Lifts are turning out to be a PITA
- Thread starter RL Lemke
- Start date
RL Lemke
New member
The 2005 Tacoma is getting a lot of interest from those offering modifications. I guess the Taco market is a lot stronger than 4Runners. Anyway here is an article where they are building a 2005 Taco: http://www.4wheelpartsadventures.com/pastIssues/0501-issue/050101t-maya-hunter.html
Notice how when they force fit the wrong coil over, a lot of modification is required.
Notice how when they force fit the wrong coil over, a lot of modification is required.
Attachments
RL Lemke
New member
I asked the guys at Donahoe if there were going to be any other part conflicts with the installation of their 2.5" coil over. I was assured that only the A arm might be replaced. They said they were confident that I didn't have to replace it, but in off-roading I would be better off with an aftermarket A arm. Donahoe plans on offering a replacement A arm of their own this summer. I'm not going to wait. Besides, they offered that the Chaos A arm was exceptional.
I am counting on this A arm to be stronger as well.
I am counting on this A arm to be stronger as well.
Good Times
New member
Total Chaos' products kicks ass!
4route
New member
I'm working on it with a guy at a shop and should know more in the next few days.
Right now though, you can always just use the rear Revtek shocks or buy some Doetsch shocks from Downey. I remember from working at NE that we sold BDS shocks to people without XREAS, so I guess BDS offers some compatible shock at well though I haven't heard much about that company or their shocks.
Sway-A-Way and Donahoe both come only with the front coilovers. In the rear you'd need to use the Downey coils with Doetsch shocks, or just keep the stock coils, add a spacer, and get some longer rear shocks.
I'll let you guys know as soon as I know more.
Right now though, you can always just use the rear Revtek shocks or buy some Doetsch shocks from Downey. I remember from working at NE that we sold BDS shocks to people without XREAS, so I guess BDS offers some compatible shock at well though I haven't heard much about that company or their shocks.
Sway-A-Way and Donahoe both come only with the front coilovers. In the rear you'd need to use the Downey coils with Doetsch shocks, or just keep the stock coils, add a spacer, and get some longer rear shocks.
I'll let you guys know as soon as I know more.
Bobby
New member
Not much to add but BDS is supposed to be pretty good shocks. Bilstein has off road shocks but I don't know if they'd work with a lift or have one for the 4th gen 4runner (just checked and they're in development).
ps. 4route - I'm glad you survived the bs and stuck around. We've never talked or exchanged posts but I found your past posts very informative.
ps. 4route - I'm glad you survived the bs and stuck around. We've never talked or exchanged posts but I found your past posts very informative.
RL Lemke
New member
Today the Donahoe struts and Total Chaos upper A arms are being installed. I have already taken photos of the uninstalled parts.
The Total Chaos upper A arm installation required the drilling of a 3/4" hole in the top of the factory arm that connects the upper and lower arm - I don't know the name of this part. This makes the change-over permanent.
The TC kit has urethane bushings with a Zerk fitting. Their instructions call for Teflon grease for installation. None was included. The installer says they always use anti-seize.
The $550 TC kit is overpriced when compared to what you get for $1,100 from Donahoe. The Donahoe strut is a sight to be seen. For $1,100 you get two huge struts and coil springs, ready to be installed from Donahoe. For $1,000 I got one smaller Ohlins shock for my BMW motorcycle (arguable the best shock maker in the world). In motorcycle suspension terms, Donahoe is an excellent value.
http://www.donahoeracing.com/pr_detail.php?prID=27
I will post my first drive impressions and photos tonight.
The Total Chaos upper A arm installation required the drilling of a 3/4" hole in the top of the factory arm that connects the upper and lower arm - I don't know the name of this part. This makes the change-over permanent.
The TC kit has urethane bushings with a Zerk fitting. Their instructions call for Teflon grease for installation. None was included. The installer says they always use anti-seize.
The $550 TC kit is overpriced when compared to what you get for $1,100 from Donahoe. The Donahoe strut is a sight to be seen. For $1,100 you get two huge struts and coil springs, ready to be installed from Donahoe. For $1,000 I got one smaller Ohlins shock for my BMW motorcycle (arguable the best shock maker in the world). In motorcycle suspension terms, Donahoe is an excellent value.
http://www.donahoeracing.com/pr_detail.php?prID=27
I will post my first drive impressions and photos tonight.
Last edited:
schneidermj
New member
Lemke,
You have to be one happy man! Eventually I will do the same. I'm anxious to see pics and know how it rides/performs on and off road.
