Not Satisfied with 881 - Options

I just installed 881 on my extra cab, and intended to include 3/8 top plate spacers but the studs were stock length and they wouldn’t fit. I’m pretty disappointed in how much lift the 881 alone gave me and am thinking the 3/8 spacer won’t really add all that much in the end. The progressive AAL is way higher.

So should I add larger top spacers until I’m happy or swap out for 882 or something taller? I’ve got 285/75 ready to go that I need to make room for. I’m not sure why the 881 + top spacer is preferred route.

After:


UPDATE:
Finished everything and am much happier with the ride and level of the 881+10mm spacer in conjunction with new tires. It’s smooth and even

 

The spring rates are softer on the 881 so they’re preferred for comfort. If you decide to go with 882 or 883 without adding any weight to the front, the ride will be a bit stiffer. Are those new leafs on the rear plus an add a leaf?

 

Okay thanks. So you think top plate spacers isn’t a good route?

I actually think these 881 are quite squishy so stiffer won’t bother me. The rears are stock leafs with wheelers progressive 1.5” AAL. I left the overload in, thinking I wouldn’t get much lift from just the AAL. The stock suspension was dead so it all feels much better.

I’m also getting a slow speed vibration. Between 15-25mph, not sure what could be causing it.

 

I had the OME 881s installed with the 3/8 spacer, and went with Dakar rear leaf pack no AAL.
The front sits about 1/2 inch lower than the rear. A nice rake. I will probably go 882 in the near future and add a HD front bumper arb or similar.
Ground to flare front measures 38" and rear is 38 1/2" that's with stock tires 265/70/16.
Soon to be 285/75/16.

 

I’m getting 37.5” on the front with just 881. Might do 1/2” spacer on driver side and 3/8” on passenger. But still not sure if that will even it out with rear. Need to get a better rear measurement.

I strangely like the rear to sit even or a little lower than the front. My inner bro coming out maybe.

 

I'd do the 3/8 spacer on both. 5mm trim packer on drivers side and throw some weight in the bed.Drive it a few weeks.

I noticed the rear taking longer to settle in then the front.

I believe 3/8 spacer is close to 3/4
And 1/2 close to an inch once installed.

Over 200 pages of info/pics on this thread
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/old-man-emu-setups-on-1st-gen.141055/

 

Thanks! Appreciate the input.

Yeah, I’ve read every page of that thread. Awesome source. I guess I keep forgetting that the rears will settle quite a bit.

 

Honestly it doesn’t look that bad in that photo. I have the exact same issue with my 2003 ext cab. 881/5100’s didn’t give me enough lift to look right with the single AAL. Have you tried to load the rear and putting some miles on it to break in your AAL’s? I’m hoping a topper will help me, if I ever find one.

Sorry for your frustrations, but I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who finds the 881’s to be squishy/too floaty. People think I’m crazy when I say mine are too soft, even with no weight. My last 2003 had the same, but with the RCD branded 5100’s and it was great. It’s weird to me. Maybe I missed it, but which shocks did you use?

 

Sorry for the extra post, couldn’t figure out how to edit and add from my phone. Here’s how bad my rake was within the first 500 miles. I think it’s slighty better now, but not much.

 

Idk, that rake looks fantastic. Here’s my truck right after installing Dakar leaf springs and 880s:


I’d give it a few weeks to settle in. Throw some weight in back.

 

No AAL with your new pack?

 

@JpAdct Nope.

 

And this is what scares the crap out of me as I’m about to order full OME for my 2002 DC. Too many variables and even varied outcomes with similar setups. All of my tools are back in Florida so I’m at the mercy of my local 4wd shop if I need to redo something to balance it out.

 

I have 5100s they’re branded RCD but didn’t know that made a difference. The ride is smooth, but definitely way softer than I was expecting.

Side note:

Do any of you with lots of rake have driveline vibration? I’m wondering if the difference is causing my vibration

 

It looks way better after some miles.

 

883

 

What about them?

 

I have no vibes with my set up (5100’s/881/AAL).

OP,
Try raising your 5100’s just one notch. You’ll get lift and more stiff coils. Most say not too, but one notch shouldn’t hurt. I’m considering it.

 

Was considering the same. For the same reasons. Could ride nice actually. Just sucks that you have to take them out to adjust.

 

After doing more research I guess I need some shims for the rear to eliminate the vibes.