Inspect/Test Drive B4 or After TRD Lift?

Make sure you take pics and post them up when you get your wheels and tires installed.

 

I am operating under the assumption that he will be adding larger than stock wheels/tires, most likely with a different offset/backspacing. In that case, would it not be advisable to get an alignment?

 

The only reason that an alignment would be needed in a hypothetically extreme case would be if he were installing some ridiculous size wheel like a 22x14 with some absurd offset like -68 with 2” wheel spacers to match. In that case, the wheel would be so far out and away from the hub, it would create an upward bending motion resulting in negative camber under the weight of the truck. Beings these are Tacomas and not 2500 diesel pulling trucks, I assumed this was not the case. That being said, I was wrong… in an extreme size rim offset this could potentially happen. Again, these are Taco’s, so I’m guessing he’s doing a 17 or 18 inch wheel with very minimum offset if any at all… in which case an alignment would not be necessary. I swap back and forth on my daily driver car all the time from 15’s (stock winter wheels) to 18’s (spring and summer) and have checked alignment and there was no change at all. But if he wants to be on the safe side… have the kit installed without an alignment, go to tire shop and have them do one when doing the wheels. Or if he already paid the dealer for alignment… have the lift done, go get the wheels installed and take it back to dealer for the alignment after. Either way, two alignments is a complete waste of time and money.

 

Thanks for this too. It makes sense what you say because the service department at the dealership, who is installing the lift, knew that I was changing out the tires at Discount Tire after the lift was completed. They made no mention of a re-alignment. So thanks again @Taco1004

 

I'm changing the wheels out to the 16" TRD PRO wheels (stock are 17") and will get slightly bigger tires (from 265/65/17 stock tires to the 265/75/16 KO2's). Not too crazy of an upgrade.

Learning soooo much when I'm on this site! Thanks @Taco1004.

 

Definitely get an alignment done after the new tires are put on. Find a reputable/knowledgeable shop for that. Post some pictures when it's all done.

 

8 hours?! Hope you not letting Desert Toyota do the install.

 

He said he was supplying the parts and the dealership is charging him $200 for the install.

 

Agreed.

 

No. He said he talked them down to $200 off the installation price.

 

Thanks! And to be clear, I did NOT ask the salesperson about adding the TRD lift. I went straight to the service department knowing that they would know what it was better than the salesperson.

And I was very happy with Tami, the service department woman that is overseeing it. She knew exactly about the TRD lift. And she said she’s overseen all the TRD lifts there. She also said she only has two technicians do the factory lift because of the the reasons you stated, they actually know what it is and how to install it.

That being said, do I feel I’m being overcharged a bit for installation? Hell to the yes. But at least I got the parts for $300 less MSRP. And at least I got them to knock $200 off original installation estimate.

 

I am. I’m not a fan of either Precision or Desert. But I have a slight leaning towards Desert, and I also purchased the truck there.

So I got my reservations for sure. Just trying to lean into the universe hoping that they do me good.

 

Its not a factory lift, its rebranded Bilstein 5100s, 8 hours to do it is crazy. Its just a set of shock and a rear block. Maybe 5 hours or 6 at the most. Also test drive before and after, thats a no brainer. Now here is the kicker, the needle bearing is normally the vibration issue when it goes bad,not if but when. So when it goes bad, the warranty allows a new one and then it will fail again. So now you need the East Coast Gear Supply clamshell bushing to stop the vibration by replacing the needle bearing with it. So now your having to deal with a warranty claim where some dealers will use the ECGS bushing. The needle bearing is the weak link. I would skip the TRD lift and go Bilstein for a lifetime warranty, its cheaper with more settings, outside shop won't charge nearly as much as your paying for the install and you still have a warranty. So now you have another vibration as all trucks are slightly different and react differently. You may need a rear carrier bearing drop or a front diff drop to correct some driveline angles if another vibration is there. Also see if you can add a 1/4 inch shim on the driver's side so you won't have the Taco lean anymore. Just saying it can happen, so I personelly don't think the dealer is of much help with that issue if it arises. Good luck and hope it works out well for you.

 

Thanks brother!

 

No he said in post #6
"Found parts in CA for $300 less than MSRP. And got the local dealer to come down $200 for installation. Total came out to just under $2573"

So he is supplying the parts and dealership is only doing the install which he did talk them down $200

 

Bro - I just PMed you with some news.

 

Simple answer.

Yes..... I would also measure BEFORE the Lift.

 

No. You got the quote right, but you are apparently reading it wrong. He said he got them to come down $200. Not that he got them to come down TO $200. They took $200 off the cost of installation, i.e. they came down $200. OP “liked” my original comment. That means I was correct.

 

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Well my main quote wasn't really for the install price. It was from him saying check the paperwork and make sure you are getting what they say. Unless the dealership is going to screw him and take his parts that he purchased elsewhere and put spacers in. So that is what I was talking about.