Front end leveling

[sites]

I recently swapped my air bags for stock-height springs. Instead of included upper locator I opted for the OEM Toyota sub-assembly and a different lower locator which I believe resulted in lifting the rear end just slightly. Maybe an inch at most. I want to use 1/2" spacers in the front for a 1" lift to level it up. I think a few flat washers should work as spacers to lower the bump stops, but will I need a re-alignment or anything done to the steering?

Later down the road I might replace the entire suspension, after finishing other upgrades.

 

[Krazykevin]

I am not sure anyone makes a 1/2" spacer. I believe you can get 1/4" spacers (for 1/2" lift) , or 3/4" spacers (for 1.5" lift). Large washers will work fine to space the bump stop down some. The bump stop is on a different ratio as well, so you may only need .25" bump stop spacer for 3/4" lift spacer.

 

[sites]

Here they are. I've found others, too. [SR] 1" Front Leveling Spacer Lift Kit FOR 03-19 4Runner & Tacoma 4WD 2WD BLACK - https://www.streetrays.com/sr-1quot-front-leveling-spacer-lift-kit-for-03-19-4runner-tacoma-4wd-2wd-black.html

Thanks for the bump stop insight. The alignment and steering question remains. I don't know if the lack of info I've found is due to the absence of issue with a one inch lift or the lack of people doing a one inch lift and then reporting their findings. I've seen it said that anything up to 1.5" doesn't have much effect on cv joints and UCA's, so I'm guessing a 1" lift won't require any further tweaking.

 

[sites]

This will require dropping the lower control arms & I think I'll get a re-alignment when it's all said & done.

 

[Toyoland66]

Here they are. I've found others, too. [SR] 1" Front Leveling Spacer Lift Kit FOR 03-19 4Runner & Tacoma 4WD 2WD BLACK - https://www.streetrays.com/sr-1quot-front-leveling-spacer-lift-kit-for-03-19-4runner-tacoma-4wd-2wd-black.html

Thanks for the bump stop insight. The alignment and steering question remains. I don't know if the lack of info I've found is due to the absence of issue with a one inch lift or the lack of people doing a one inch lift and then reporting their findings. I've seen it said that anything up to 1.5" doesn't have much effect on cv joints and UCA's, so I'm guessing a 1" lift won't require any further tweaking.

The top hat spacers typically provide twice as much lift as they are thick, so a 1” lift would mean a 1/2” spacer due to the coil overs being mounted halfway up the control arm.

the concern I would have with those 1/2” spacers is whether there are enough threads on the coil over top mount. It’s already pretty close with 1/4” spacers. Usually kits that are thicker than that will include longer studs, which BTW require the coil over to be dissasembled to install.

 

[sites]

Took a closer look at those threads and it'll fit. I'll see about maybe replacing the nuts with lockers. I read somewhere about some custom 5/8" spacers a guy had made and they worked out.

 

[iwantoffroad]

the other issue is removing the stock suspension struts. the top of the shock have a little servo motor screwed into the top of the shock and the allen bolts holding it on are usually rusted. a lot of people end up having to cut it off to take apart the suspension. no big deal if you are installing a lift but if you are trying to re use it your project snow balls