New Cap + Tools = Build

Hello TW, first time posting and I could really use your help.

Truck: 2010 2.7L 2wd Auto Stock
Cap: Leer 100rc with AluRack and sideboxes

Problems:
*Rear end sags and bounces more over bumps due to added weight from cap + ladders + tools.
*Also I seem to be getting more body roll on turns due to the weight being higher on the truck.
*Decreased acceleration / more frequent downshifting due to extra weight

Goals:
*Reduce body roll
*Increase weight capacity
*If possible I wouldn't mind lifting the whole truck 1.5" or so during this process
*Try to regain some of the acceleration i've lost / reduce downshifting up hills

My thoughts:
*Front + Rear 5100
*Rear Leaf Pack (not sure which one need help)
*Change from Steel to Alloy rims
*lce headers
*Magnaflow exhaust

Questions:
*Should I do new stiffer coils to reduce the body roll?(if so which)
*What leaf pack should I get to bring the rear up and add to the carrying capacity
*Anyone have problems with alloy rims warping or breaking due to rough roads (Live in Maine some roads can get rough)

Im not really worried about the decrease in acceleration doesn't bother me that much, I got the truck cause I wanted the great mpg i get driving like and old man at 24. My main goal is to just get the ride quality back and maybe a little lift.

Will post a picture when its not raining outside

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!!

 

IMO and for about $300 any half decent spring shop can re-arch and add a leaf to what you already have.. and new shocks wouldn't hurt.

 

I am so not-expert that you should immediately ignore everything I say.

However, I'm driving a very similar rig (2013, 2.7, AC rwd, cap, and ~500# of tools all the time), and I'll tell you what I did.

First, find 5 hours to read this: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-spring-refurbishing.194386/

As a total cheapskate, the idea of cheaps leafs was way more attractive than a ~$500 leaf pack from Wheelers or someone. If you do end up shopping around, note that you're probably a spring under axle design, so different from most tacos on the road. That means you'll need something with extra lift to get even remotely close to what you want.

Anyway, I got a leaf pack from a TRD offroad and used only the top leaf for its eyelets. I slapped 3 chevy suburban leafs below that. No overload. The arc on the assembled new pack was about an inch less than my existing pack, so I was worried about lift. Luckily, the added stiffness meant about an inch more lift when assembled and loaded, so I was a happy camper. Ride-wise, it hasn't really changed much. However, the packs now squeak like a b*****d (even with the old squeak pads installed), so my wife-acceptance-factor is very low.

Good luck, whichever path you choose.

 

I also have a 2010 5 lug with a cap and can tell you that Bilstein doesn't make a 5100 strut for the front of the truck, no do they have one that will work. I'm installing my pro comp 2.75" spacer/1.75" AAL today and am putting the stock Prerunner/4x4 5100 series shock (part# 24-186728) in the rear as they will work with the added 1.75" of lift putting the truck at approximately the stock height of the Prerunner/4x4. The only option for the front struts through Bilstein is the 4600 series OEM replacement struts, good luck finding those, both sides are on back order till September/October according to Bilstein.

 

Thank you
I've been told by my brother and a friend that I should go to one of our local shops and hearing it for a third time has sold me on having them do it.

Thank you
I was trying to save money doing it myself but decided to just have a shop do the leafs. Props for your multi brand leafs

I would rather not do anything with spacers if I don't have too, cause my understanding(may be wrong) is that all they do is give you lift and no added benefit.
I could have sworn that I have read of lots of people putting 5100 on front and rear, do they not work on the 2wd? or are people putting them on their trucks even though they aren't intended for the front end?

 

Still looking for advise on new coils and whether or not I should upgrade?
Also looking for info on alloy wheels and rather or not they are a good idea?

Once again thanks for any input

 

Anyone suggesting air bags? Firestone ride-rite will set you up with more capacity and may even bring your rear up a little. At the very least level your bed under all the weight. As long as you plumb the air lines individually, it does wonders for body roll while cornering as well. Just my .02 since nobody else has suggested them. Around $300 and you can install it yourself. Theoretically they should help with acceleration squat/axel wrap and help get you moving from a stop also.

