Howard, just to check, are you running 255s in this photo? Or 285s?
'04 DC Suspension Advice
- Thread starter aheiser
- Start date
Howard, just to check, are you running 255s in this photo? Or 285s?
TangoBlue
American Adventurist
Roger that. Or rather wait after you get everything mounted up the way you want; suspension, tires, wheels, and then see how it all sits. If it's not the way you like, rubbing fore or aft, order the plates from your favorite vendor or call up Roger Brown (4crawler) and he can build them to your specification.
255/85/16's. That would definitely effect how the fender was filled out, but I don't think it should affect what it would take to center the axle.
Howard
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
Some more on the relocation plate and axle centering discussion:
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19699&highlight=dakar
Regarding the rear shock options. The N76's may work for some but may be too long (~16"-24" for the N76 vs ~14"-23" for the N85) for others, this obviously depending on the load setup of their truck as well as the addition of an AAL or taller shackle. Likewise some are using the N94's which are spec'd as the lighter shock option, I'm not a fan, even less of a fan on heavy build trucks like many found here ie rtt's, canopy's, payload, etc. I ran them on my very first iteration ~01' and changed them out in less than a year. For that reason I've found the best results (both personally and with customers rigs) using the N85's. Of course the N91S front and N85 rear combo has now been replaced by the new Nitrocharger Sport (90004 & 60062 respectively). I've had the fronts on for several months and just installed the new rears, so far so good
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=19699&highlight=dakar
Regarding the rear shock options. The N76's may work for some but may be too long (~16"-24" for the N76 vs ~14"-23" for the N85) for others, this obviously depending on the load setup of their truck as well as the addition of an AAL or taller shackle. Likewise some are using the N94's which are spec'd as the lighter shock option, I'm not a fan, even less of a fan on heavy build trucks like many found here ie rtt's, canopy's, payload, etc. I ran them on my very first iteration ~01' and changed them out in less than a year. For that reason I've found the best results (both personally and with customers rigs) using the N85's. Of course the N91S front and N85 rear combo has now been replaced by the new Nitrocharger Sport (90004 & 60062 respectively). I've had the fronts on for several months and just installed the new rears, so far so good
TangoBlue
American Adventurist
You're absolutely right in pointing this our Kurt. We only went with the N76 after getting additional lift after mounting the AAL. There was perhaps an inch of extension with the N85's which would have made that shock the limiting factor with any kind of flex. I wouldn't recommend this to just any truck - only if you know the type of load and wheeling you'll be doing and with the addition of the AAL.
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
Hey TangoBlue, what suspension are you running on the front?
TangoBlue
American Adventurist
This is my suspension:
2 x OME 882 Front Coil Springs
2 x CS046R Rear Leaf Springs; added a Dakar AAL 29XL because they were running flat.
2 x OME N91S Shocks
2 x OME N85 Shocks; swapped for N76 shocks to increase travel for the added height of the AAL.
2 x OME SB43 Bushing Kit
1 x OME GS12 Shackle Kit
2 x OME 882 Front Coil Springs
2 x CS046R Rear Leaf Springs; added a Dakar AAL 29XL because they were running flat.
2 x OME N91S Shocks
2 x OME N85 Shocks; swapped for N76 shocks to increase travel for the added height of the AAL.
2 x OME SB43 Bushing Kit
1 x OME GS12 Shackle Kit
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
Yes, I would start with a tad taller shackle versus height at the expense of ride quality. OME Dakars are a dual stage spring (ie overloads) so the ride is satisfactory when unloaded regardless imo but the AAL does add a fair amount of spring rate (figure roughly 10-20%) which can absolutely be noticeable in the cab.
Great thanks! That brings up one more question. If I do go with some shackles, who makes a good 3/4" lift shackle that works with OME springs? Anything that works with stock Taco springs will work with the Dakars?
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
The Dakars themselves absolutely. However there are two different bushing kits available for the Tacoma rear springs, varying by the shackles used. Make sure to address that when ordering.
cruiseroutfit
Well-known member
It has not been as noticeable as the change in the front however I can say I'm completely satisfied with my ride quality. As many know my current 04' Tacoma has had no fewer than 10 different iterations of suspension under it. I can honestly say its set for the remainder of my ownership