Toy tec lift

[tristero]

So, I ordered it today from RealTruck.com. $949 shipped. Any hints/tips on install? The front isn't anything new for me but this is the first time lifting the rear of something that doesn't have leaf packs. :shrug: :becky:

The rear is a lot of fun! Make sure you have a spring compressor, I definitely needed one. I also dropped a bolt into the frame, so try not to do that. Remove the sway bars from the frame mounts before you start with the shocks/springs.

There's a good write up by [MENTION=48991]sp8ball[/MENTION] and [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] on the front that you should look into. I think there are a few more bolts you have to remove on the LCA that may not be there on the Tacoma assembly.

The main issue I had was trying to position the rear axle to accept the lower shock mount after the spring install. I ended up jacking and pushing forward as it dropped in an attempt to roll the axle forward a little, finished off with some taps of a mallet.

 

[toyohtadude]

The rear is a lot of fun! Make sure you have a spring compressor, I definitely needed one. I also dropped a bolt into the frame, so try not to do that. Remove the sway bars from the frame mounts before you start with the shocks/springs.

Thanks for these tips! I just saw a pic of one who put a bottle jack between the frame and the axle and jacked until the spring came out but I need to read into that more. Otherwise, I can run over to O'Reilly's and rent that tool. Good point!

There's a good write up by [MENTION=48991]sp8ball[/MENTION] and [MENTION=65614]Antman[/MENTION] on the front that you should look into. I think there are a few more bolts you have to remove on the LCA that may not be there on the Tacoma assembly.

The main issue I had was trying to position the rear axle to accept the lower shock mount after the spring install. I ended up jacking and pushing forward as it dropped in an attempt to roll the axle forward a little, finished off with some taps of a mallet.

I'll check their write-ups and note all the tips there as well. I have not looked, but do you think there is space to install the shocks loosely first then insert the compressed springs? Just a thought without looking. Or, do I find a couple local guys who've done this and buy them enough beer to cover their time along with steaks on the grill? LOL!!!

I appreciate the feedback and the links. Headed to see the other's write-ups now.

-Eric

 

[Ebbsnflows]

I just installed this kit on mine this wknd. It's not too bad at all. But a bottle jack was a MUST have for the rear. Even using spring compressors I couldn't get the rear to drop enough to wedge the new coils into place. The bottle jack was a life saver.

Everything else was straight forward and relatively simple.

 

[DGA]

For those that are running this lift, what setting do you have the 5100's set at?
How's the ride over stock? Was it everything you hoped for (level, rake, ride)?

I have this lift but won't be installing it till this summer.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

For those that are running this lift, what setting do you have the 5100's set at?
How's the ride over stock? Was it everything you hoped for (level, rake, ride)?

I have this lift but won't be installing it till this summer.

Mine are set on the lowest setting...and to be honest, I'm a bit concerned about the resulting ride height in the front. I measured stock ride before the install and got 22" (from center of axle to fender) in the rear and 19" in the front. Afterwards I have 24" in the rear and 24.25 in the front. I was only expecting a 3" increase in the front and instead got over 5". This is a bit alarming. But then I thought..."well, it'll probably settle an inch or more". Fast forward 3 days and 60 miles of driving and it's only settled about 1/4 of an inch. I removed the front wheels this evening to double check the install and make sure nothing's out of order...everything looks right (it would be hard to screw up anyway). I'm going to give it another couple of days and then give ToyTec a call if it doesn't drop any further.

Overall ride is good. It's a bit stiffer than stock...but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I do feel road imperfections a little more than before, but again, nothing terrible. Had it come this way from the factory I wouldn't have thought anything about it.

For the most part it's everything I hoped it would be...I just want to understand why I got so much more lift in the front than was described in the product listing. I'm curious to know what others have for a front measurement? I attempted to do a search, but the search SUCKS on here.

 

[tristero]

For those that are running this lift, what setting do you have the 5100's set at?
How's the ride over stock? Was it everything you hoped for (level, rake, ride)?

I have this lift but won't be installing it till this summer.

My kit came preset by Toytec, I figured I probably shouldn't mess with their settings.

If I were ever able to find a level street around here, I could probably put a level along the bottom and see for sure, but it looks straight as an arrow. I'm still trying to gain my bearings on where the front actually is without the rake.

The ride quality is amazing over OEM—very first thing I noticed was no more nose dive even with the Wranglers I have currently. It stands up in the back a bit if I get on the throttle hard, which I like, I grew up going with my dad racing at drag strips. Trail driving is much smoother, which means I can go faster. Haven't had a chance to do 4 Low yet, but the snow is almost all gone in the Sierras.

Mine are set on the lowest setting...and to be honest, I'm a bit concerned about the resulting ride height in the front. I measured stock ride before the install and got 22" (from center of axle to fender) in the rear and 19" in the front. Afterwards I have 24" in the rear and 24.25 in the front. I was only expecting a 3" increase in the front and instead got over 5".