Congrats!
You have to be one happy man! Eventually I will do the same. I'm anxious to see pics and know how it rides/performs on and off road.
Congrats!
bulldog-yota
New member
Sounds great man, please post the pics of the uninstalled parts. I'm drooling on this side. You should be ready to jump the rocks in MOab now 
The spindle connect the upper and lower A-Arms. I thought they only had to press the ball joint out to fit the TC A-arms. HHmmmm, also see where they route your ABS wire as it runs along the top a-arms. Want to see the zirks on the TC arms.
I've heard so many good things about the Donahoes, would love to hear how they work on your 4R. BTW they are called Hoes, probably cause you can ride them rough and not worry about it
The spindle connect the upper and lower A-Arms. I thought they only had to press the ball joint out to fit the TC A-arms. HHmmmm, also see where they route your ABS wire as it runs along the top a-arms. Want to see the zirks on the TC arms.
I've heard so many good things about the Donahoes, would love to hear how they work on your 4R. BTW they are called Hoes, probably cause you can ride them rough and not worry about it
RL Lemke
New member
The "Hoes" won't be mine to ride hard until tomorrow. So, until tomorrow night I won't have an update.
There was a body lift still in the shop from yesterday. That stole 3 hours from my install. I think it is better to let them finish the work without pressure, than to have them hurry the finish.
I'm having them bag-up the Xreas, and the other parts removed.
There was a body lift still in the shop from yesterday. That stole 3 hours from my install. I think it is better to let them finish the work without pressure, than to have them hurry the finish.
I'm having them bag-up the Xreas, and the other parts removed.
RL Lemke
New member
50 Mile Review of the new Hoes.
The appreciation for the Donahoe coil over front struts started within the first mile. The ride is now as quiet as the stock suspension. The ride is about as firm as the spacer lifts, yet there is a significant improvement in the ride. Both the NE and Revtek lifts allowed the concrete joints and sudden roadway angle changes to be transfered to the frame of the 4Runner. Now the suspension absorbs every roadway issue, sparing the frame/vehicle from the shock. No more clunk or jolts. I can't tell any difference between cornering with or without the Xreas. This is probably due to the stiffer ride.
The whole shooting match for this significant upgrade, including TC upper A arms, Donahoe's, removal of the Xreas, realignment, frame leveling, etc was $2,200. Instead of pissing away the $1,700 for two different lift kits, I have now invested in quality parts that really accomplish what I was looking for.
I'm at work now. Later I'll take more photos and post all for you review. Maybe in a new thread as I would like to put the whole spacer lift waste of time and money behind me once and for all.
Frame leveling - Using a tape measure to check changes in the ride heigth are all well and good. Mike's Off Road (the guys that installed all this for me) said that they took the time to take measurements between the alignment floor and the frame bottom. Then they adjusted the struts so as to make the frame level. This makes sence to me. The rear of the 4Runner still looks higher, just as Toyota intended.
The appreciation for the Donahoe coil over front struts started within the first mile. The ride is now as quiet as the stock suspension. The ride is about as firm as the spacer lifts, yet there is a significant improvement in the ride. Both the NE and Revtek lifts allowed the concrete joints and sudden roadway angle changes to be transfered to the frame of the 4Runner. Now the suspension absorbs every roadway issue, sparing the frame/vehicle from the shock. No more clunk or jolts. I can't tell any difference between cornering with or without the Xreas. This is probably due to the stiffer ride.
The whole shooting match for this significant upgrade, including TC upper A arms, Donahoe's, removal of the Xreas, realignment, frame leveling, etc was $2,200. Instead of pissing away the $1,700 for two different lift kits, I have now invested in quality parts that really accomplish what I was looking for.
I'm at work now. Later I'll take more photos and post all for you review. Maybe in a new thread as I would like to put the whole spacer lift waste of time and money behind me once and for all.
Frame leveling - Using a tape measure to check changes in the ride heigth are all well and good. Mike's Off Road (the guys that installed all this for me) said that they took the time to take measurements between the alignment floor and the frame bottom. Then they adjusted the struts so as to make the frame level. This makes sence to me. The rear of the 4Runner still looks higher, just as Toyota intended.
Last edited:
bulldog-yota
New member
Sounds great, now for some pics. Also measure from the ground to the fender in the front and rear, would love to know how much lift you now have.
What did you end up using in the back? Revtek shock and spacer with stock coil? Or just the Revtek shock?
What did you end up using in the back? Revtek shock and spacer with stock coil? Or just the Revtek shock?
Last edited:
