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Help with front suspension rebuild

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by ctorreano34, May 13, 2015.

  1. May 13, 2015 at 7:42 AM
    #1
    ctorreano34

    ctorreano34 [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Michigan
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    02 3.4L TRD
    So I am thinking about upgrading my front suspension and I could really use some help. Truck- 2002 3.4l extended cab, that I use regularly for driving in the woods and other places I probably shouldn't take it. I just upgraded the rear suspension from a 2" block lift to the OME 2" lift setup (nitrochargers, springs, etc). I was thinking about continuing with the OME nitrochargers and coils for the front, but I can't decide if I want to just throw Billies on there? I have non-adjustable billies on there currently, with a spacer lift. My next question: if I replace the shocks and coils, is it worth replacing the UCA's as well? I plan on selling the truck in two years, so the pricing may not be worth it with its age. Please note that I just put BFG KO2's on there, so I want to keep the alignment in check to maximize their life. I am capable of working on the vehicle myself, though I admit I have little to no experience in suspension, so please any advice will help!
     
  2. May 13, 2015 at 8:30 AM
    #2
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO Well-Known Member

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    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    That's a tough call. You don't have to do the UCA's as long as a proper alignment can be achieved. If you do end up doing it, if you are going to sell it you may be better going with a Light Racing UCA. That will satisfy most people who do light wheeling. The work itself is pretty easy. Just torque everything to spec.
     
  3. May 13, 2015 at 9:06 AM
    #3
    ctorreano34

    ctorreano34 [OP] Member

    Joined:
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    Thanks for responding so quickly! I do have alignment problems, because I have a "frozen" UCA that is close to correct but is still causing slight increased wear. Which shock combo would you recommend, and is it worth upgrading the springs?. Thanks again for the help!
     
    Last edited: May 13, 2015
  4. May 13, 2015 at 10:08 AM
    #4
    frizzman

    frizzman Well-Known Member

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    04 XCab 4x4 TRD/OR
    OME 2.5,Tundra 17s,Falken Wildpeak AT3W hitch w/ 7-pin, ARE cap, JVC HU w/BT, HID/LED lights
    It all depends on how much you're willing to invest and lose. You probably will not recover the money spent on the trade-in or sale. If you need better off-road handling then the UCAs would be worth getting but plan on spending some dough ($400) just for them You could always consider keeping the stock parts and selling the used lifted parts when you get rid of it :notsure:
     
  5. May 13, 2015 at 4:28 PM
    #5
    JJ04TACO

    JJ04TACO Well-Known Member

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    Male
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    Jim
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    04 White DC/TRD
    Fox 2.5 RR front, 2.0 RR rear from AccuTune Offroad, OME Dakar Leafs, Camburg Uniball UCA's, CBI Offroad Bolt on Sliders w/kickout, Scangauge II Uniden Bearcat 880 w/ 3' Firestick on CBI antenna mount B&M Trans Cooler
    Agreed, that's a delima. You won't recover the cost of the parts. You could ask a few bucks more for a well maintained vehicle. For two years of use I'd do a decent setup though. Who knows you may just keep the thing. :) As for the uca's, I'd do hem too. Two years is a long time.
     
  6. May 14, 2015 at 8:17 AM
    #6
    ctorreano34

    ctorreano34 [OP] Member

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    02 3.4L TRD
    Thanks guys, I do like what frizzman said, keep the stock parts and sell the newer lifted parts when I go to sell it. I plan on doing some wheeling in those two years, so I think I'll spend the money and enjoy it while I have it! I think I'm going to go with the nitrochargers, light racings uca's, and the OME springs (medium weight). It'll run about $900 total, if I have calculated it correctly.
     

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