When do you need a diff drop?

Good afternoon family,

At what point or inches of lift do Tacoma's start to need a diff drop to prevent wear and tear?

Setup that I will be going with is:
JBA UCA, Bilstein 5100's (on the front only) lifted to "2.5 , ecgs bushing mod.. the rear of the truck will be completely stock and left alone.

some people are for it and some against it.. just wanna know your experiences and suggestions.

thanks,

 

You don't need it.

 

for real ?

 

Pretty much.

An argument can be made both ways.
If you don't wheel your truck, a drop is "ok" and "might" help CV boot life.

If you wheel your truck, you risk smashing the front diff on a big rock (or such).
This can lead to the front diff smashing into the oil pan, breaking the oil pan.
Yes, it has happened. Not often, but it has happened.

My opinion is, Anything over 1.5" lift is going to wear CV boots. With or with out a diff drop.
Therefore, I am on the "don't need it" side.

So what's the fix?
Mid travel / Long Travel kits..

Or sliding the CV boots back to take out some of the "rub" in them.
But you'll need a CV band crimp tool. (Or be a hack like some of us, and use a stainless zip-tie or clamp).

 

Listen to @TnShooter . Pretty much everyone who is paying attention on here does…and should.

 

That could be dangerous.

I like to says, "Listen to me at your own risk".
I've F-cked up more than a few things in my 42 year life time.
And I not done yet. I still got a few more bad ideas I'm going to try.......

 

lol bro the long travel kits are insanely expensive

 

Describes me perfectly.

 

Here I’ll be learning from your f-ups… I’m not a mechanic by any stretch, just a guy that isn’t afraid to struggle through the efforts under a shade tree. And even my dumb ass can recognize that you have a lot of knowledge about these trucks. You and @Dm93 have helped me with a lot of questions I’ve never even asked lol.

 

Never, 2.5 to 3 inch lift.
Over 70K miles with no problems at all.
Good luck with your truck.

 

Yeah, but when you want to do insane shit in your truck they fit. I’m not there yet, only mid, but I haven’t ruled it out of the distant future.

 

I’m trying to figure out why you’re going with that much lift up front yet no lift out back. When you’re done please post some pics. Maybe I’m missing something.

 

I don’t think OP really knows what he wants?
He went from 3” rough country, then asked about leveling kits, then to spacer lifts, and now just a lift on the front.

I think he should just leave the truck alone.

No offence OP, but these trucks preform nicely in stock form.

 

And stock is freaking cool .

 

just for the cosmetic look I’m from Carolina lol I wanna level it out but also wanna be a slight bit higher in the front

 

no offense taken.. and no I didn’t know what I wanted. That’s why I’m here ? Literally just want more information because I am a newbie plus I’ve never even owned a truck before.

 

thanks man

 

Welcome to the truck world! Trucks are supposed to be lower in the front and higher in the back, which is called positive "rake". Makes it so when you put something heavy in the bed, it levels the truck out. Some people like the look of a level aka zero rake truck. However, it would generally be considered a sin to have a negative rake truck (higher in the front, lower in the back). But to each their own.

Whatever you do, make sure you adjust your headlights so they are pointing down and not into people's eyes!

 

Carolina? Well that explains a lot. Just kidding! But you will be getting a bit of a “squat” look to it. Especially if those rear leafs have any sag in them.

Edit: Btw, is your truck 2 or 4 wheel drive?

 

4wd