Summarizing Rear Shock Relocation Kits

Hey guys,

Pretty bored during COVID and looking into redoing my suspension.
Currently have
Front: OME Springs and Struts
Rear: Dakkar Pack with Ad a leaf and Nitros

Going to install:
Front: Icon UCA, King Coil Over 2.5" non resi
Rear: Keep Dakkar pack with ad a leaf , add relocation kit with 2" / 10" king with resi

I've searched for all the different methods for the rear. I don't want to take the bed off- so no cross member with holes. Would rather buy a kit that I can weld on frame rails, versus fabing one.I've found 3 options that don't require bed removal.

1. https://archivegarage.com/explore-archive/ols/products/1995-2004-taco-shock-relocation
   
2. https://www.chaosfab.com/accessories/1996-2004-Tacoma-Rear-Shock-Mount-Kit-49625
   
3. https://solomotorsports.com/shop/pa...ion-toyota-parts/toyota-w-y-shock-hoops-rear/

Does anyone have recommendation for which of the 3?

Thanks

 

Going outboard will limit the type of shock, plus you'd need to run spacers to make sure your wheels don't make contact.

On the plus side, you should have better stability.

 

On a side note, why stick with OME Dakar if you're going for a shock relocation?

I'd opt for a custom leaf pack at that point, especially with the money you're throwing into everything else.

 

Yeah, I think I will go with TC kit for the feasibility. I have to go to a friends to weld them on, and don't wanna remove my bed, my drawers, my shell, and my RTT.
I will run 2" shocks and figure out a wheel spacer.

Yes I might look into a custom leaf pack cus I got a lot of weight. But I can always upgrade my leaf pack later?

 

I had posted a similar thread than this one asking about handling differences; figured outboard would work better for me until I decided to upgrade a 4R platform instead.

But yeah, spacers are definitely required.

Of course; I'm only suggesting it since a lot of people have great things to say about a custom leaf pack...whether you carry a lot of weight or not.

@eon_blue just got a custom set and he carries quite a bit of things sans drawers.

His setup was similar to mine, but I was running Dakar's.

 

If you change your mind about removing the bed I’m just up the hill from Campbell. I’ve taken mine off at least 4 times. I could come down to help out.

 

Thanks man, appreciate it.
Decided to keep it simple. Got a good deal on the TC rear relocation from polyperformance guys in SLO.
Gonna do that and stick with a 2.0" /10" King shock.

 

Just curious: all shock relocation kits require welding, right?
I'd like to do this someday but I need to get a nice welder first.

 

Yep

 

Do you have the link for that thread? I also want to do a rear shock relocation, but I am uncertain on which route to go. Are spacers safe for off roading?

 

I have hub centric spacers and off road often; there are others that actually wheel with spacers too and no ill effects.

Here's the thread which just consisted of varying opinions when I asked about crossmember vs outboard - https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-shock-relocation.621961/

 

On a side note...
Do you have any experience removing a camper shell?
I got a few leaks and wouldn't mind re-sealing, but last time I tried the shell was like impossible for me to push off.

 

Yeah, back when I had a shell I replaced the seal. Two people would be good.

Mine had a roof rack so I flipped it upside down and replaced the seal that way.

 

Yeee, I got a roof rack on mine as well.
I'll look into seals.

 

Nice!
Yeah, it didn’t take long either.
I usually get out of work in San Jose at 2pm during the week or we could take care of it on a weekend. I’ve been going away on weekends a lot so that might be a challenge.

 

Yee Pmd.

 

I used ford f250 shock towers and welded them to the inside of the frame rail and cut holes in the bed. Those shock towers are badass and can be cut up and used in a myriad of ways. You obviously would have to get tabs for the axle end but those are easy to find.
https://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/ford-style-upper-front-shock-mount-towers-e5tz-18183-a.html


Yes the shocks lean in in that pic, that has since been fixed when I swapped an fj80 axle in.

 

Nice!!
Too much work/sacrifice of the bed for my application.
I'm bumming off my friends welder and driveway, so happy about the plug n play with TC mounts.

 

Yea I wouldnt do it again through the bed. I would cut them shorter and have them almost up against the bed. Those mounts are almost a blank slate and you can slice and dice them anyway you need.