Maintenance to perform while installing lift

Well after several years of going back n forth and researching kits. I have finally pulled the trigger. I am looking for recommendations of what maintenance or additional aftermarket parts I should do while I have my front and rear tore apart. I have a 2017 TRD Off-road with 67K on it. I have kept up with all required services at the 5k and 10k intervals.

I am installing the RC 6" lift with the 2.5 Vertex CO and shocks. Wheels are KMC Summit 17x8.5 with 0 offset paired with Toyo Open Country MT 315/70R17. I will be performing a CMC and trimming as required.

I'm not looking for a debate/discussion on one lift kit vs. another or 3" vs 6". I have my reasons on why I chose this kit and what I plan to use it for. I am happy with my decision, just looking for recommendations or lessons learned from others on additional maintenance or parts required.

 

^^^ What he said. Main thing I would say is the ECGS bushing.

 

Are you cutting up your frame yourself?

 

Thank you. just put them on order

 

I am. I was a ship fitter and Aircraft mechanic in a former life.

 

Like @whatstcp said, do the front diff bushing. I skipped doing mine when I did my 2” lift and then installed one about a year later. Easier to do it right away before your alignment.
Also, I’d take all the leaf springs apart and grease or Lucas-oil them to make sure they won’t start squeaking in the future.

 

You don’t need ecgs bushing for 6”

you do need to remove and drain the front differential though

also make sure to paint or under coat the frame where you make the cut.

If your steering rack is leaking, it’s best to change it while the differential is out. They commonly leak on Tacoma. Check your boots.

 

Im currently in the process of researching a new set of leaf springs for a 6" lift. I would rather not have the 4 1/2' block. I've seen a few companies that can make me one, but have to wait till tomorrow to get some quotes.

 

So with a DB lift there’s no need for an ECGS bushing? I would have thought there’d still be more than 2” of lift angle difference between stock and 6” DB lifted?
And good call regarding the rust proofing too.

 

Curious, why would I remove my front diff? I just had both diffs done at 60k. Is there an additional reason why besides looking at my rack?

 

Agree that's what I was thinking to. A lot easier to do things when you are already in there.

 

You remove the diff to cut the hole in the frame for pinion access after the DB is done. You then add 2 new mounting brackets to the front diff.

The diff is physically lower, a true diff drop, and the new knuckles provide much better cv axle angles than a 3" lift would have. See if you can find pictures.

You don't even need upper a arms with the DB lifts. It's pretty clever. They ride rough, but you have coil overs at least.

 

Do you have the RC Vertex lift or have you ridden in one? I haven’t yet, but heard good things across all platforms. I don’t like the spacer in the back, and hopefully can have a new leaf set made to accommodate the lift and weight

 

No, my shop installs lifts.

we just installed our first vertex lift, a 3 and 2 lift.

The installer said it rode rough but still far better than a spacer lift.

usually the 6” kit is a block and extra leafs. I wouldn’t want a 4” block.

 

just curious..why people lift it 6 inches? imo every 6in lifted tacoma ive seen looks terrible and the ride looks rough. is it just for car show stuff?

 

Schedule your alignment at a reputable shop that has a good history of aligning lifted Toyotas the next few days after you finish your lift.

 

Because we can. Why lift 1, 2, or 3”. If you read my previous post you will see I’m planning on getting rid of the back block, for a custom leaf pack. Not sure why it would ride “rough”. I’ll have adjustable 2.5 CO in front and adjustable 2.5 shocks in the rear with a new leaf. No spacers anywhere. My geometry up front will be close to stock so hopefully no issues with CVs. I’ll have less trimming to do to fit my 35’s, in addition to a little more ground clearance (not a lot)

IMO I don’t like the look of the 3rd gen with 33’s or 35’s stuffed in the wheel well. I’ve already done the 3” build on my 1st gen (refer to my build page). Going a different route this time.

 

definitely, I’m currently on the hunt for one. I’m in Ohio near Dayton so if anyone knows of one, please let me know

 

I'm sorry as I am uneducated on a 6" lift and don't know what's included with your RC lift kit. Would you need UCAs? Bump stops?

 

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