Help Identify Lift Height + Thoughts on Setup?

Hi all, first post here. I decided to make a post because I have yet to find a solid answer after days of constant searching on the forums.

I just got this 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road - Used 53,xxx miles.

I was able to identify most of the main suspension components as follows (I have close-up pictures if they would be helpful):

Front: Bilstein 5100's (

$141 24-263108 Bilstein 24263108 Shock Absorber

24-263108; Circlip Position #4) with OME "887x" Springs (OME Description: Provides 2" Lift w/ Stock Weight), and SPC UCA (Didn't catch the model number).

Rear: EL111R OME Dakar Leaf Springs (OME Description: 2" Lift), with Race Car Dynamics (RCD) Bilstein F4-BE5-B110-T5 (From what I've gathered, basically a longer version of the 5100's for lifted suspension applications)

Tires: LT265/75R16

I have a couple of questions: How much lift would you assume the truck has? I tried to figure this out on my own, but I could not find the stock 2018 TRD-OR ride height measurement to compare my current ride height measurement to (wheel hub to bottom of fender). Is it "bad" in one way or another to have the OME 2" Lift Springs on the 5100's at the Circlip #4? Lastly, and a tad unrelated, it was mentioned to me that it looked like the previous owner put a differential drop kit on the Taco, how would I figure out if that is true or not?

I don't have any issues with the way my Taco rides, I find it very smooth and enjoyable; I'd just like to figure out how much lift is on the truck, and if I should be thinking about changing any components because of compatibility/wear issues. I've only driven it on pavement and a few DNR/Forest roads (with your average divits and dirt-road washboard) so far and have enjoyed the ride quality during both scenarios.

I would greatly appreciate any feedback that could help answer my questions along with any overall/general thoughts on my suspension system. Thank you in advance!

 

Nice truck...sounds like a good set-up. What's your center of hub to fender measurements? I believe stock is around 21" front/22" rear for your year. As far as the diff drop you'll see a couple of 1" thick spacers under the differential supports just forward of the differential. Just looking at the picture i'd guess it's around a 3" lift... if so personally i'd keep the diff drop in if the boot ribs are close to riding.

 

@OffroadToy
Thanks, my front measurement was 24" while the rear was 24"/24.5" - so 2.5"-3" lift. Are these the spacers that you're talking about?

If so, that'd confirm the diff. drop.

Another question I have after getting under the truck today, do my leaf springs look ok? Mainly questioning the amount of rust they have. Is it worth the money to replace them soon in their condition, or wait a while?


Thank you for the reply!

 

yep... those are the differential drops spacers. Those leafs look good to me. As long as your not sagging with weight in the bed you should be fine... might want to spray some fluid film rust protection on them though and double check the u bolt torques... i believe most aftermarket leaf packs say 90 ft lbs. Got a picture of your cv angles and the inner boots?

 

@OffroadToy

Perfect thanks. I'm out of MN so I got a membership to a solid carwash, for a package that includes an underbody wash. Planned on this being my main defense against this winter's rust, I'd like to pressure-wash it myself and put Fluid Film on - but I don't see myself finding time before this winter.

I'll check those U-bolt torques, thanks.

Here's a picture of my cv + boots:

 

I have similar measurements, maybe somewhat less in front, running the same springs and leaf pack but with OME shocks instead of billys, and 265/70 17.

 

Yeah.. the inner cv boot looks like it could be an issue down the road if those fins are touching... without the diff drop it would be worse. From what i've seen the diff drop makes a small difference but most agree your better off without them for ground clearance and full lubing of internal components of front diff as the drop puts it at a angle. I had a 3" spacer lift with diff drop on my 07 when new... after seeing the cv boot ribs touching i changed out to a 2" spacer and left the diff drop in... no issues for 14 years. When i finally upgraded to a better suspension with the front coilovers at the factory setting of 2" lift height I ended up removing the diff drop... with this set up the ribs aren't touching. 2" lift height up front seems to be the sweet spot for our trucks... just something to consider.

 

Cool thanks for your input, highly appreciated.