Lt newbie. Steering upgrades

Hey all, Looking to get the Total chaos 3.5" kit for my 01. I'm new to LT and looking to buy as its something I've wanted for awhile. Do i need the Heim steering upgrades or is there other options? any help will be appreciated, thanks.

 

@Jon64l would have some experience in that.

 

@Jguardino

You don't need them to start, it will save you some money this way.

I do have the heim steering links, super beefy, but I do not have the double sheer tab in place on purpose. I want the bolt to bend 1st. There always has to be a weak link, and I perfer a bent bolt to a broken inner tie rod or rack. Using your stock steering links will be the weak link you want, just carry a spare and proper tools.

You should do the Cam tab gussets and spindle gussets at the same time of LT install.

It really depends how hard you are driving it and where. There are lots of things you will need to address along the way, its constant upkeep if you are really using the truck.

You might also consider solid engine mounts and plating/gusseting the frame side of engine mounts, they are very weak.

The core support will crack, some of the welds on frame will crack. You just have to keep an eye out.

 

thank you, I wasn’t sure if I could even use the stock steering rods. I was unsure of the beefy upgrades one due to some people stating they go to shit quickly. Mine will be a daily 20min to work and a weekend truck at best. Not going to be racing Baja lol.

But I do plan on doing the spindle gussets and cam tab gussets at the sane time.

 

A new kit will come with extensions, if you get a used kit, make sure it has them.

Might already be gone, but here is one
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/socal-brand-new-96-04-camburg-lt-kit.680076/

Since the heims and uni balls are open to the elements, they can wear with dirt and grit. I just use Tri-flow lubricant once or twice a month on all open joints. You will also want to change your lower ball joints every year or two depending how hard you drive.

 

Awesome, I appreciate all the help, I’m sure I’ll pop this thread up again in a couple months once I go to install

 

Are you using the inner clevis for full heim or just outer??

 

Just the outer.

 

So the stock inner tie rod ball would become the weak link if you double sheer the outer? Is there any difference in the steering angle or ackerman after doing just the outer? On the list in the future. It just looks cooler. LOL who cares if it does anything...

 

Inner or rack would be next weak link, not running cam tab gussets is probably the 1st weak link over all. I would rather bend a tie rod bolt than break an inner. Truck would still be drivable and easily fixed. I carry spare bolts, haven't had to use them.

I think the geometry is very similar, not enough to fuss about, especially in the dirt.

 

I also use Tundra lower ball joints, smaller hole, fits the 5/8 bolt better. Tacoma has a larger taper diameter, so less material contacts the bolt.

 

Good to know. Thanks