Another suspension/lift question, apologies in advance...

[kegelinanger]

I know I'm gonna catch some grief for starting yet another suspension/lift thread, but after reading through literally dozens of threads on several sites, I'm not ashamed to admit I'm at a total loss on how to approach this.

My situation: 2000 Limited with 192k mi. and what looks/feels to be all original suspension. I picked this up with 187k on the clock, so I have no idea what it should ride like, but I'm pretty sure I'd be satisfied with just the "factory new" ride/handling characteristics. I would like to add about 2" lift to clear one size larger tires in the (hopefully) near future though. I do off-road frequently, but as this is my DD I stray from the hardcore stuff.

So obviously shocks/struts are shot, and I'm gonna go ahead and assume my coils are toast as well. The OME, SS, Toytec lifts are out based strictly on price. I'm sure they're worth every penny, I just don't have that many pennies right now. I like the cheapness of the Tundra/LC lift, but I have a hard time justifying spending money and time installing used stuff that might very well have as many miles on it as my current setup. And sourcing this stuff new puts it right back up in price. So right now I'm thinking these setups:

1.) Moog coils, new shocks/struts, top plate coil spacers. I know adding spacers in the strut can add to harsh ride, but are there any disadvantages to just the top plate spacers?

2.) Monroe Quick-Struts for Tundra, Moog rears, new rear shocks, rear coil spacer. I know the progressive rate spring is the main factor for the Tundra swap. But I figure I'll still get a fair amount of lift out of the Monroe's, and the install should be cake.

So basically for the front, should I just go with the spacers and new OE parts, or give the Monroe's a shot? Monroe's are a little pricier, but not out of my range if they would be the better setup. Someday I'll get a "real" lift on this thing, but for now I just need something that doesn't bottom-out over 99% of bumps. So let's see those opinions! And feel free to bash away, I'm thick skinned...

 

[South-O 4RnR]

I've got a set of HD billies in the garage with 30k on them. I bet they would fit in your price range and they're a great shock. Only reason they aren't on the truck was because I could finally afford a lift.

 

[Hepar]

I don't think you should be quick to avoid a set of rear LC springs. You can get them for a great price and paired with a good set of shocks (like the bilsteins for example) will give a great ride.

What's your budget?

 

[absalom]

love my LC coils

 

[shadow247]

I second the LC coils. I picked mine up for 112 shipped from CruiserParts.net Landcruiser Parts. Add a set of Rear shocks for a 97 LC from Monroe and the rear is done. You don't HAVE to do the panhard bar or drop, I am doing it because when I do drive my truck a lot, it will be on the highway for 2 hours, so I want the ride to be as factory as possible.

For the front, all you really need is a set of TRD struts, these can be had at junkyard for 80 each, or you can lurk on some of the Tundra forums and probably pick up a set for 100 bucks shipped. I was able to get mine for the low low price of free (it's good to be in the parts business), but there are deals to be had out there. From everything I have read, you are going to want a Diff drop to help out the CV angles, and the top plate spacer added to the TRD struts will level the front out. I think you could put it together for about 300 bucks if you take your time and wait for the right deals to come along.

Also check out Your Online Offroad 4×4 Tech Resource – IH8MUD.com - there are lots of members on there parting out Land cruisers, so you should be able to pick up a set of rear springs for a good deal. I just went with CruiserParts.net because I was getting ants in my pants!

 

[tbst]

Got mine for $12.96 shipped. LC coils can't be judged really based on their usage. They are from the FRONT of a LC which is bigger than us. IMO, that equals out.

 

[Millerad1651]

I found my TRD struts on Tundrasolutions.com for $90 shipped. Then I found an OME 906 kit with 237 miles on it on here for $260. So total I'm in for $350 and I'll get practically a brand new suspension plus a lift! Bottom line, take a bit of time and you'll find a setup that's worth it. don't rush and buy aftermarket that you'll have to end up replacing prematurely.

 

[kegelinanger]

Lots of Tundra/LC fans here lol. The positive comments are tempting, and my budget of $400ish doesn't put it out of reach, but I still don't have the warm & fuzzy's about bolting up used parts with God knows how many miles on it. Especially considering the fact that all the parts used are from front suspensions, which handle the majority of the work and would tend to wear out quicker. Maybe I'm just being pessimistic, but my luck I'd get everything bolted up then snap a shock the next week. The LC setup doesn't bother me as much being it's only the coil that's used, and it's in the back with not nearly as much weight to deal with. But I'm having a helluva time locating the 7 wraps. Any time I ask about them I get the answer "They're off a LC, they're all the same." Guess I'll continue searching for a bit. I'm a cheap b*****d, but I don't like doing things twice either.

So I'm guessing a no go on the Sensa-Tracks then? Rockauto.com has them for a little over $200 for the pair...

 

[Millerad1651]

A lot of times you can find out how many miles are on the TRDs...mine have 60k, but I've seen guys get then with as little as 20k. Think about how long we have used our stock suspension, something with 60k has a lot more life left. Plus it's supporting a lot lighter vehicle than the Tundra, which can take some o the stress off.
As for the Sensa-Tracs, can't tell ya. I haven't read anything good or bad about them, I just know people tend to stay away from them.

 

[Volley]

I say go for the Tundra/LC lift as well. I have some HD Billies also as well as some top plate spacers that im sure would ben in the budget. Just within the posts of your thread alone you've got at least the front covered.

 

[absalom]

With a budget as low as yours (don't get me wrong, I've been there before too) you can't afford to be too picky. The Tundra/LC combo is proven system; Sonoran Steel uses them as well as dozens of other individual builders. They also reportedly ride much better then the OME set-up as well. Don't be scared of used, recycle!

 

[kegelinanger]

What are all the different PN's for the Billies? I know 5100's are the adjustable fronts, and I've seen a 5125 for a rear I believe. what are the "HD Billies"?

 

[jrm]

Best search engine

for TRD coils ive found so far.

searchtempest.com

 

[1985taylor1925]

Ill sell you my performance products front coils which give around 2" of lift. They have around 45k on them. And then I have all 4 KYB gas shocks with around 15k on them. All in great shape. The performance products coils paired with KYB shocks ride similar to the Tundra coils with bilsteins. I know this cause I just made that exact swap

 

[kegelinanger]

Ill sell you my performance products front coils which give around 2" of lift. They have around 45k on them. And then I have all 4 KYB gas shocks with around 15k on them. All in great shape. The performance products coils paired with KYB shocks ride similar to the Tundra coils with bilsteins. I know this cause I just made that exact swap

Interested in your offer, shot you a PM. What did you use for the rear lift with this setup?

 

[rjaudi]

Tundra Coils with Tundra Bilstein 5100's up front and rear OME 890 on some LC shocks is a good combo to also go with.

 

[4Real]

I know your on a budget but if you could spend 600 you could go with eibach coils and bisteins 5100 on front paired with lc coils and shocks on back. I also used cruiserparts.net. Don't be scared of the used land cruiser coils. I even got used shocks from landcruiser.net. It rides better than stock now!