Do I pull the trigger (so to speak) on this setup?

[Willman]

:iagree:

 

[BajaTaco]

Spring rate and preload of the coil is what will matter the most as far as supporting the weight of the truck at the desired ride height. Donahoe doesn't publish their spring rate, so I'm not sure what it is, but I think it's either 625# or 650#. I believe the DR coil is 13" long. The new SAW 2.5" coils are 625# x 14". The SAW 2.0" coils are available in 675# x 15". A longer coil spring requires less preload for a given ride height adjustment, allowing more range of adjustment which results in potentially better coil performance. I'm not trying to say the SAW is better than the DR, I am just saying that I think the 2.0" coilover cold easily support the truck as well as the 2.5". Having said that, the 2.5" has more fluid capacity, so ultimately more cooling capacity. The larger diameter also likely allows for more customization in valving. The valving won't matter though unless the shock is actually taken apart, and custom-valved, which off-the-shelf shocks usually are not.

So I would base the decision of 2.0 vs. 2.5 on what the driving application is. If more cooling capacity is needed, and/or they will be taken apart and custom valved by a shock builder, then the 2.5's would be the better choice. Having said all of this, I think you would be more than happy with a set of the DR coilovers. I just think that if budgetary considerations are truly a concern, that the 2.0 coilovers are definitely a viable option.

 

[BajaTaco]

...being one to be skeptical about what "everyone else" is doing, I had to ask...

I think you are really wise to have this approach. It seems that there is a lot of "sheep" mentality permeating the taco crowd these days, and way too many guys are riding on a big bandwagon without really knowing why. So it is good to ask questions and think outside the box. It keeps the mfg's and vendors on their toes, and ultimately we all end up with better products to choose from. I can sympathize with your quest for info without getting quite enough answers. I think that valving and spring rates, coil lengths, shock stroke lengths, etc. should be published on product spec. sheets. I remember when a friend was trying to get his Fabtech coilovers rebuilt by an idependent shop, and he couldn't get Fabtech to tell him what the spring rate on his coilovers was. Are we talking international trade secrets here, or just some shocks on a truck? There also seems to be a lot of assertions flying around that just don't jive sometimes, like "this shock will never need to be rebuilt and will outlast your truck" or "this shock will make your truck ride like a cadillac on the roughest of trails" or "this bolt-on coilover will give your truck 3.5" of lift with no adverse effects or compromises in performance!" so you just have to sift through the BS and try to get what will work the best, all while having a reasonable expectation of the end result.

 

[asteffes]

Ok, I spent a week banging my head against some ideas that I got from the forum, from you guys and from TTORA. I think "everyone else" got it right, afterall, and the DR coilovers and rear shocks are the best bet. My truck needs to retain its mild road manners, as it is my everyday transportation. Extreme lifts and extensive re-engineering of the suspension are not what I'm after. My plan is to:

- Get the DR coilovers and rear shocks now. Yes, the rears, too, as the rear of the truck needs some stablization. A great improvement could be had with a new leaf pack but I'm not interested in lifting the truck or sacrificing load carrying capacity. Good thing about the DR system is it's usable at 0-2.5" over stock, so I won't blow out the rear shocks running at stock height for now.

- Install an ARB bumper. Coilovers will be set to maintain stock height for now. Finally mount those nice Hellla Rallye 4000s I got awhile back.

- New tires come winter, 265-75-16, which is about 1" taller overall than stock. My current tires will easily last the rest of summer, but I will need new rubber before all those ski trips to Lake Tahoe this winter. UncleChris (a smart guy and generally reliable source of Tacoma wisdom ) runs Revos in this size and loves them, and they fit my "better than stock, but not too extreme for everyday use" criteria.

 

[BajaTaco]

- Get the DR coilovers and rear shocks now.

Good choice. I think you will be very happy :ylsmoke:

 

[asteffes]

I ordered the Donahoe Racing front coilovers and rear dampers today. Wheeler's offered no tax and free shipping.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Good Job!..........Adam!

I have never understood why Wheelers has Nothing....... for 1st Generation 4Runners.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Nice Choice!

:victory:

Sweet!