Yes, 2nd Gen suspension will work on a 3rd gen

I have been getting asked A LOT if a lift from a 2nd gen will work on a 3rd gen, and the answer is yes. The chassis/suspension on the 3rd gen is unchanged, therefore any lift out there for an 05 and up Tacoma will work just fine.

It is worth noting however that if you want to replace your Upper Control Arms, you will have to cut the head off the bolt to remove it, and re-install it in the opposite direction. The inner fender just covers too much of the bolt, and there is no way to remove it, even if you bend the inner fender out of the way.

Anyhow, I hope this helps you guys out. I installed my Icon Stage 5 lift and everything bolted right up.

 

Nice to know, how about some pics?

 

Wow. Can't believe stuff from my 10 year old 2005 Tacoma still bolts up. hahaha

 

Awesome. Good to know!

 

Probably to save some manufacture costs, it does have a new frame I think.

 

Agreed. They say it's a new "high strength steel frame" however to the naked eye, it looks pretty much the same. The hitch is different, and the truck rides a whole lot smoother than my 2012 with the same Icon suspension, so who knows. All I know is that all of the suspension is the same, which is awesome since there is a lot of aftermarket support.

 

Sucks for the suspension companies.

 

Why? They get to keep selling product they have on hand for several more years without having to dump a bunch of money into R&D. Seems like a win win for them actually

 

You can def look at it both ways.

 

vs. spending a bunch of time/money on R&D, then having to get everything manufactured. This way they can start selling now, vs. months from now.

 

You re-used your stuff. That's one missed sell already.

 

Good point.

 

Toyota took the frame, added some reinforcement and changed some of the materials it's made out of, but it's still at its core the same frame, so it does make things a lot easier to fit, since it's not a new design.

Jeff

 

One thing to note, the lower control arms have changed. The cam bolts are larger then the 2nd gen.

 

My pal Mike sweers said aftermarket suspension company asked them to keep it the same, or was it tacoma customers. I forget, either way take it with a grain of salt

 

How about the rear leaf spring assembly?

 

Yea. Do they fit? Are they going to sag or are they better?

 

Rear leafs should fit older trucks, they are definitely improved, but as to whether they will sag excessively or not, unfortunately only time will tell.

Jeff

 

Jerry, I have seen you use OME coils on some of the lifts you have done, and the toytec coils on others. What are the differences? Which do you prefer? I am trying to decide what I want to do. Also which uca do you prefer? I am on the fence on whether to just do the bilsteins at .85 and a 1/2" shims in the rear or go higher with new coils, aal, and uca's. I want to stick with 265/75/16's as far as tires. Trying to keep the mpg' s on the higher side. 2" of lift is plenty for me, just not sure which way to go. I want a good ride. I have only bought the 5100's so far. I am still waiting on my truck to come in DCLBOR 4x4. I drive a lot of hwy miles,and want more clearance for my hunting trips. But don't want a bad ride on the way. I typically drive hundreds of miles on hwy to get to my hunting destinations where the the 4x4 and lift will come into play. Any recommendations?

 

Hmmmn. I thought all leafs sag with age. are there ones that dont?