crank the compression adj according to what I'm doing

 

Kinda wish I'd gotten the adjusters now...

 

They're nice. I use the rears way more than the fronts. Probably a well valved front and adjustable rears is the most anyone would need unless you really are wheeling every weekend under different circumstances.

 

When it comes rebuild time I'll prob send them to Accutune for rebuild, custom valving, and adjusters.