Lift problems

[Rlin0997]

I just got back from the shop to get my truck lifted. They informed me that my tires might rub the upper control arm if I lift it. Has anyone been able to lift their truck without using the spacers? I have no experience with them but they seem to be a band-aid like solution. Thanks in advance for all your responses.

2012 trail
Stock wheels/ stock everything but tires
285/70/17 Goodyear Duratrac's (only non stock item on the truck)
Was going to install Bilstein 5100's all around.

 

[Mijfwb23]

I have no issues with rubbing at all with my lift and tires. I did the liner mod but nothing even comes close to my UCAs.

 

[Jono.ful]

Spacers shouldn't affect the geometry THAT much, from what I understand after market UCA's are more important once you start running bigger wheels/tires, as the stock units can't be adjusted enough for the required camber

 

[1engineer]

Spacers shouldn't affect the geometry THAT much, from what I understand after market UCA's are more important once you start running bigger wheels/tires, as the stock units can't be adjusted enough for the required camber

Spacers can change the geometry a lot depending on the width of the spacer.

 

[Rlin0997]

Thanks for all the input. New to the truck world, came from a Subaru

I decided to hold off with the lift until I get more information. I am trying to get away from the spacers 1.5 inch(don't want to put unwanted stress on the front bearings). The shop didn't know if it would be a problem but would charge me double labor to put back to stock. Didn't want to take the chance and experiment. Has anyone had any negative experiences with spacers?

I guess I could get the lift see if they rub, then put on the spacers if they do. Just don't wanna run into complications down the road.

 

[Moving Chicane]

I decided to hold off with the lift until I get more information.

There's a ton of information here, both in the archives and "live" in the forum; it might be helpful if you confirmed/provided some additional details such as whether or not you are also installing UCA's (sounds like you are not) and what shop/city you are in for references in that area.

FWIW, I believe that the stock wheels with Duratec 285's and a lift WITH UCA's, should NOT rub (although you may need to adjust the fender liner).

 

[Rlin0997]

I was first looking at getting just the leveling kit(Bilstein shocks and spacers) but now I'm leaning towards the icon stage one setup. I just want to do it once and do it right.

I am located in Phoenix, AZ.
All the shops around here have been helpful but the best prices and option explanations have been with sdhqoffroad.com (not connected with them in any way). Also was impressed with their shop (had all the parts on display)

 

[harper7]

Your tires won't rub on the UCA's with a lift. Many are lifted on the forum and no one reported to rub on the UCA's at least with stock wheels of 4.5" or similar backspacing. Now ,you may rub in the back or front with 285 tires but there are mods or alignment specs to fix that. IMO,it is best to save up the ~ $400 for aftermarket UCA's and have them put on at the same time.

Where some have run into trouble and required wheel spacers so they didnt rub the UCA's is when they get aftermarket wheels with 5.25"+ backspace, as more + backspace brings the wheel inward. Those wheels were designed for GM products as they come stock with 5.5" or more of backspace but have the same 6x5.5 bolt pattern as us.

Sierra Expeditions is on Broadway in Mesa is another local shop that knows Toyota suspensions. They have done many FJ's, and owned a highly modded one themselves, and did the lift for at least one maybe two 5th Gen's on here.

 

[brockeverly]

I rub 285/70 Duratracs lightly on the UCA with my OME lift. Aftermarket wheels, but stock backspacing. It is not enough to worry about.

For the install, PM me. I will hook you up with a buddy of mine that will do it much cheaper than other shops in the area. His shop is in Mesa by Lopers Performance.

 

[Rlin0997]

Thanks! I will let you know when I get it put together. Do you get any deals on parts?

Or where is the best place to find a deal?

 

[brockeverly]

What are you looking for?

 

[Natey]

Charging you double labor to put it back to stock ain't exactly helpful. "We're not sure of it'll work, but we'll gladly experiment on your truck while doubling our money!"

New mechanic, STAT!

 

[Rlin0997]

Really need to find out what I want. I only take the truck out on the weekends and do light to medium 4x4ing

I am not sure if this exists but, I am looking for a 2.5 to 3 inch lift that requires little to low maintenance. Don't like the idea of squeaking parts all the time.

Was quoted:
Icon Stage one installed = $2100
Icon Stage two installed = $3150

""Charging you double labor to put it back to stock ain't exactly helpful. "We're not sure of it'll work, but we'll gladly experiment on your truck while doubling our money!"

New mechanic, STAT! ""

That's why I didn't want to have it done. It was another shop, not the shop I really like.