Got the 05 a few weeks ago and knowing that it needed new shocks and tires, I started going through numerous threads on T4R, seeing different builds and photos. The vehicle will share daily duties with my trusty 2001 Taco, however its not soo roomy in the back for my daughter. Will it be used for off road? Maybe, for some camping and really mild trails. What i wanted was a really a mild/level lift, and i prefer not the stock rake, but very mild. It was more my vision to have the front fender gap almost level with the rear fender gap, a touch lower would have been ok. I didn't want to add preload unless I got the spring choice way off.
Components: Bilstein 5100's @ 0, OME UCA's, OME 883s, Whiteline lower control arm bushings, KYB Strut mount assemblies, Wheelers 3/8 and 1/4 top spacers, for the rear just the 5100's with stock springs. OEM TRD Wheels with 265/70's
Install notes: Rears shocks were easy enough to do at home, I also had all the parts so I took the time to assemble the front shocks/springs/strut mounts/top spacers before heading to my buddies shop. LCA: If I had to do it again, probably just buy OEM LCA. It ends up costing roughly the same if not more in labor - unless you are doing yourself. However, my buddy did say it was a real PITA to do the bushings.
RESULTS:
Lift from 300k suspension:
Overall front lift from wheel to fender 5.125 driver, 4.875 passenger.
Rear with just the shocks: ~3/8 to 1/2 (measured but didnt write down)
So as it sits its to both front fenders:38.5
Rear: 36.75 | 37 rear
I will put some miles on it, and will assume the front will settle with the new springs. I'll measure again later and decide if i need to get springs/lift for rear.
Stock with 300K:
After Suspension install:
Test