Lift suggestions, please...

[brucemoose2]

I bought a Daystar 2.5/1.5 spacer lift to install on my XREAS-equipped 07 4x4 Sport V6. Right after jacking up the truck, I discovered that one of my shocks is just starting to leak and aborted the install. I'm planning to remove the XREAS system now.

I'm wondering if I should get stock replacement assembled front struts and install the spacer lift or return the spacer lift and go with something like the rancho quicklift assembled struts.

Then I need to figure out what shocks to order for the rear. Rancho RS5397 are for stock height, so ideally, I'd install something slightly longer if I install the 1.5" spacer. Any ideas on the correct model? RS999305 are supposed to be load assist shocks designed for a spacer lift. I probably don't need the adjustability and they're double the cost, as well. Is there an RS5000 part that would be appropriate?

I will rarely go off pavement with this truck, but I will tow a 3500 pound trailer once in a while.

 

[ARunner]

The options are somewhat limitless, but why not just replace the shocks with some stock shocks unless you're just looking for a reason to upgrade? Seems like they would give you the best ride. Towing a trailer is pretty straight forward and stock can easily handle that sort of tongue weight. But if you are interested, and since you have the springs out anyway, you could install airbags into the rear coils (I think air lift and goodyear both offer a kit) to give you extra carrying capacity when you need it for about $100.

 

[brucemoose2]

Stock shocks are an option I would consider. I'm trying to weigh these options:

1. Spacer lift plus Monroe Quick Struts and Monroe 37184 rear shocks (they're for a Land Cruiser and are slightly longer than stock). Cost of a little under $450

2. Return spacer lift and buy 2 Bilstein front struts and rear shocks plus a rear spacer lift for just under $400.

#1 is easier since the struts are assembled already. #2 is arguably a better suspension since I will have Bilstein vs Monroe - but I'll be reusing the stock springs. Cost is roughly the same, either way. With #2, I don't know how much of a pain it will be to disassemble and reassemble the struts since I've never done it. Is this a pain in the butt? I'm pretty competent as a mechanic but will have to rent spring compressors.

 

[ARunner]

Quick check of rockauto shows 70x2 for front and 40x2 for rear for a total of around $220 for shocks and use your spacer kit you already bought. The effort to install the front shocks is really pretty easy. You can either rent a spring compressor or look at some threads here about how to drop and re install the front shock without a spring compressor. I went the compressor route the first time, but if I were to do it again, I would go without. There is even a YouTube tutorial someone has showing a removal and installation on a tacoma- same basic setup as ours.

 

[brucemoose2]

Quick check of rockauto shows 70x2 for front and 40x2 for rear for a total of around $220 for shocks and use your spacer kit you already bought.

Right, plus shipping. And I was pricing the complete strut assembly which includes the spring, etc. Total is about $450 to go that route, including the spacer lift.

Anyway, thanks for the input and listening to me debate this all in my head. I just pulled the trigger on a complete set of Bilsteins and a rear spacer lift. I think I'll be happier that way. I'll have to rent some compressors to disassemble the struts.

 

[ARunner]

Sure can't blame a guy for upgrading. No better time than when the old parts are worn out. Good choice! By the way, you do not need a spring compressor unless you prefer that route. Here is the YouTube I was referring to, and there are a number of threads on it here on the forums. http://youtu.be/5E6u7dC7EHg

There is a part 2 to that you can find as well. Good luck.