Selecting a mild lift (TRD Baja TX Pro + Icon AAL)

So I guess the place that had install them and did an alignment back in 2018 did not do it correctly. Leaving the upper cushion lose. Not noticing or thinking to add spacers. First picture is loss. Then after I added spacers.

 

After reading through this thread multiple times for the past few months, I just bit the bullet and ordered up a new old stock Baja kit off of eBay. I'll be throwing it onto a '12 BASE manual access cab, that I'm currently running a rack and tent on throughout the year, but may swap out for a platform and soft topper later (which would then carry a couple of motorcycles). I picked it up from Cali in Oct and drove some trails in Utah and CO on my way back to MA. It's currently all stock, and ground clearance was just starting to be a limiting factor, so this set up seems to be the best fit. This is basically a every day truck that will have to do a bunch of highway driving to get to the fun off road fun

My plan is to basically follow OP's final build, including 255/75/17s and UCAs (I wish I head read more thoroughly, and saw the end concerns of running the spacers instead of longer shocks, but that ship has sailed, and for what I'm doing I think it'll work out just fine). My question right now is what rear leaf pack makes sense? I'm figuring I'll replace the whole pack and do the u-bolt flip while I'm at it. So ICON or Dakar? Oh, and in terms of spacers: @crashnburn80, did you run 1/2" spacers, or 1/4" + 1/2"? Just trying to do this once, rather than twice.

Thanks in advance

 

Nice score off eBay, wasn’t aware they were still available. The mild spacers were fine, I wouldn’t be concerned. I did a 1/4” passenger plus 1/2” driver to counter the taco lean. If I wasn’t fighting the Taco lean, I’d do 1/4” on both sides for 1/2” lift (you get 2x the spacer size in lift). 1/2” spacer will require the strut assembly to get longer studs, so get those done if using a 1/2” spacer before assembling the strut assembly. For rear leafs the Dakers are said to be stiff unless adding weight, even when removing leafs. Do your rear springs seam worn? Fresh springs are always great, but no point in tossing good components either if the truck has reasonable mileage.

 

The truck only has about 85k on it, but since I'm changing everything else, I figured I'd change out the leaf pack too. The hard shell tent and rack add constant weight, which the truck has never had before me. I'm happy to save some cash if you think the current leaf pack isn't going to be an issue, but if an AAL is recommended, I might just change out the entire pack.

I'm not sure how bad the lean is on this truck (I may just not have noticed it, but I'm also always parked on dirt so what do I know). I'll have to get out a tape measure and see if it is leaning. Would installing longer studs cause a problem with just 1/4" spacers? Wondering if it makes sense to do those before I put the spacers in and then adjust as needed.

Did you get your spacers from Headstrong?

Thanks again

 

85k is getting up there, I'd consider shopping for a new leaf pack, but even the AAL with overloads in will restore some performance to your older pack. If shopping for a new pack, I'd look for a progressive pack with many leafs and skip on the Dakers.

If you haven't noticed the lean, I'd not consider it much of an issue. On mine it was pretty obvious when parked on level pavement.

I'd suspect the longer studs would be fine with 1/4" spacers as the spacers should use up the majority of the added length, but cannot confirm. It would depend on the stud length. You'd only need longer studs on the driver side.

Yes, I did get my spacers from Headstrong. I wanted an aluminum spacer so it would not corrode and Headstrong fit the bill.

 

Awesome, thanks for all the info. The kit arrived yesterday and I'll start looking for leaf packs. I'll throw some pictures up of the clear coating and install once I get to that.

 

Need some clarification.
I have found several versions/part#s for the Tacoma 5160.
There's reports of different lengths between the 3.

The Baja version-
PTR13-35120-AC
Have not found actual measurements. They are attractive due to the specific boot installed.
All I can reference is page 1 stated an additional 1" of travel.
But measures 1 3/8" longer than the stock Bilstein?
I need the stock numbers for reference.

Common Tacoma Specific 5160-
25-242379/25-242539
Reported:
Collapsed 14.22
Extended 24.06

Another 5160 flavor-
25-311259
Reported:
Collapsed 14.22
Extended 23.63

With these numbers so far, it is strange to find out the premium B8 8100 smooth body rear shock is-
Reported:
Collapsed 14.25
Extended 22.8 only?
I heard they were made to work with the factory leafs.


Thoughts?

 

I have an extra set of the reduced profile/ increased travel Baja TX front bump stops if anyone is looking for them.

They work with shocks like the 6112’s and the 5100’s, as well as OME Nitrochargers and others. I don’t recommend them for tires over 32”, as you will experience some rubbing on the top of the inner fenders upon full compression.

 

Details? Shipping? Cost?

 

Just as an FYI, 3/8 inch spacers and taller cause some interference issues at full extension and full steering lock with Bilstein 6112’s and other extended travel shocks. It’s not dramatic at 3/8 inches, but I noticed it when I had my truck on a lift and the front wheels off, moving the steering through its entire range of motion.

 

$40 plus shipping. They will easily fit in a flat rate box.

They are new, never installed. I went to a 33” tire, and the 33” rubs the inner fender on full compression with the normal bump stops.