Side-to-Side Leveling my 2005 Taco DC TRD

[DarkHelmet]

I need suggestions on the best way to level my rig. I have an OME 886/Dakar 3" lift kit, ARB front bumper with winch and synthetic line on the front. It has been in place for 2.5 years and 27,000 miles. Between a heavier than stock battery and a full tank of gas resting on the left side of the rig, I am sitting about 1"+ low on the left front side. That isn't even taking into account my weight sitting in the driver's seat.

I have seen the ARB 5mm spacer, but 5mm will only get me about 1/5th the way to level. Can these spacers be stacked in multiples to get me an extra 1" on the left side? Is there a better way to get me level? What would you experienced folks recommend?

Thanks for any info.

-DH

 

[Schattenjager]

Had the exact same thing. Read the entire story HERE

 

[java]

is it just in the front?

the 4runners do it too. a few of the guys on toyota 120 have run a 1.25" spacer on the rear drivers coil.
you could try a similar thing with a spacer on the drivers rear leaf.

 

[DarkHelmet]

is it just in the front?

the 4runners do it too. a few of the guys on toyota 120 have run a 1.25" spacer on the rear drivers coil.
you could try a similar thing with a spacer on the drivers rear leaf.

I just headed out the door and measured. It seems to be about 1" to 1.25" low just on the front driver's side and about 0.75" low on the rear driver's side.

I've read most of Schattenjager's post as well as the second "RESOLVED" post. I'm going to go straight to the source and call ARB and see what they recommend as a fix. I used to live just a few miles from the ARB location in Kent, WA and stopped by there and talked with Marc when I had an issue of fender rub with my ARB bumper. They were quick to correctly diagnose it as being mounted too high by the installer and I had the original installer (4 Wheel Parts in Meridian, ID) fix it. No problems since.

Marc was a great help and they we ended up chatting for a good hour and they let me check out the fridges and a bunch of other stuff.

Thanks for the info Schattenjager.

- DH

 

[keezer37]

Do you know if you had this difference with the stock suspension? I did, brand spankin' new truck at that. I never owned OME, I went with ICON, adjustable and worked it out that way.
I notice at Wheeler's, there are also 10mm & 13mm spacers with extended studs. I'm not familiar with them but perhaps one of them will work for you.
http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/05upometaco.htm?tp=CONTINUE+SHOPPING

I'm sure any difference in the back will level when you level the front.

 

[fourfa]

My truck did it bone stock as well. Like you say, battery, gas tank. I mount my heavy gear (canned goods, hi lift, recovery chains etc) on the right side to help a little. The best solution is front preload-adjustable coilovers.

 

[Schattenjager]

Whats the latest?

 

[DarkHelmet]

Whats the latest?

Unfortunately, at the moment "the latest" is that I've been too darn busy between work and SAR calls to even get a call in to ARB. I've had Marc Bowers' business card sitting on my desk for a week now and haven't had a moment to call him.

Hoping to get to it today or tomorrow. In the meantime my friggin' Check Engine Light came on over the weekend so I need to get the truck into the dealership too (I was due for an oil change anyway).

Will keep you posted.

-DH

 

[DarkHelmet]

Well, I finally got around to taking some measurements and sending the photos to ARB. Patiently waiting their reply.

Measurements taken from floor to fender at the center/hub of each wheel. Gas tank less than 1/4 full, no driver.

Front Driver Side: 37 5/8"
Front Passenger Side: 38 1/2"
Rear Driver Side: 39 3/4"
Rear Passenger Side: 40 1/4"

The lean is even more pronounced with a full tank of gas and someone sitting in the driver seat. Usually 1" to 1 1/4" low on driver side at the front and 3/4" to 1" low on driver side at the rear.

From the front:

Front Driver Side:

Front Passenger Side:

Rear Driver Side:

Rear Passenger Side:

 

[benk0]

I had about a 1" to 1.25" lean even stock. Had it with Bilstein 5100 and AAL setup. Went to Dakar leaf packs in the rear and SAW in the front and preloaded the driver's side to compensate. It's definitely quite a bit of preload necessary to get it balanced out. Must be much heavier on that side!

 

[DarkHelmet]

ARB Contact

I just heard back from ARB and they are going to send me a trim packer for the front driver strut and see if that levels things out.

Will keep this thread updated. Now I need to figure out how to get this installed as the company that installed the lift originally is now out of business.

- DH

 

[Schattenjager]

I got a trim packer too - as part of the attempt to solve my problem. It is just a spacer, easily installed. If you go to that effort, you might pull the springs and measure them. If you look at the end of my thread, the photos of the new replacement springs vs. what was in my first kit shows the problem.

I hope yours is as easy as a spacer

 

[DarkHelmet]

Trim spacer installed. Added... Well... About 5mm. Unfortunately, 5mm < 1" although the truck looks more level now, but the measurements tell another story. I've contacted the folks at ARB for next steps. They have been very helpful thus far and we'll keep working at it.

While I had the experienced help and access to the right tools I took the opportunity to install some Toytec degree shims in the rear. Driveline vibration is noticeably less between 30mph and 75mph now.