A couple front suspension questions for a 4x4

[sfsmedic]

Im reading over various build threads and have been reading what others did for suspension. I am pretty much sold on the Dakar Leaves for the rear. With a 2.5" front lift does the front diff need to be lowered with drop brackets to maintain good CV angles or is this unecessary? When I look at the Icons and various other kits they seem to just show the basic components such as coils and shocks and make no mention of drop brackets to correct axle angle. I just remember this was an issue with the original set up on my IFS chevy and I am totally new to Toyotas. Thanks for the input.

 

[1911]

With a 2.5" front lift does the front diff need to be lowered with drop brackets to maintain good CV angles or is this unecessary? When I look at the Icons and various other kits they seem to just show the basic components such as coils and shocks and make no mention of drop brackets to correct axle angle.

Like most anything else, you are likely to get a variety of opinions from the interwebs. I can only relate my experience with the single Toyota IFS 4WD truck I have owned, a 2007 FJC. I have Icon (Donahoe actually, they're so old) coilovers on the front set to 3" of lift, with no diff drop and locked front diff, on a very heavy truck with 130,000 miles on it that has done a lot of hard wheeling and off-road, and it is still on the factory original CV joints. I have replaced a lot of other people's CV joints on the trail though; in my experience, using the skinny pedal to get through an obstacle will break a CV more often than not, no matter if it has a diff drop or not. Just my experience; YMMV.

 

[sfsmedic]

did you need any sort of spacers between the axles and the diff? I am only going to a 2.5 lift and I totally agree heavy foot makes things go boom if they arent stout enough. Just trying to get this all understood before I make a decision. I appreciate your input as it was valueable and pertinent to this conversation.

 

[notajeep]

In most cases, CV axles will take 3" of lift before you will find differential drop brackets offered from most manufactures.

 

[1911]

did you need any sort of spacers between the axles and the diff?

No, there is plenty of room for extension on the stock half-shafts at only 3" of lift.

 

[sfsmedic]

Thanks guys. I have a company that wants to use my truck for SEMA (not sure how much I am allowed to say, which is why I am being vague) and I want to ensure I am getting what I will want and not something I dont and have to start completely over.

They stated they would be installing 4 new shocks with springs, new UCAs, all necessary drop brackets to maintain factory angles, rear 1" spacer with U-bolts (ill be replacing those with Dakars as soon as I can afford to).

I asked about the drop brackets when they mentioned this and stated that I had a chevy years ago with drop brackets that they cut part of my truck and ground some parts down to make it fit and when we changed things it caused issues, they response was "No grinding, cutting or mods to existing brackets. The brackets are only to drop the 4wd Diff to correct the shaft angles." When we discussed tire size i had mentioned putting 255/85-16s on my stock wheels and the engineer said id probably need 1" spacers which got me to doing more research. Most say those will fit stock and of course will rub with extreme flex. I just want to make sure i am getting something I can use and wont be going backwards because its just for pretty lifted truck. Which is why I am asking the educated here.

 

[some_dude]

My friends been running 255/85r16 for a couple years on his 2009 Tacoma with stock SR5 rims (32mm offset/5.5" backspace) and no rubbing. It has a 3" lift in the front and the only rubbing issue is against the flair when turning (front edge by the bumper). He fixed it by reforming it with a heat gun and some elbow grease.

The 2012 Tacoma bumper lacks the part of the flair that rubbed, so if your truck is a current model then I don't think you'll have that issue.

 

[Flagster]

I have Icon (Donahoe actually, they're so old) coilovers on the front set to 3" of lift, with no diff drop and locked front diff, on a very heavy truck with 130,000 miles on it that has done a lot of hard wheeling and off-road, and it is still on the factory original CV joints. YMMV.

how are your boots holding up...grooved at all?...my Tacoma with 2.5" of OME front lift has started to groove my inner boots

 

[Dave Bennett]

My Icons are cranked up 3.5 inches. Have been for years. No diff drop, no spacers anywhere, original CV boots still good but grooved (knocks on wood). Nothing lasts forever

 

[sfsmedic]

Thanks for all the input this helps alot.


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[Andy@AAV]

If I recall correctly, the OME front kit comes with 2 spacers that lower the front differential about a half inch in the rear to achieve a slight reduction in CV angle. Basically just 2 thick washers that lower the rear mount a bit, so no cutting or permanent mods required. That may be what they plan to use on your truck (the spacers, not the OME kit).

Just looked it up, OME does include the front differential drop in thier kits.

 

[sfsmedic]

Thanks Rocket. I need to talk to these guys and find out if thats the case. I was reading up on ome last night and noticed the driveline spacers. When google searching I was trying to figure out what their purpose was and intent etc.


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[sfsmedic]

OK Update. I talked to one of my POCs with this situation and he said the spacers are 1/2" spacer is all similar to what OME offers. When we discussed the need of back spacers it was because the tires were wider than the standard go to 255/85-16s which made sense at that point. He is looking into the use of the 255/85-16s so there will be no need for back spacers. I am really glad I gave them a call today and all of your inputs assisted with my knowledge base when discussing things with them. Thanks

 

[someday]

how are your boots holding up...grooved at all?...my Tacoma with 2.5" of OME front lift has started to groove my inner boots

Not to hijak the thread, but, what does that mean? grooved inner boot in relation to lifts?

About to pull the plug on billies all around (front set at .85) with new leafs in the back (OME dakars). Looking for minimal lift so I dont have to worry about driveline angles.

Thanks

 

[sfsmedic]

Not to hijak the thread, but, what does that mean? grooved inner boot in relation to lifts?

About to pull the plug on billies all around (front set at .85) with new leafs in the back (OME dakars). Looking for minimal lift so I dont have to worry about driveline angles.

Thanks

Definitely not a hi-jack I'm curious too.


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