Overwhelmed By Suspension Options

Its interesting you say that. I don't really have a technical background in automotive (if you need anything related to statistics, programming, firearms, etc. I'm your man). But today I was behind a truck that was just stupid lifted up with really big wheels (I'm 6'3" and I'd need a small ladder to climb into it). But the rear diff...I can't believe it was more than half a foot, or maybe half a foot and change, higher than mine. In other words, I couldn't see how it gained as much clearance as the elevated height of the cabin would have suggested. The other thing I wondered about is its stability. I bet it could be tipped over pretty easily on inclined ground. I should have taken a picture of it.

 

Just picked these up today from headstrong.. can’t give you a full review quite yet but from what I’ve geard and read there decent. Fox 2.5’s...

 

Google an Ultra 4 truck. Those are absolutely the most capable off road vehicles out there. Look at how much they are NOT lifted! Big tires, low center of gravity. Keep it low as possible.

 

5k, rims/tires(285's), 5100's, 2888's, dakars, UCA's, ECGS. Plenty of ground clearance and not so high as to cause issues with cv joints or drive shaft issues.

 

Budget is a factor.

Me personally, I did a ton of research, compared lifts to cost etc. At the end of the day I went with king 2.5 w/resis and a Deaver stage II in the rear, and a ubolt flip kit.

I got the shocks from @JT@Bajakits and the Deavers from Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road

Check out this vid, its VERY informative. I even called and talked to Ben, hes straight forward and wont try to sell you something.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MsKf1lIYI0&t=216s

 

I run 5100’s with them set to just level things out and 265’s. I do a decent amount of off road exploring around Southern California and it is more than sufficient for my needs. I’m going to be spending my $ on sliders and under belly armor for those times I’m going just a little too fast and might misjudge my clearance over something, or not spot some rock. I dunno, lots of situations where armor can save your ass and be the difference between driving home and being towed home coz your transfer case lost all the oil out a hole in it. Also, more lights coz it gets really fucking dark out there lol ...

I’ll consider doing a legit lift later when the suspension starts to get a bit tired, but seeing as how right now it’s been getting me through a lot of stuff just fine, including things I seriously didn’t think I could make it over, i think I’m okay just learning how to handle climbing over stuff with this setup before investing $ in better.

For now i just feel my $ is better put into other more useful, to me mods. I think that’s what is really important: figuring out what you need. The truck is real capable stock, so get out there and use it and see whatever you feel it needs improving in.

IMHO a good set of tires and some armor goes a long ways.

 

He does seem pretty knowledgeable, I'm planning on doing the kit with the rear shocks relocation from his store.

I'm curious if anyone else has dealt with this dealer though.

 

I've gone back and forth after reading stuff on this forum, OP. Its a tough choice, there's so much info. But, I've finally come to a conclusion, I think lol. I've been talking to Wheelers and I'm piecing together a King kit with RR and adjusters front and rear, Dakar medium pack in the rear, Icon Delta Joint UCA's, u bolt flip kit, front and rear bump stops and the extended break lines for the rear. I'd rather just put the money into the suspension now honestly. I'm looking at like $4k+ with installation for this kit now, since the price jump for King just recently went into effect. Should've come to my senses earlier

 

great artice I like posting about the Bilstein 6112/5160 combo
https://expeditionportal.com/did-bilstein-just-make-the-ultimate-4runner-overland-suspension-system/

 

I just bought some fox 2.5’s that I will be installing on my trd pro this weekend. Dm if you are interested in my stock fox shocks I’ll let them go at your starting budget price.

 

Honestly if I were looking to do it with reasonable money in mind 100% 6112, with fox 2.0 with compression adjusters in rear with varying payload or 5160 otherwise.

I'd be far more concerned with tires and a good ifs skid.

 

Side note

Foxes ride well

 

Skip the rubbing and weight of 285 tires and consider a 235 / 255 skinny tire instead.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-skinny-on-skinny-tires.529656/

 

I get a little rub at the back of the fender liners when the wheel is turned in either direction

 

Ohhh really.... I’m listening!

 

I've had the same problem for a loooong time. I've finally decided to go with 5100s all around, OME 887 coils, Headstrong progressive add-a-leaf pack in the back, and Light Racing UCAs. This should result in about 2" of lift., maybe a little moer. I plan on throwing on 285/75/16 AT tires with my stock wheels and spidertrax spacers. As I understand, with the proper alignment, it'll avoid rubbing.

I used to rock crawl but now primarily do overlanding. I'm buying the 5100 setup because it should stiffen up the truck which is what I want, given that we're carrying a decent weight load on long highway drives often. Hope that helps

 

I'm about to run the same setup but with OME 888s for winch. Might run 1/2in spacer (driver side) and 1/4in (passenger side). Hoping to net 2.5" of lift.

Do you plan on leaving the overload in? I'm undecided. Good luck with the build.

 

I definitely will be keeping it in. I have a RTT and a bunch of weight in the back on trips, and would prefer to keep the truck's rake with the load if possible. I've heard it drives a little more harsh, but that's okay with me. I think with the overload in, it also maintains the stance I'm looking for with the 887s.

Good luck on the project! Post pics when you're finished. I'm ordering from Headstrong this week.

 

This is a bargain if not looking for a 2 inch lift. Install TRD Pro Fox's with some 265/75/16 AT tires & call it good. You get one inch height increase over your SR5 up front & rebuildable shocks that are durable to the elements especially if you live were they use road salt. I am very pleased with putting TRD Pro Fox's on my OR. More than enough shock for what I use the truck for. Kings would have been a waste of money for my application.

 

Will do, thanks!