need opinions on suspension

[killahaas@gmail.com]

so long story short, i got into a car accident driver front of the bumper cover is broken and needs a new fender and headlight. i got the truck repairs but didnt get the bumper cover replaces i saved about 750$ in just various parts including the bumper cover. so i ordered myself an ARB bull bar because i was going to get it anyway so figured i would just order it now! I have a 2012 tacoma TRD offroad, i know the truck will drop about 1-1.5 inches. i only plan to drive the truck like that for a little bit. Now my question is i want to upgrade the suspension. and i am thinking old man emu, But has anyone had experience with Bilstein 5100's on stock coils or Eibach? how does it handle the ARB + winch weight? i would like to do AAL or again old man emu, is there any other suggestions? i'll have around 800$ to spend and i am not really looking to lift the truck but if it does it it does it. I also like to really drive the truck, beat her up a bit! so handling is a must, and i feel like the EMU HD kit wouldn't have to much handling? maybe have to build a custom suspension? bilstein 5100's, emu HD coils? deaver leafs? i dont know! suggestions!!
thanks Dylan

 

[Ramjet]

It's not the shocks, but the springs that need to be a little heavier to support the bumper. I did an OME on my FJ and really like. Unless you can afford say an Icon set up. OME is the best bang for the buck in my opinion.

 

[killahaas@gmail.com]

what kind of spring are you running on it? and how do you like the handling?

 

[Stone_Blue]

I agree with Ramjet, its the springs you'll need to upgrade to handle the weight of the bumper. I know lots of Tundra guys (as I am) are using OME springs on 5100s. If you know you are never gonna lift it though, 5100s are a waste, since they are adjustable. You would better off going with OME coils and their Nitrocharger shocks, which would be valved to match the coils. IIRC, the OME 884, 885, and 886 springs are for the Tacoma. The 884s are stock height, but I'm not sure if the spring rate is higher than stock. The 886 and 886 coils have higher spring rates, but they are also a lift spring.

 

[surlydiesel]

What about putting Tundra Coils in the front? Get some used take-offs from someone doing a lift??? I don't know if this would work, I just know guys do it on the older trucks like mine.

-jorge

 

[killahaas@gmail.com]

i understand the 886's are the higher rated coils but i am asking how is the handling on it?

 

[Stone_Blue]

I dont think I would consider using old Tundra coils. The top plate and isolators, as well as the inside diameter at the top of the coils is larger than the Tacoma's...I know you can use the Tacoma isolators and springs on a Tundra (going bigger to smaller), but not sure if it would work the other way (going smaller to bigger). Another issue is on the Tundra, the left coil spring is ALWAYS longer than the right hand one....Use them on a truck that doesnt take that into consideration, and you more than likely will end up with a side-to-side lean.

 

[deadbeat son]

But has anyone had experience with Bilstein 5100's on stock coils or Eibach?

I thought about installing a set of Eibach coils and 5100s on my truck, but when I contacted Bilstein they recommended against it. The 5100 is designed to work with the stock coil, and the Eibachs are 620lb/in coils. Bilstein felt the truck would be underdamped with the stiffer coil. Couple that with the added weight of your bumper, and it probably wouldn't handle so great.

That being said, a close friend did install 5100s and Eibachs on his '05 Tacoma. He really likes the setup. Based on Bilstein's recommendation, I wasn't quite so adventurous.

 

[keezer37]

i understand the 886's are the higher rated coils but i am asking how is the handling on it?

I just finished putting the 886 OME coils and Nitrochargers up front and OME leafs & Nitrochargers out back. I have the ARB bumper with no winch. I like the handling, for a Tacoma. I had Icons up front and an AAL out back. I would say it handles better now but, I'm comparing new to old. *The 886s are of course stiffer and less pliant on road imperfections but nowhere near what I feared. I was actually sitting on the fence as to whether I should go with the lighter 885s what with having just the bumper and no winch. Oddly enough, I made the right choice with the 886s.

With this, it sits perfectly level. I will be adding the D29XL (OME AAL) to the back for a tad more stiffness and a half inch of height. I'll suffer a bit of rake for it. No problem. The truck had a bit new in '05.

I run C rated Duratracs and normal (doorjamb) air pressure.

 

[killahaas@gmail.com]

thanks guys, i think i am going to go with OME just because the shock is tuned for the 886's and after what keezer37 said he like how it handles the truck i may go with them.

 

[Stone_Blue]

If full OME is what you want to go with, take a look at http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/tacoma_suspension.htm Their prices are pretty good, and they are well known in the LC circles.

 

[Ramjet]

I would say handling is really good with the OME. It was night and day from the stock set up. If you have further questions, contact Jaques at www.trdparts4u.com, he has built two Tacomas and his prices on OME are crazy good. Plus a lot of times there is free shipping. Hope this helps.

 

[Uglyduck]

I just installed a full OME lift with 885's and Dakar rear springs on my 07 DC taco a week ago, it handles great. Firm but not so stiff that you feel every pebble on the road. Its the suspension this truck should've had from the factory.

 

[montypower]

It's not the shocks, but the springs that need to be a little heavier to support the bumper. I did an OME on my FJ and really like. Unless you can afford say an Icon set up. OME is the best bang for the buck in my opinion.

Icon really isn't setup to handle the weight either... You end up adding too much pre-load on the springs to achieve lift. I'm not sure how they can sell 1 spring for everything!! I've heard it's a 650lb spring (but they don't advertise it). I also heard they "can" supply the coilover with an extended length 700lb spring (this should be a requirement for anyone with bumper/winch/skids); I'm guessing you'd need to call and order direct? Seriously, the front end of my Taco has over 230lbs of additional weight! Stock springs can't handle it. Mine dropped nearly to the bump stops with the bumper / skids. Ride was horrible. I'm running the HD OME w/ OME Sport Shocks. It's the right spring for the weight.

Shocks are personal preference deal. Spring choice is based on the weight requirement.

 

[Stone_Blue]

Icon really isn't setup to handle the weight either... You end up adding too much pre-load on the springs to achieve lift. I'm not sure how they can sell 1 spring for everything!! I've heard it's a 650lb spring (but they don't advertise it). I also heard they "can" supply the coilover with an extended length 700lb spring (this should be a requirement for anyone with bumper/winch/skids)

Yeah, seems a little odd that they have a limited selection of springs, but then thats probably where the custom valving comes in, to help make up for it. The OME 884 & 885s are a 590lb spring...IIRC, the 886 coils are 660lb springs...So either Icon spring isnt that far off...