marlin driver
New member
Here is my update to this thread:
I got the Toytec Ultimate kit and installed the front coilovers set the way they came out of the box, which was about 2". Lots of people have reported that the rear springs that come with the kit will lift the rear approximately 2.5" or a little more (spec says 2"), which is higher than I wanted. I ordered the 1.5" spacers for the rear and put those in with the stock rear springs. After installation, the truck measured 2" higher in front and about 1 3/4" higher out back.
I bought a set of Konig Countersteer X wheels in 17'x8" and mounted a set of Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo IIs in 265/70/17. I drove it around for a couple of days and decided that the lift was too high for the tires, or the tires were too small for the lift. There was just too much daylight in the wheel wells, and the tire diameter looked small.
Back in the shop, I pulled the rear spacers, leaving just the stock rear springs and adjusted the front shocks down about 1/2" (to 1.5" higher than stock). Now I am at close to stock ride height, but with the front raised up to almost level.
So, getting back to the original question of this thread; how does the ride and handling compare to the x-reas stock suspension? The ride is nicer and smoother. My stock limited with x-reas was very stiff and stayed very flat under cornering and braking. I would say there is very slightly more lean with the Toytec/Bilsteins, but the ride is much more compliant and comfortable, but still firm and controlled. Actual cornering performance is at least as good as before. Overall, the suspension performance is noticeably better all the way around. These comments are all on-road stuff. Its safe to assume that the upgrade will be much more dramatic off-road.
If I leave it at this ride height and tire size, the Toytec Ultimate kit was definite overkill. I could have gotten the same benefits by getting just the Toytec/Bilstein front coilovers alone, since that is all that I am using now. For this lift height, the diff drop isn't needed, and I'm not using the rear springs. I'm going to let the dust settle and, if I don't change anything, I may eventually sell off the new parts that I don't use.
I'm posting this follow-up mostly for someone with a new Limited that is debating whether to ditch x-reas. My opinion is that it is a worthwhile upgrade, but x-reas is pretty good. For street driving, the biggest benefit to the change is improved comfort. If the ride feels good to you, save the money and leave it alone. Putting a small spacer lift in the front gets you a better overall look, compared to stock, and is very cheap.
For you guys with alignment fetishes, the max caster I can get now is 3 degrees, and I'm at about .5 degree positive camber. The camber won't go to zero, which is the spec. I can probably get away with these results as it drives great, but I definitely would need aftermarket UCAs if I lift it any higher.
The installation wasn't too tough, but it definitely helps to have an extra set of hands.
I got the Toytec Ultimate kit and installed the front coilovers set the way they came out of the box, which was about 2". Lots of people have reported that the rear springs that come with the kit will lift the rear approximately 2.5" or a little more (spec says 2"), which is higher than I wanted. I ordered the 1.5" spacers for the rear and put those in with the stock rear springs. After installation, the truck measured 2" higher in front and about 1 3/4" higher out back.
I bought a set of Konig Countersteer X wheels in 17'x8" and mounted a set of Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo IIs in 265/70/17. I drove it around for a couple of days and decided that the lift was too high for the tires, or the tires were too small for the lift. There was just too much daylight in the wheel wells, and the tire diameter looked small.
Back in the shop, I pulled the rear spacers, leaving just the stock rear springs and adjusted the front shocks down about 1/2" (to 1.5" higher than stock). Now I am at close to stock ride height, but with the front raised up to almost level.
So, getting back to the original question of this thread; how does the ride and handling compare to the x-reas stock suspension? The ride is nicer and smoother. My stock limited with x-reas was very stiff and stayed very flat under cornering and braking. I would say there is very slightly more lean with the Toytec/Bilsteins, but the ride is much more compliant and comfortable, but still firm and controlled. Actual cornering performance is at least as good as before. Overall, the suspension performance is noticeably better all the way around. These comments are all on-road stuff. Its safe to assume that the upgrade will be much more dramatic off-road.
If I leave it at this ride height and tire size, the Toytec Ultimate kit was definite overkill. I could have gotten the same benefits by getting just the Toytec/Bilstein front coilovers alone, since that is all that I am using now. For this lift height, the diff drop isn't needed, and I'm not using the rear springs. I'm going to let the dust settle and, if I don't change anything, I may eventually sell off the new parts that I don't use.
I'm posting this follow-up mostly for someone with a new Limited that is debating whether to ditch x-reas. My opinion is that it is a worthwhile upgrade, but x-reas is pretty good. For street driving, the biggest benefit to the change is improved comfort. If the ride feels good to you, save the money and leave it alone. Putting a small spacer lift in the front gets you a better overall look, compared to stock, and is very cheap.
For you guys with alignment fetishes, the max caster I can get now is 3 degrees, and I'm at about .5 degree positive camber. The camber won't go to zero, which is the spec. I can probably get away with these results as it drives great, but I definitely would need aftermarket UCAs if I lift it any higher.
The installation wasn't too tough, but it definitely helps to have an extra set of hands.