After install I had actually gained closer to 3" in the back and 4" in the front, which they say isn't good, but it settled after a few days and the alignment.

Overall very happy with this setup.

:cheers:

 

[Kotrin]

My kit came preset by Toytec, I figured I probably shouldn't mess with their settings.

If I were ever able to find a level street around here, I could probably put a level along the bottom and see for sure, but it looks straight as an arrow. I'm still trying to gain my bearings on where the front actually is without the rake.

The ride quality is amazing over OEM—very first thing I noticed was no more nose dive even with the Wranglers I have currently. It stands up in the back a bit if I get on the throttle hard, which I like, I grew up going with my dad racing at drag strips. Trail driving is much smoother, which means I can go faster. Haven't had a chance to do 4 Low yet, but the snow is almost all gone in the Sierras.

After install I had actually gained closer to 3" in the back and 4" in the front, which they say isn't good, but it settled after a few days and the alignment.

Overall very happy with this setup.

:cheers:

Do you have any extra added weight on the vehicle(after market bumper/skids?)?

 

[Dexter Morgan]

so , i am about to push the "buy now" button on a 3" complete lift for my wife's 2011 limited 4r . just wanted some opinions or some personal experience with this lift .. the icon stage 1 is sweet too just a little more then i wanted to spend . the 4 runner will be on the road 99 % of the time , but i want it done right i am not to keen on just coil spacers .

any input would be awesome


thanks

Gary

If you're 99% on road don't waste your money and just get the 5100 billie/daystar rear setup. Rides great.

 

[toyohtadude]

Mine are set on the lowest setting...and to be honest, I'm a bit concerned about the resulting ride height in the front. I measured stock ride before the install and got 22" (from center of axle to fender) in the rear and 19" in the front. Afterwards I have 24" in the rear and 24.25 in the front. I was only expecting a 3" increase in the front and instead got over 5". This is a bit alarming. But then I thought..."well, it'll probably settle an inch or more". Fast forward 3 days and 60 miles of driving and it's only settled about 1/4 of an inch. I removed the front wheels this evening to double check the install and make sure nothing's out of order...everything looks right (it would be hard to screw up anyway). I'm going to give it another couple of days and then give ToyTec a call if it doesn't drop any further.

Overall ride is good. It's a bit stiffer than stock...but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I do feel road imperfections a little more than before, but again, nothing terrible. Had it come this way from the factory I wouldn't have thought anything about it.

For the most part it's everything I hoped it would be...I just want to understand why I got so much more lift in the front than was described in the product listing. I'm curious to know what others have for a front measurement? I attempted to do a search, but the search SUCKS on here.

Thanks for this (and thanks to the rest of you!) I will take the same measurements and provide feedback on the before and after. You don't mention UCAs so I'm assuming you kept the stock ones and have no issues with alignment?

I'm going to try and get a lot of pics and do a write-up for the whole kit install. Tips from other installs here are a big help. It isn't a difficult install but I'm only one man here. I may have to bribe a co-worker to come help.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

Thanks for this (and thanks to the rest of you!) I will take the same measurements and provide feedback on the before and after. You don't mention UCAs so I'm assuming you kept the stock ones and have no issues with alignment?

I just installed it on Sunday...I'm taking it in for an alignment on Friday. I wanted to give it a few days to (hopefully) settle a bit However with the excessive (5") lift. I'm doubtful that I'll be able to get it back to factory alignment specs. I understand that folks with 3" of lift have trouble...I imagine that I'll most likely need to do UCAs in the near future.

 

[toyohtadude]

I just installed it on Sunday...I'm taking it in for an alignment on Friday. I wanted to give it a few days to (hopefully) settle a bit However with the excessive (5") lift. I'm doubtful that I'll be able to get it back to factory alignment specs. I understand that folks with 3" of lift have trouble...I imagine that I'll most likely need to do UCAs in the near future.

Since you're now experienced, wanna do another?

I'm planning on UCAs... just did not spring that on my wife yet. :wow: One step at a time until I've got everything I want done. :becky:

Please do let us know what the alignment comes back with. Maybe I can just wear out these horrible OEM tires faster then lump the UCA and tire purchase later.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

Since you're now experienced, wanna do another?

If you were closer, I'd certainly lend a hand. I enjoy wrenching on cars...and again, this really isn't hard. It's time consuming...but not hard. I did it by myself without too much headache. Certainly a second set of hands would've been helpful, but not mandatory by any means.

I'll throw up a post on Friday with my alignment results...crossing fingers, but I'm genuinely prepared for the alignment tech to laugh at me when I ask if he was successful.

 

[toyohtadude]

If you were closer, I'd certainly lend a hand. I enjoy wrenching on cars...and again, this really isn't hard. It's time consuming...but not hard. I did it by myself without too much headache. Certainly a second set of hands would've been helpful, but not mandatory by any means.

I'll throw up a post on Friday with my alignment results...crossing fingers, but I'm genuinely prepared for the alignment tech to laugh at me when I ask if he was successful.

Wish I did live closer. Getting absolutely sick of winter, cold and snow. Time to vacate New England.

