New to lifted in 5 days - My 2 cents/5100s - pic heavy

I'm not going to recreate the wheel here, I'm simply going to discuss my experiences along the way to my 'build'. Which is sedate to say the least but serves my purpose.

I was dealing on a TRD Sport DC 6MT SB until I found out the TRD Sport DC doesn't come with all the goodies that come on the TRD OR which only comes in the AC here in Canada. Sure the TRD Sport has heated sport seats, colour matched bumpers, grill, handles and mirrors with integrated turn signals. Oh and the sport hood. But the thing that attracted me to the TRD wasn't available in DC. Traction control and locking rear diff. The cost difference between the SR5 with power option and the TRD Sport was $3K and I figured I would rather drive a SR5 with a lift and a canopy then a stock TRD Sport with no canopy.

I have a 2.5" lift at the front using OME 885 coils with Bilstein 5100s and a .5" lift at the back using a custom fab AAL for a 5 pack spring set and Bilstein 5100s, Diff drop kit and Carriage bearing drop kit. I didn't want any headaches. I opted to get the OME coils because I didn't want to achieve my height by preloading the struts. Let's face it, if your spending this kind of cash you might as well keep your ride quality, or at least try. My tires are 265/75/16 Toyo Open Country AT II. Although the AAL isn't the best solution for lifting the back of the truck, I opted to go that route because my rear springs are brand new, I will eventually get a complete leaf kit.

I have no driveline issues or steering wheel shake issues, although the steering got a little lighter when I put the 32s on. Here are some photos of the process.

Stock - picked it up on a Friday and it was lifted the following Wednesday, tires were on by Thursday.



Lifted with OME 885 and 5100's (2.5")/Custom AAL 5 leaf spring pack and Bilstien 5100s (.5")
stock 245/65/16 Dunlops



Lifted with 265/75/16 Toyo Open Country AT II



I also read about guys mounting bikes in the bed using tail gate covers and how some sucked because the bikes still moved. Her is what I did. I'm using the Thule tail gate cover which has a large piece of foam on top that wedges between the down tube and the forks which makes for a pretty snug fit. Because I didn't want the bikes to move at all I used the factory cleats and used a ratchet strap on each of the bikes back wheels, the weren't budging after that.








Some pics of the suspension



Any Qs? Fire away.

 

I have the same truck as you. white sr5 6 speed in white. I really like your lift and want to do the same thing. just need to find 1200 bucks floating around. Enjoy!

 

It's not cheap and the OME coils add cost, about $270 for me, but I wouldn't do it by simply preloading the 5100s to get my lift. What's another $270 when I'm already spending $1,500.

 

That is only a .5" lift in the back or was that a typo? Looks good

 

How is the ride compared to stock? Looking at the same setup when my stock tires die.

 

That's what I'm told. TSB springs plus AAL for a total of 5 leafs. I'll ask and confirm but I'm sure he said .5 AAL.

 

The ride is much better up front but the rear, as with any AAL is a bit harsh at times. That said, any leaf sprung truck I've ridden in had much to be desired. I will be going to a proper leaf pack at some point. Dakar and Allcan get thrown around quit s bit here so I'll look into them.

 

if you think the stock spring with an AAL is "stiff" look somewhere else than the dakars.... cus those rode stiffer than my 3/4ton 2500hd chevy 4x4

 

Any suggestions?

 

All pro standards are nice, flexy and progressive.

 

Thanks, I'll visit their website and bookmark it.

 

I don't suppose you would know how those would compare to a TSB leaf pack plus a 3 leaf progressive AAL? I'll be doing a lift in spring so I'm trying to educate myself on all the options out there. Would like lift but don't want a huge compromise on the ride comfort if possible.

 

How much lift are you going for? What size tires are you going to use?

 

Are those the springs you're using?

 

Well the front I'm actually planning on doing the exact same as you... 5100's with 885's for around 2.5". The rear I've been looking at what I posted above with the factory overload removed, I believe that will net around 2" in the back. Also ordered airbags for when I tow.

Tires I haven't decided yet but probably a 32" maybe in 275.

 

Subd

 

I'm running the TSB springs with factory overload and a single custom AAL. I asked the owner if they remove the overload spring and he said no. Does it make the ride better if the overload spring is removed? He does so many Tacoma's that he always has all the parts in his shop to do them, I would think he knows what he's up to and he is spoken very highly of by the Jeep boys out here in the wild wild West Coast of B.C. lol

 

My buddy went from the dakars to the all pro standards. While they are stiffer than my 3+1 leaf pack and the single 2in AAL that i have, the all pro standards seem to be much more flexy and progressive. My AAL setup is just generally stiffer through the whole range, the standards are nice and soft but stiffen up properly at close to bump.

 

Looks good OP!

 

I need to pay more attention, didn't notice until now you are in BC too lol. My reason for wanting to remove the overload was primarily without doing so it would be more lift in the back then I want. I've also heard removing it will allow for more flex, but also may reduce it's handling in hauling / towing situations which is why I picked up airbags to compensate for that.

It does sound like progressive is what I'm after. I like a softer ride but wouldn't mind if it was stiffening up towards the end of its travel.