 

You are the first to recommend them. I personally don't know anything about them. Are they durable and long lasting? And would temperature change effect the air in the bags? I live in Maine and the temperature can very significantly in 24 hours

 

I did a cheapo AAL from eBay and it works great for extra weight out back. A spacer is the only way to get front lift, I chopped one down to level the front with my AAL, and not take the adjustments out to the ends for alignment. I did a thread on it here,

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/level-it-1-1-5.324727/

I did a LCE header and Magnaflow muffler, but neither is much different unless you do a re gear. That will wake it up. The header was nice to enhance the gearing. I'm pretty sure the muffler did nothing but give a bit of sound. I'm at 4.88 with 31/10.5-15. I recommend 4.10 with stock tires, yeah. It sounds extreme but my MPG is still 23/24 after I adjusted the numbers for my now 10% low reading odometer!

 

Many guys do put 5100's on the front and rear of a 2wd but those are guys with the Prerunner 6 lug. The 5 lug trucks have significantly different front suspension and are spring under axel in the rear. I already looked to see if i could use the prerunner coil springs in the front and it won't work. 5 Lugs aren't very popular trucks and don't have the aftermarket support that the 6 lugs do.

 

thank you

sorry mataco7891 I did not mean to doubt you didn't know the 2wd was different suspension in the front

Edit: I mean 5 lug

 

Yes, they are extremely durable. I don't think you will find anyone on here that has any complaints about them and you rarely see used bags go on sale because everyone keeps them. I am an avid DIYer and I actually haul building materials with my truck from drywall and tile to soil and gravel. I had them on my last truck and loved them, should be getting a set for the Tacoma this weekend. As far as temperature affecting them, I wouldn't imagine the bags being affected any more than your tires are with temperature variations. Firestone uses the same rubber compound to make them (minus the radial support to keep them flexible) so they're durable. I won't even pretend to know exact ratios for ambient temperature vs pressurized air or how any of the science works behind that. Since the bags are usually run at a mere 5psi for daily driving to about 15-20 psi for heavy loads, I cant see why there would be a huge difference due to temperature changes. Just my experience with them, but I think they're a simpler solution for you...

 

No worries man, I just want to pass along anything that I've learned from TacomaWorld and my frustration with my truck haha, thats why we're here after all; good luck!

 

Thanks, yeah didn't realize the 5 lug front struts were so hard to upgrade and add a little lift without spacers or lots of cash.

Still really thinking about getting new rims and tires before the winter. I haven't had to replace the tires since I bought the truck 3 years ago, wondering if it's worth buying alloy rims (which would be lighter) and if 235 would be worse in the snow then the 215 that are on it now?

 

I got a a set of TRD Bilstiens from a 2010 6-lug for $30 on Craigslist. I only used the rear shocks and 6-Lug shocks are like 2-3in longer than our 5-lug. With that different it was a bit harder to install but I was able to do it with only my hands. This made my truck pretty stiff, compared to the stock shocks and I definitely noticed a difference with swaying as I get on and off the highway. I should also note that I haven't bottomed out in the back either.

Also removing the secondary air filter and adding an afe high flow filter added some more throttle response.

As for lifting/Leveling the back is pretty easy but the front is the tricky part. Beyond spacers (http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-2wd-5-lug-275-front-lift-kit-2005-2015-p7630.aspx) from what I've seen it gets expensive quick because to put any decent shock to lift you need a uca.


For $30 and some of my time I cant complain

 

I already removed the secondary air filter (should have said that) but thanks for recommending that. As for the high air flow filter, I was kind of put off on the fact that it is just a thinner filter that may let more particles through

 

Its also nice because to clean it (which you can do it compared to stock)..Just think of when you need to change your stock air filter upgrade then

 

Finally got some time to take a few picks so here she isAs you see it's not squatting to much but this is without any ladders or material just some of my tools

 

I had 235/75's on stock setup on my 2012 auto 5 lug and found the slightly taller tire to be better suited than the stock 215's. you wouldnt need a lift to clear the tires either. I then put a fat bobs lift and add a leaf with the 235s. It road like a heavy duty truck, stiff unless you have it loaded, then it road much better. I then went to 31s and noticed a significant power loss from the bigger tire but still pulls my trailer but with more throttle input. I've heard nothing but good things about the firestone air bags especially with the bottom perches that allow the bags to be free floating. Was going that route until I installed the aal now dont need the extra from the air bags. Pic of mine with lift and 235s.

 

Truck looks very clean I like it, making me want to de-badge mine.
On a different note I started my truck today and my belt started squealing, I figured no biggie it will dry off and stop. Squealed the whole time to the job site which was only a 15 minute drive so I figured it was still damp. When i got in my truck to drive home after sitting for 8 hours it still squealed the whole way home. The belt looks in good condition, does it need belt dressing? or could it be a pulley? only does it after rain or a real damp morning.