REVIEW 3rd gen suspension on 2nd gen

Not sure if anyone has asked this in here yet, but what front spacers are you guys using? I’ve seen two different options, the 1/4” spacers and the 1/2” spacers. It definitely seems like the 1/4” spacer can go on the stock studs, but I see mixed opinions about the 1/2” spacer. I would like to go the 1/2” route, but what would I have to do to make the studs work? Thanks!

 

There's also a 3/8" spacer - that's what I went with so that I didn't have to deal with the studs.
Here's one example: The 3rd gen take offs + 3/8" spacers yield ~1.5" of lift which is a pretty perfect setup, IMO. I enjoyed mine that way until I added armor and lost most of my lift, lol.

 

now I’m thinking I’ll go that route actually. You still had plenty of threads left on the studs correct? And which material did you go with? I’m a little skeptical of a poly spacer so I’d probably go with aluminum.

 

It was close, but yeah, I felt there was enough thread. But 1/2" would have been too much.

My spacers are poly. No issues yet but they definitely squished down a tiny bit after even some light use. I'm not worried about it at all. But, in hindsight I would 100% go with metal over poly.

 

Hey quick question and sorry for necrosing this thread. Since the 3rd gen struts and shocks give a bit of a ride height will a lowering kit be needed for the drive shaft? Also is there any need for mods to the eyelet on the shocks?

 

No- they bolt right up, and zero driveshaft issues. Lift is only about 1”.

 

Negative. The leaf springs do not add any additional lift unless you have sagging leaf springs to begin with, in that case it just raises it roughly back to stock ride height in the rear. Even in my case with about 1.5-2" rear lift where I have since swapped from the 3rd gen setup to 6112/B110 5100's and OME Dakar leaf springs, no drop was needed. I've always had a slight amount of shake on hard acceleration, even when it was all stock.

Regarding the front lift. It's only about 3/4" lift on V6 4wd models and no additional mods need done, just an alignment afterwards like any suspension mods. A front diff drop isn't really necessary until you get to about 3" or more front lift, even at 3" most people don't have any issues and don't do a diff drop.

 

Guys this was soooooooo helpful. My buddy just got an offroad 2022 and then basically made it a pro with wheels and suspension. He is selling me the stock stuff off the offroad for 500 bucks. Tires rims shocks/suspension parts.

It is all going on my 07 sport which desperately needs shocks. The rims will just look tight.

 

Sweet deal, he throwing leafs in as well?

 

I don't think he did the leafs. Are the rear leafs different on a PRO vs the Offroad or even a sr5? I just assumed the leafs were all the same across trims of tacoma

 

Not 100% but I think they’re the same across trims. People replace leafs for a variety of reasons though. Enjoy your new setup, should be a night and day difference in ride quality and close to an inch of front lift as well. I installed a 3rd gen sport suspension in my 2013, been a solid upgrade so far.

 

Thanks man, you bring me good news!

 

You got a hell of a deal for all that!! I can't find a part number for 2022 trucks, or even 2021. But the leaf springs for the 2018-2020 show the part number is the same for TRD Off Road and TRD Pro. However, the 2022 TRD Pro suspension is completely different than the 16-21 TRD Pro's. Do you know which TRD Pro suspension he got (16-21 or 2022)??

EDIT: Forgot to add the link https://parts.olathetoyota.com/oem-...vbWEmeT0yMDIwJnQ9dHJkLXBybyZlPTMtNWwtdjYtZ2Fz

 

Post some before and after pics for us when you’re done.

 

@TacoFergie

For a thousand bucks those better be some amazing springs....

 

Nope... Just regular old Toyota leaf springs. haha It was just a reference to show that the leaf spring part number is not specific to the TRD Pro.

Although, it's hard to say if the 2022 TRD Pro is the same since the shocks and upper control arms have been changed. If anyone is a Toyota parts guy or knows one, they could probably tell you. If you do know someone, let me know how much the 2022 TRD Pro upper control arms are, I'm willing to bet they are extremely expensive...I'm just curious.

 

Sub'd

 

Just EDIT-ed the original post with updated info to clear some things up so people don't have to dig. Sorry, it was long overdue!!!!

 

Had mine swapped yesterday and its a night and day difference. I had a 2" spacer on my old setup and went with the Headstrong 1/2" on the new and it came out exactly the same height. 38" in the front and 37 & 3/4" in the rear. I highly recommend this swap for anyone with an old 2nd gen setup. Mine had 145,000 miles on it and was long overdue-- thanks to all who contributed to this thread

 

So what's the pros and cons of getting the 3rd gen TRD Off Road vs. TRD Sport suspension. I am looking on Craigslist and the Sport is cheaper and more plentiful. I have my stock 2013 limited suspension (pretty sure it's base coils and shocks) on now.