Trying to figure out a lift

I have an 2nd generation taco that I put 5100's on all around a little over a year ago. Then right after I got an ARE cap. It's a dbl cab short bed. Now I'm looking at lifting between 1-2". Anyone got suggestions? Can I not just use the adjustable feature up front and put a progressive leaf in back or will that become to squishy and squirrelly? Need some help here

 

With adjustable 5100s I think they just get really stiff (not squishy) when you use them to get your lift. You could always use a longer coil like OME 887 to get the lift and then keep your 5100s up front at "0" so the ride is better.

 

You're on the right track. Add your AAL in the rear to see how much actual lift you get. Then tear the front apart again and adjust the 5100s accordingly. Just remember that the listed lift heights are averages. Basically if you have any configuration other than a V6 double cab, you'll get more lift than listed. I got 2.5 inches of lift on my V6 access cab on the 1.75 setting.

 

With those shocks you have a couple options. You can move the clip on the font shocks to lift the truck using factory coils. By doing this, you are preloading the coils. Many people use this method and love it. Note, the more you preload the coils, the harsher the ride will be. If you do not want to preload the coils and want a smoother ride, you can leave the shocks at 0 and install an aftermarket coil such as old man emu. Either way will be fine.

 

Also, either method mentioned above will firm up your suspension rather than make it "squishy". If you want 2" lift, I would say either set the shocks to 1.75 or purchase a set of OME 884x coils and leave the shocks at 0. Either should put you right around 2", but I've gotta say the ride with the 884s is wonderful. Wheelers progressive AAL will give you 1.5" if you remove the overload lear or 2" if you leave it in.

 

You'll want a progressive AAL pack over a single AAL in the rear. I can tell you that.

 

Now are there any coils that will not make the ride harsh? And that's without preloading the shock. So with 5100's set at 0" with no after market steel bumper or anything up front what coil is going to give the softest ride ?

 

Springs hold the weight of the vehicle.

Shocks/struts/dampers control the action of the spring.

If you want to change ride height (up or down) it's best done with proper springs. Meaning length (coil) and rate (coil and leaf). They should be matched with a damper that is capable of working smoothly with the new spring.

Depending on the amount of change accomplished (again, either up or down), other components may need replacing/adjusting to keep the vehicle safe with proper handling and component wear.

When you use different perch settings to change (raise) ride hts, you 'create' a stiffer, shorter spring, (preload) and will change the vehicle characteristics. The shock/strut may or may not actually be suitable for that 'new' spring damping.

 

For a quality, affordable and easy lift I'd go with the OME 884s and an AAL in the rear. Leave the front billies at 0 too.