Long Travel Suspension

Can I run a 6" lift kit with long travel suspension?

 

No

 

I was just wondering. I've owned Tacomas my whole life but I've always kept them stock. I'm really starting to get into the overlander scene and am just really trying to learn more about everything. I appreciate the help.

 

If you are getting into overlanding then you don't need a 6" lift. a 6" lift is for some heavy duty rock crawling and things like that. Keep the Toyota close to stock, under 2.5" of lift. Then you are not messing with the dynamics as much, this means you are not messing with towing capacity as much and you are not messing with aerodynamics and things like that as much. If you really get into it then you can get a trailer and don't need a huge drop hitch for it, or when you get the offroad trailer with 33" tires on it, you don't have to worry about trying to fit 35s or something on it. Keep it close to stock, everything will be easier in the long run.

 

I use my truck as my daily driver and i also work out in the oilfield, that's why i wanna go with a long travel suspension for running around on all these rough ass lease roads. I found a long travel kit that's 3" of lift with a max tire size of 33's. Is something i should be considering for my build that would also work with my work environment?

 

Yeah I would probably disregard the post above too. 6” lift is for pavement pounding, which I’m into so I don’t hate. But if you’re really getting into overlanding, OME makes a great product and I would look into their kits. If you want to go full long travel, Baja kits, camburg (wouldn’t recommend them after a terrible experience I’ve had with them before) and total chaos. Lots of options depending on your goals.

 

6" lift is all about the mall crawling! The bigger lift kits use dropdown brackets which are prone to bending and putting leverage on the frame it wasn't designed for. With some wheel well trimming and cab mount chop you can run very efficient and functional overland size tires with a mid travel suspension. If you're looking in to really big tires or custom long travel, bulge fenders can be used. Bigger tires than that you're looking at a SAS. look at Jerrytacos build thread. He has a super functional suspension, 34" tires and around 3.5" lift.

 

I wanna build my truck that fits both my needs for work and my wants for overlanding. I just wanna find that happy medium between the 2 that fits both. My main concern right now is the suspension. I have looked into the overlanding trailers and i am for sure gonna invest in one. I recently ordered a pack rack from all pro offroad that should be in soon. I also have a guy building me a slide out kitchen for the bed of my truck.

 

I pull a single axle 20' camper. My Taco has Icon mid travel as well as ride rite airbags and Daystar floating cradles which give me great performance with and without the trailer. I also run 4.88 diffs which you may want to consider if your doing allot of towing.

I think you should try to determine a few things before you start on truck upgrades.

What size tires you want to run on your truck?

What is the GVWR of your trailer as well as tounge weight?

How much extra weight will be dedicated to your truck permanently? i.e. slide out kitchen, armor, gear.

Do you need your truck to perform differently with the trailer vs with out?

 

Get a 2" extended per side LT kit and good shocks and you will have a lot more fun on shitty roads. Upgrade the rear suspension first or at the same time. Gusset everything (if you actually drive like a long travel kit is designed for you will thank me later)

 

I would look into a mid-travel setup for your needs, long travel sounds like it would be way overkill. Long travel involves spending thousands more and is usually run by people that want the ability to fly (as in, wheels off the ground jumps and going 60+ mph over dunes and high speed racing over desert terrain). Long travel requires constant maintenance and a lot of customization and cutting/chopping...it's a pretty intense way to go with a build. I'd do a lot of research into it and also look hard at going mid-travel instead, which is what most guys/gals on here do. A good mid-travel setup can give you up to 3" of lift, allow for bigger tires, and allow for higher speed off roading over rough terrain without the expense and constant maintenance that long travel requires.

Kings, Icons, Fox, ADS, Radflo, Toytec are all good brands to look into for mid-travel setups

 

Most 'overlanders' including the popular Expedition Overland crew on Youtube run mid-travel setups. They run an Icon mid-travel setup on all of their vehicles, not sure which stage it is but I'm sure it's the higher end stage 4 or 5 since they're sponsored by them. But their overland rigs are lifted no more than 3" and running 33" tires, and they're very capable. Of course, 'overlanding' involves quite a bit more than just suspension...essentially it means you're exploring the world by vehicle with as self-sustaining a setup as possible. This means a lot of recovery equipment, food and water storage, sleeping essentials and long-range fuel, battery and power equipment.

 

X2^^

And make sure you research the crap out of everything before you make a decision so you’ll be happy with it in the long run.

 

You don't need long travel for a good ride. UCA with kings works just fine. Especially for an "overland" build. LT is great but doesn't sound like it's needed. Im running bajakits UCA with kings and adjusters. Rides good enough and is also adjustable to your liking.

Good luck with allpro. Hopefully you get your rack. There has been A LOT of issues with them and got their vendor status revoked on this site.

Check out Bajakits, total chaos, camburg, dirt king @JT@Bajakits

 

PM, email or give me a call!

I can definitely assist you with this.

We have couple different options and we can discuss what will work for your needs.

Thanks

JT

 

I really appreciate everyone's input and knowledge on all of this it's been a great help! I'm for sure gonna take everyones advice and start going away from the LT idea that i had going on. JT thanks for the contact information i will for sure be calling you soon.

 

6" lift is absolutely not for heavy duty rock crawling. @Keane@1991 get yourself a good set of coilovers and a complete leaf pack (Allpro, Dakars, or if you feel like cutting on stuff, do the 63 swap - see my build thread). Lots of people recommend 5100s and whatnot but if you are going to be adding armor, go with better quality suspension.