Official 5-lug Suspension Setup Thread

I don't know what is going on with the pics. Sometimes I can see them and some times not. I'll reload them again when I get back on the computer. I think it has something to do with the format. It gives me an error when I try to upload them with my phone.

 

Do you all get an alignment after the lift? I plan to lift my 5 lug soon but my budget is very low since I am broke from paying college.

 

An alignment is mandatory - the front end geometry is changed with the spacer lift.

Now, i had my lift done by a shop because i am not physically well enough to attempt myself, but i went over-budget by $1300.00 CDN in parts and labor to replace LCA's due to seized pivot bolts that needed torching off (which in turn wreck the LCA's).. point being do not attempt unless you have a slush-fund built up to cover random acts of shit-happens, or you may be driving or parking a buggered truck for some time.

 

If I install this lift myself at home, is it safe to drive it to a shop to get an alignment? I get my alignments done at a shop that is 30mins away from my house. I'm not sure if it is safe to drive long distances before it is aligned.

 

If you get it within the ball-park, and have things well tightened up for the trip, you should be ok. It'll probably shimmy, and drag to one side or the other to a degree, but as long as you are cautious, and aren't busting any sound barriers you should be ok.

 

What are some of the options for the rear leafs on a 5 lug.
I was thinking the toytec 3 leaf pack. To help with the added weight of my cap and to get it back to having some rake.
I was looking at other leaf packs and most seemed to be for 6 lug only.

 

Some said they couldn't see my pics, so I just reloaded them in my post.

 

Have you measured to see how much lift you need in the rear? I have been really pleased so far with the add a leaf that I put in my truck. It has a better ride that feels more like a truck and doesn't squat with just a light load as before. You may be happy with something like this.

http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-5-lug-rear-add-a-leaf-lift-kit-2wd-1995-2015-p7921.aspx

They were real helpful when I called to ask about my lift. I'm no subject matter expert, but just wanted to throw out an option for you.

 

Thanks for the reply townvilletim,

how much lift do the fatbobs add to your truck and do you drive with it loaded often? Anyone have any experience with the toytec ( http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Toytec-Progressive-3-Leaf-Add-A-Leaf-Pack_p_976.html# ) ?

Edit: Are these compatible with the 5 lug? ( http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-Rear-leaf-springs-2005-Tacoma-SET_p_18.html# )

 

Looking at the Toytec website - they have the disclaimer that these do not work with the 5 lug Tacoma.

"NOTE: Toytec Lifts Suspension parts do not fit 5 wheel lug Tacoma’s. Please check your application before ordering."
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Tacoma-05-Up_c_11.html

With my ReadyLift SST AAL, I can confidently say that my Tacoma is a lot more ready for carrying around my 500lb ATV, than before. All the AAL's for our 5-lugs are similar - so it's a matter of what Brand you wish to go with.

 

The ones that came with my lift are 1.5" but the link I posted for you is 2". They may have others available. That was just a quick search I did. I opted for the longer AAL because the ride is supposed to be better.

Mine is a daily driver mostly. My loading comes from camping, where I have the camper hitched and the bed loaded with gear and supplies. She really sat down before with all of that. I had to flip the draw bar over to raise the ball.

 

thanks again

Am going with a 2" minimal I think, maybe bigger need to decide which brand then call and ask them their opinion.

 

You're welcome! When I was researching my lift, it seemed the only two options for the 5 lug were Fat Bob's and ReadyLift. I went with Fat Bob's because it included the shocks. There's probably more options for just the AAL's.

 

A thought that comes to mind, with your relatively consistently heavy tradesmen's loading - would a combination solution be possible with the weight issue? IE an AAL/Longer shock setup with Firestone air-bags?

 

do I have to replace the shocks with longer ones, and if I do are the fat bobs shocks good or should I order a set of 5100 for the rear?

 

I have had the air bags recommended to me, think I want to try getting a aal first.

I don't know if I fully understand how the airbags work, I understand that it is adjustable which is nice, but how does that help the springs with the heavy load?

 

In principle, the AAL increases your base loading capability and overall ride-height, with longer shocks. The air-bags would augment that capacity in terms of making the ride firmer and reducing body-roll further, depending on how heavily loaded you are at any given time, in the back.

I have yet to load my ATV up after my lift - due to a 1 pc tonneau cover that makes removal of it a little less than convenient. Once i've sold off that tonneau cover, and replaced with a 3 fold version, i'll be testing the loading out. If still not satisfactory to my firm ride and handling tastes, the firestone bag option is next on the table to explore further.

 

Aaaah... Thank you very helpful information, didn't really think about how the airbags would help with body roll. Sound like I might want to really look into bags after I get my aal done

Edit: Wondering if I should size my aal to incorporate airbags so I don't end up with to much rake, when not loaded.

 

My Fatbob lift should be coming in within the next couple days. I'm pretty stoked to see the outcome after the lift

 

Take care of the AAL first. Too many factors involved, to be trying to second-guess that, at this time. Might not even be necessary.

The other aspect is - there is a 2wd version, and a 4x4 version of the air-bag setup .. not sure if related to different leaf-springs used between Tacoma versions, or if it's more related to the stock ride height - In my readings so far on the air-bag setup, I noted someone in an Amazon.com review commented that although they had a 2wd - it was a pre-runner, and they had to get a 4x4 version - which leads me to believe it may be related to stock ride height, and overall length of the Firestone air-bag from mounting bracket to bracket. Once your AAL is done, you'll find out what the overall ride-height is, and will be able to see more accurately what setup you might potentially require, and order appropriately if the need is still there.

JMHO.