Postby TooMuchControl » Sun Nov 20, 2022 1:40 pm
Most importantly - alignment.
Before you waste any money on tires/raising the truck/suspension - make sure that your control arms and alignment can be adjusted.
These alignment bolts in mid to north climates, seize. When I say seize - they can not ever, never be removed.
I'm not sure where you live, but this is important.
Most people have to cut the controls arms out with a saw. I cut mine out and purchased controls arms.
I ruined my Yokahamas thinking I could get away with it. Nope.
When you raise this truck you will also have alignment challenges. There are a number of write ups here on it.
Ride:
Smoother ride on the bumps is one tricky thing, let me tell you.
You might spent 2-3 thousand bucks trying to make this smoother. No such thing in my books. It's a truck.
Some may have found the miracle formula for comfort in these, but it's a solid vehicle, that's a truck.
Control Arm Limitations.
When you raise the vehicle on stock control arms, you will most likely get a rougher ride. The stock arms don't really have a wide range of motion, compared to that on a Tacoma. There's a good video on Truck King that shows it.
What I found.
If you want comfort - get a comfort tire.
I have tried Yokahama GEOs, Kumho, and Michelin Winters.
The best ride is with the Michelins - by a mile. Country mile. It's not close. But it's not an agressive tire, so people don't like the look of them on a truck.
Yokohama's are a great all round tire and are solid drivers. They are a good cross between the Michelinc and the Kumho's for me,
Suspension:
I have installed Bilsteins front and back, and must say, they took what appears 10-15k to settle in. I also switched back and forth between KYB and Bilstiens, and I think the Bills, once settled do a better job.
But, like I said. Alignment comes first. You will destroy everything new you put on it, if you can't align it.
Make sure your inner and outer tie rods are in good shape, as part of the alignment. For the few $$ to install new ones, it pays for itself.
1. Alignment
2. Alignment problems? Control arms, tie rods (inner and outer) need to be proper.
3. shocks before tires every time.
4. sway bar bushings. Front and rear along with shocks. Small cost for getting a straight ride.
Not to be meant as a downer.
I have spent and tested much time on this over the past 5 years. Some of it was denial that cost me.
In the end I had to fix everything correctly, and it would have saved me time and a lot of money.
If your control arms and alignment can be done, then you are sailing.