Reading on this lift, the kit states up to 3" of lift for the front. Is it possible you've adjusted it for max lift? Also, did you install the diff-drop provided?

Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to muck up my new ride. The Tacoma was older and I didn't mind so much. The good of this is that with a new vehicle, it isn't rusted and I won't have to fight getting it apart.

 

[tristero]

Do you have any extra added weight on the vehicle(after market bumper/skids?)?

Not yet, but I'm working on it! We're trying to save for a wedding so this will most likely be a slow build.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

Reading on this lift, the kit states up to 3" of lift for the front. Is it possible you've adjusted it for max lift? Also, did you install the diff-drop provided?

Sorry for all the questions but I don't want to muck up my new ride. The Tacoma was older and I didn't mind so much. .

I installed it just as delivered from Toytec (and the spring seat is mounted on the lowest "ring" setting of the 5100). Ironically, because it was on the lowest setting (and was physically only .75" longer than the stock coil-over) I was originally concerned that I would put everything back together only to get .75" of lift. However, I soon realized (with the input of a board-member here) that it's not only the overall physical length of the Bilstein spring/coil assembly that determines the ride height, it's a combination of that AND the stiffness/sag of the front coils. This is why I'm hopeful that eventually the coils will relax a bit and the front will drop...although I measured again this morning (day 4 of install) and I'm holding strong at 24" in the front.

yes, I installed the Diff-drop as well. The diff-drop install is cake. The associated belly-pan spacers that are required as a result, are an annoyance (but necessary). I'm not a fan of this "band-aid" solution, as I can see myself losing the screws/spacers eventually while doing scheduled maintenances. Will have to come up with something better long-term.

No problem with the questions...that's what the forum is for. ;-)

 

[toyohtadude]

yes, I installed the Diff-drop as well. The diff-drop install is cake. The associated belly-pan spacers that are required as a result, are an annoyance (but necessary). I'm not a fan of this "band-aid" solution, as I can see myself losing the screws/spacers eventually while doing scheduled maintenances. Will have to come up with something better long-term.

No problem with the questions...that's what the forum is for. ;-)

What do they provide? Washers to stack? Maybe I will cut some tubing or drilled flat iron and tack weld it to the pan.

Thanks again!

 

[DGA]

Thanks for this (and thanks to the rest of you!) I will take the same measurements and provide feedback on the before and after. You don't mention UCAs so I'm assuming you kept the stock ones and have no issues with alignment?

I'm going to try and get a lot of pics and do a write-up for the whole kit install. Tips from other installs here are a big help. It isn't a difficult install but I'm only one man here. I may have to bribe a co-worker to come help.

I'm looking forward to your write up. Are you doing superflex coils for the rear?

I bought my parts separately, not as a the kit. I planned on just doing the 5100's at first. Then decided to add the springs. From a bit of research it sounds like the 5100's should be on the second lowest setting for 3" of lift. I'll find out when I do the install this summer.

 

[Ebbsnflows]

What do they provide? Washers to stack? Maybe I will cut some tubing or drilled flat iron and tack weld it to the pan.

Thanks again!

They provide some tubular aluminum stock that is cut to about 3/4" thick with a hole drill through, along with longer screws. It works...it's just a cumbersome solution and just more pieces to lose during fluid changes.

I got my alignment done this morning. And as expected, some of it is out of spec. I'll give the shop credit, they spent almost 2 hrs working on it...but in the end, they could only do so much. The good news is that Camber/Toe were within spec (borderline spec...but in spec). However the caster settings are significantly out of spec. I don't have the printout in front of me but it was pretty bad. I see UCA's in my near future.

 

[toyohtadude]

I'm looking forward to your write up. Are you doing superflex coils for the rear?

I bought my parts separately, not as a the kit. I planned on just doing the 5100's at first. Then decided to add the springs. From a bit of research it sounds like the 5100's should be on the second lowest setting for 3" of lift. I'll find out when I do the install this summer.

Yes, the kit comes with the SuperFlex coils. I'm 50/50 on write ups. Sometimes I get so involved I forget to take pics of a lot of things. Then the write up is horrible. Hoping to document everything on this as it could help someone later.

 

[toyohtadude]

They provide some tubular aluminum stock that is cut to about 3/4" thick with a hole drill through, along with longer screws. It works...it's just a cumbersome solution and just more pieces to lose during fluid changes.

I got my alignment done this morning. And as expected, some of it is out of spec. I'll give the shop credit, they spent almost 2 hrs working on it...but in the end, they could only do so much. The good news is that Camber/Toe were within spec (borderline spec...but in spec). However the caster settings are significantly out of spec. I don't have the printout in front of me but it was pretty bad. I see UCA's in my near future.

Our plate is steel, right? I'll weld something to it... I can't TIG yet... my MIG isn't great but I sure can grind like a mofo now! LOL!

Now you've got me thinking I should wait to install until I get the UCAs ordered. I'll have to ask about them for Father's Day. :tongue: