Need a little help with suspension mods on 2000 Tacoma 3.4L V6

Got the diff drop kit installed this morning. Took all of 5 minutes since I already had the skid plates off. Looks like it's time to hit the hills.

 

Holy crap it doesn't look like that much lift.

That stance is awesome IMO

I run 31x10.5x15 and was always a bit hesitant to gain any lift because I didn't want my tires to look like rollerskate wheels.

 

When I first looked at it after the lift I didn't think it was that much but that's what it measures. Getting in and out you can definitely tell the lift is there.

 

I'll bet you actually have less lift over oem then you think...

I'm guessing the original suspension had settled some from it's original height.
so you're not actually at 4" of lift.

oh.. and diff drops are a waste of money.
They do little but drop the forward end of the diff.
leaving the rear at it's original postition...
Probably changing the driveshaft's u-joint angle
thus creating more wear issue for that U joint.

The key is not to lift a tacoma any more then 2 3/4" over oem.
If ya do... you'll just accelerate wear issues and create other problems.

Modifying the wheel well(s) for obstruction...
is the only correct way to install over sized tires that could impair
wheel/tire travel.

If one need lift taller then 2 3/4"...
I would recommend removing the ifs and SAS'ing it.

You could also do that with drop brackets... but they suck.

 

My truck's front and rear are sagging worse than a grandmother...

...so when you say 2 3/4" over OEM I assume you're talking about the specs the day Ol' Red rolled off the line?

Because I guarantee if I replace my entire suspension with OEM parts, I'd gain more than 2 3/4" of "lift" so to speak.

That said, do I need to worry about drive shaft angles, etc?

 

yes

no... not initially... unless you have vibes.
but over time... it could escalate wear

I have between 2 - 2.5" of suspension lift.
I roll 295's (33.3 X 11.50)
I still have all the original factory drive line parts from day one.
My junk is 13 yrs. old... and has been used off road plenty.

Of course... I don't beat on it like I stole it...
so maybe that's why...

But I will bet it has more to do with keeping the suspension geometry
within the specifications that Toyota engineered.

to each their own of course...
I just don't like having repairs I can avoid.

 

I don't have any vibes or issues whatsoever.

And I'm a "stock" kind of guy. I just eventually want to rejuvenate the suspension and bring it back to OEM specs.... and run 31x10.5x15 tires.

 

You should be able to run those sized tires with little to no lift,
simply knock the pinchweld down some.
Possibly the front mudflap could interfere and need removal.
Maybe some minimal trimming... but should be real easy stuff.

Upgrading/improving your tired suspension will offer better handling and control and will be a vast improvement

I actually have near 3.5" total lift to fit my 295's
but the only way to do that...
is to either add a body lift... or clearance the wheel wells

I chose to do the easy/cheap route by adding a 1" BL.

Many peeps hate them... but I have never had issue...
and it saved me cutting up/modifying the inner fenders.

I wouldn't recommend a body lift for those whom think they own
a WOT race truck... that hovers and slams back down to the earth.

^ but then... I don't recommend doing that ever on a stock truck

 

Okay maybe I'm not being clear enough.

I've never had issues running 31x10.5s, it's what the truck came with.

I'm not looking to lift my truck.

The only "lift" I will get is when I replace my worn out suspension and get back to OEM specs.

 

IMO

"Lift" is a poor choice of words anyway...
"Suspension upgrade" would be a better choice.

In any case...
some suspension lift will occur...
as a by product of installing new aft. mrkt. suspension components.

Many folk tend to exceed the geometry of the Tacoma by lifting too high...
for no other reason then to install large tires.
But then limit the suspension... or not take full advantage of it's travel.

Lift is not what should determine clearance for larger tires... ever

And no... my comments weren't directly meant for you...
but for others reading.

Tho'
those 31's might look a little small in there...
if the suspension components you eventually choose...
might lift the suspension more then you expected.