Looking for advice about suspension lift systems

T

Taco_Burner

New member
Hey guys,

New to the forum and looking for a bit of advice. I have a 09 Taco TRD offroad 4x4 that will be undergoing an overland facelift. With that said I'm looking to install a 6" suspension lift and feedback on tried and tested lift systems would be greatly appreciated. I've done my fair share of overlanding on my motorcycle and now that the warranty on the truck is up it's time to play around with some useful upgrades. I know some folks frown upon lift systems, but I don't exactly travel light and the added ground clearance would be most enjoyable.

Cheers
Usul
 
Plannerman

Plannerman

Wandering Explorer
Are you sure you want to go to a 6" lift? I can't think of a single 6" kit for a Tacoma that is tried and true for overland use.

I'd say the best overland suspensions that are tried and true for the Tacoma would be Old Man Emu (2-3"), Ironman (2"), and Icon (2-3"). Also, popular are Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks (up to 2"). I'm running Ranchos (2.5").

Generally, you will need to start making more extensive modifications to your truck after you go beyond a 2-3" lift (seeming to vary by truck), needing to swap upper control arms, adjust drive line angles, etc. with additional modifications, the reliability is also potentially threatened.

With my lift, I have never yet wanted for additional ground clearance and do not feel like the truck's center of gravity has been drastically affected.


Sent via fat thumb
 
W

Wainiha

Explorer
If the 6" lift is a drop bracket lift you won't gain any more than you would with coil overs. The diff. is moved lower so unless you go 35s or bigger, there isn''t much gained. A coilover lift can usually run 33s easy and 35s with a little work. So not much different than say a Fabtech 6"

I would consider C/Os a new leaf pack and maybe a 1" 4crawler body lift. I have Icon and like the ride and love the customer service. For $2000 Fabtech, I would save a little and go long travel.

Also as stated above there is a lot of negative feedback on drop bracket lifts. Cutting and lowering the diff. looses the clearance you thought you would gain, plus added leverage to bend that stuff back when you a hit a ledge or surprise ditch.
 
1 Bored Clerk

1 Bored Clerk

Explorer
Well, a 6" lift will give you better approach, break-over and departure angles. However, I think you can get wherever you want to go with any of the lifts mentioned already. If you like the look of the 6" lift, then go for it. Just know why you really want something and accept all the pro's and con's that go with it. I believe there is a company making a 4"or 5" lift as well. TacomaWorld may be a better forum to do research on drop bracket lifts. There are a lot more of them running around over there.
 
T

Taco_Burner

New member
Thanks for the replies gentleman. I think perhaps the OME might be just what I'm looking for. I'm not concerned with the aesthetics 6" lifts may behold, but something practical and more so, reliable.
 
Dave Bennett

Dave Bennett

Adventurist
Taco_Burner said:
Hey guys,

New to the forum and looking for a bit of advice. I have a 09 Taco TRD offroad 4x4 that will be undergoing an overland facelift. With that said I'm looking to install a 6" suspension lift and feedback on tried and tested lift systems would be greatly appreciated. I've done my fair share of overlanding on my motorcycle and now that the warranty on the truck is up it's time to play around with some useful upgrades. I know some folks frown upon lift systems, but I don't exactly travel light and the added ground clearance would be most enjoyable.

Cheers
Usul
Click to expand...

Most will not recommend a 6 inch lift for "real" off road use due to higher COG and the fact that most of those kits require cutting the frame crossmember - no going back once you hack that. It's really an "all show, no go" lift that does not increase function.

That said, 3 inches is ideal in these trucks and will allow 33's. You can even go up to 35's IF you trim the front cab mount.

I've been through most of the different suspensions in the 9 years I've had my Tacoma, build thread and lots of info/pics here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/521-Doc-s-05-Tacoma-Build-Thread
 
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