Old Man Emu: Questions, Answers & Pictures

I agree. I should have bought some when I did lift my truck. My OEM UCAS ball joints are smoked. And when I say smoked, the ball joint had so much movement it was like churning butter.

 

I think I'll get one here pretty soon! I'm doing another install day when my bumpers get here! With 2 bumpers, sliders, skids, I'm sure I can throw on a u bolt flip kit in that time hahha

 

Nice! Get those rock grabbers up and out of the way

 

I was looking into getting this suspension from toytech and was just wondering what size tires would I be able to get away with on the 3 inch lift for the first gen , And if I need to get spacers or not. Also they have the 881 or 883 front coil sizes and I was thinking about going with the 883s so I could add a new bumber and winch later on. With that being said will my front end sit higher until I put that extra weight on? Inputs please!! Thanks

 

I recently purchased the front and rear OME shocks. 886 coils and 90000 struts. I will also be purchasing Light Racing UCAs and a leaf pack soon. My question is, if I go with the OME Dakar leaf pack which is at 2.75". Will I be level?

 

No

 

So will I be higher in the rear?

 

Yes

 

Ok thanks, what is the best way to be level?

 

Measure your ride heights now , assuming 886's will give you 3" up front , add that to the front measurement , subtract the rear measurement from that and you'll know how much you need to lift the rear to be level , buy a leaf pack or AAL that lifts that amount

 

From what I've read, some people take out a leaf from the Dakar pack to become closer to level. OZ would know for sure.

Edit: disregard he's much faster than I am. And more knowledgeable.

 

Will do thanks!

 

I just installed my OME lift with top plate spacers and an AAL in the rear. What do you do with the old coil overs and rear shocks? My tacoma only has 15000 miles on it, so I was wondering if there was a good way to get a few bucks out of them. I'd hate to just throw away perfectly good parts.

 

Put em on craigslist and TW, but don't expect to get a lot of money for them.

The only bite I got on my take offs was our local Toyota dismantler made me an offer and came round and picked them up. I forget how much for.

 

Great backup shocks if something fails!

 

Can someone refresh my memory as far as what the +, -, 0 means on the Dakars?

If I recall correctly It would make a slight difference as to which one would be better suited on the drivers side / passenger side. I am having them installed tomorrow. I have a "0" and a "-".

I am assuming the "0" would be best suited on the drivers side but want to be sure. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I believe + is arched slightly over spec (meaning slightly more lift). 0 is right at spec and - is arched slightly under spec (less lift). Put whatever one will be taller on the driver's side. I had a + and a 0. The + went to the driver's side and 0 to the passenger side.

 

Thanks. I'll have them put the "0" on the drivers side then and the "-" on the passenger side. Makes sense. Cheers.

 

Installing 883s and TSB leafs tomorrow for what is expected to be about a 1.5" lift. My question is regarding alignment, I am not upgrading my UCAs but I expect that will not be an issue. Do you think I should be able to hit the following specs? Should I instruct the shop on this?

0 toe
0 camber
2.5-3 caster (ideally 2.6)

 

Couple of tips for anyone doing an install, just a couple of things that would have been good to know that could save you a few minutes hassle.
1. Remove the front sway bar from it mounts to get it out of the way while removing/installing the struts. Be prepared to beat and bend the inner fender panel to remove and install the UCA bolt.
2. If you're doing one leaf spring at a time, loosen all the u-bolts on the opposite side. Leave the first side loose until you've got the second spring installed. The end of the Dakar leaf without bushings installed goes toward the tailgate. Don't mess with the u-bolts until your got the bolts through the bushings.