Suspension question

[3 DOGS]

OK still the new guy questions with me. I have purchased my 03 Taco DC with the TRD.
My plans are to install 265/75/16 Hercules Terra Trac ATs and some sort of suspension mod.
I see a lot of guys here use the Donahoe/Dever set up. I have seen on other sites the mention of OME and Tundra options.
My plan is some trail running in Colorado and other mountain areas and then deal with Nebraska winters and regular on road driving.
The guys here seem to be more "practical" and friendly so hopefully I won't anger anyone with the same old new guy stuff.
A final - for now - question is does anyone know of a production model swing out tire carrier that allows me to use my tailgate too? I have topper on my Taco and can handle making the mods for the bed I just want to keep the tailgate and have access to my hitch. I am not a welder and for now need a production model.
Thanks.

 

[crawler#976]

Adding Sway-A-Way 2.0" coilovers made a huge difference in how my '98 Taco rides and handles on and off the pavement. Using the 675Lb rate springs allows me to run without a swaybar (there is definately some body roll, but it's less than what I get with my other truck) for true independent suspension up front. The SAW's are currently set for about 1.5" lift - may bump that up some, but the ride right now is sooooooo nice...

 

[robert]

Swing out tire carriers are usually custom built and require a heavy bumper to carry the weight. I suppose you could bolt some sort of mount to the tailgate, but I feel sure it would bend the tailgate and wear out the hinges- that's a lot of weight to hang off the rear.

You could get a verticle mount to go in the bed on one side or you could put it on top if you had to although it's a pain to get up and down.

265s ought to fit underneath; you don't lose much ground clearance and the tire is out of the way.

I ran OME on my 95.5 Taco and thought highly of them (I had custom Alcans and Rancho RS9000s on the back since no one was making rear leafs for the 95.5).

Valkarie on TTORA sells complete OME kits for $650 shipped from Texas if you are on a budget. He will put whatever coils you need in the set.

 

[3 DOGS]

Further questions

Does the kit Valkarie have the rear leafs with the OME kits?? If not then should I stick with Dever? Also what is a site to contact Valkarie?
Like I said this is all new and like everyone else knows I don't have the $$ to throw away.
I've liked the fact that Donahoe and OME aren't "lift kits" per se.
I guess for the spare I can make a roof rack instead of the swing out.
How about a front locker? Again I see ARB is mentioned most but does Eaton make one for the front? I know they do for the rear and have a very good reputation.
Has anyone tried the Hercules tires I mentioned (Terra Trac) or the Bridgestone Revos? Tirerack gives the Revos a veryu good review and the Terras are pretty close in pattern.

 

[Dave Bennett]

You can PM Valkyrie over on TTORA.
Your tire size is right on for a mild lift, 265/75R16 will fit fine IMO. I've not heard of "Hercules terra trac" tires but you will be happy with Revo's, many swear by them as a good all around long wearing tire.
Most rear bumper tire carriers are $$$, and require rear frame reinforcement...
Check the stock spare location, factory tires are 265/70R16 so you might be OK with the spare in the stock location.

As for a suspension upgrade, you cannot go wrong with Donahoe CO's and Deaver leaf packs. Top of the line IMO, thats why I went with them.
My second choice would have been the OME setup from Toyota of Dallas (Valkyrie), it is a great value and of good quality as well. It has an add a leaf for the rear vice a full leaf pack like Deavers

And remember, it's ALWAYS cheaper to do it right the first time around so take your time and research it all thoroughly before laying down your hard earned cash! :ylsmoke:

Later,
..Doc

 

[Scott Brady]

What are your goals with the changes in suspension? A better ride, more load capacity, ground clearance?

Answering those questions will help me form a good answer.

For example, you can fit 265's with no lift (stock) and do all of the trails/conditions you mentioned.

Oh, and welcome to ExPo :jumping:

 

[BajaXplorer]

My experience with OME rear springs was that they are an improvement over stock (empty/lightly loaded) and will give you a little lift, but they are not designed to handle weight. With a shell, jack, tools, camping gear and equipment for a week's expedition they were sitting on the first overload spring and almost on the second one. They would bottom out on me with very little effort, and they did not center the axle correctly in the wheel well so that at full compression the tire (265x75) rubbed on the plastic trim pretty badly on the driver side. I never tried their front suspension based on my experience with the rears (I have All-Pro coilovers). I switched out the OME after 6 months for Deaver 9 leafs over 2 years ago and have been very satisfied with them.
Just wanted to give you my experience with OME. I know there are people who love them, I just don't know why.
I also agree with Scott that from your post it doesn't sound like your plans require a suspension upgrade. Perhaps you should be doing a few months "off-roading" with your new tires at the things you like to do before making a decision on your suspension. Just my two cents. Welcome aboard!
BX

 

[3 DOGS]

Suspension

First of all I want to Thank you guys for answering my questions. Again I have been checking various sites with this one being the best on user information and the most friendly. It's greatly appreciated.
Now for my plans:
Again just some trail running in the mountains, hunting, and daily driving in Nebraska.
I'm not wanting to "lift" my truck with your typical x-brand 4" lift for 35's etc. I just want to improve my on road ride (have enough clearance for the new tires) and also better my off road capabilities. Nothing crazy. No rock crawling, mud bogging etc. Just good trailing fun.
I may in the far future - read available money - put an ARB bumper and winch. Other than that nothing too extreme. If I hit the lottery I'd try some of the things Scott has done - but until then...
Tires are going to be the LT265/75/16 Hercules Terra Tracs on factory wheels. Again just want clearance since stock tires are LT265/70/16.
Any ideas on cost for the Donahoe/Dever set up - 7 or 8 pack rear leafs??
Again Thanks for anwering my questions.
Scott did you ever make the window stickers or any other gear? If so what and how much.
Thanks

 

[Dave Bennett]

You will find it HERE...
http://www.demello-offroad.com//cat...id=67&osCsid=634299f00cb06edee098db8c8869a0a6

This is basically the same package that I have, very skookum!