I think I've settled on a lift!

ok so I've been back and fourth on what I've wanted to do for a while and have had tons of really solid input from everyone on here. and with the help of TruKnight, Fuse, and JBTWENTYTWO i think i have found a set up that won't break the bank but will be aesthetically appealing and off road functional. i would just like to know if there are any red flags with this set up.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/headstrong-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

i will be using the 885 coils, adding the light racing UCA"s and replacing the deaver add a leafs with wheelers 1.5 3 leaf progressive leaf pack.

i am keeping stock rims for now. will add 1.5 spidertrax and 285/75/16 duratracs. I've already removed the mud flaps so i don't think would need to do a cab mount chop would I? maybe some light trimming of the plastic in the wheel wells.


i know someone posts a thread about their setup everyday so it must get annoying but thank you for looking and giving any advice!

 

Don't do the diff drop. Not really needed even on the 4x4.

 

they are so inexpensive though. it would be better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it don't you think?

 

not inexpensive when you donk the bracket that holds the diff in place and crack the diff open.

Plan on doing it properly with the ECGS bushing.... do the lift without the diff drop and see if you have any vibes. if not, nothing is needed, if you have vibes that go away in 4x4 do the ecgs bushing and call it a day.


How much lift do you plan on going for in the front. You might also hold off on the UCA's if your aiming for 2-2.5 in as you should be able to get caster within spec at that height. I am using the stock TRD OR coils with the billies at 1.75 and a 1/4in spacer on the driver side and while its noticeably stiffer, it rides better overall IMO.

 

Yeah, I don't know why you would tell someone to NOT do it.

 

^Precisely.^

 

These are my personal opinions and they come from reading posts on this forum by people that are way more experienced than me.

With a lift less than 3" the drop isn't really necessary, especially if you stay in the 2.5" range. The only benefit you are going to get is a slightly prolonged cv boot life. The major drawback (for me) is a slight decrease in ground clearance, and then possibly weaker mounting points for the diff.

There was a thread/posts floating around here where the diff drop stuff failed badly when the truck was bottomed out on skid plates. Maybe someone better with the search than me can find the link. There is definitely a possibility severe damage would have happened without the diff drop, but I would personally rather go with the possibility of changing cv boots sooner.

Again I would say you don't need to do it going by the number of members on this board that have done a 2" to 3" lift without the diff drop and not have any problems. Save the money. If you decide you want it down the road then you can purchase it and put it on. Again the vast majority of those on TW that have done 2" to 3" lift have not done a diff drop.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/118545-remove-differential-drop-your-05-tacoma.html

 

I just found that thread and was about to post it up.

 

i would like to be somewhere between 2.5 and 3" of lift and i thought i might as well save up and get the uca's and not have to worry about my 33's rubbing or alignment issues. again I'm not a major offroader. just trails to go camping. you think i can clear 33's and be good with stock uca's? and I've consider just wrapping billies all the way around and calling it good but I'm a pansy when it comes to ride comfortability so i wouldn't want a super stiff ride

 

If you can afford it get the UCA's. Over the 2.5" they help with alignment. Without them your truck might wander at highway speeds, but the tire wear may not be affected.

I haven't read much about the different tire and wheels combinations. Just enough to know that 33" tires may still rub with the lift. It all depends on how wide of a tire you use and the wheels they are mounted on. If you get a skinny tire like 255/85/16 you may not rub, but a wider 285/75/16 might. Both of those can be called a 33" tire but the 255 is taller.

 

FYI i had to do the ECGS bushing with my 1.75in front lift.... night and day difference.

If you plan on going 2.5+ get the UCA's it will make alignment much easier... though i never really liked the LR UCA's and their upper ball joint being slotted.

 

WUUUUUT? You do realize what a "diff" is and that a 2WD dosent have a front diff to drop??

That being said a diff drop is a not a good idea on these trucks. Thats good advice take it or leave it. It makes sense in your head that it would level out cv angles but in most cases if you read this forum, it dosent cure any ones vibe issues. At 2.5" your not going to harm your CV's. The diff drop lowers your diff down more in harms way and weakens the mount which can in turn (with the right impact) lead to catastrophic failure. Its a cheap "fix" for nothing that can cost you big $$$.

 

great lift i got the same one from toytec

 

Yes I know what a diff is. I worded that wrong. That is all.