'99 Tacoma Lift FIX

My 99 4x4 was sagging in the rear due to the beat leaf springs. (they are actually in an upsideown U shape now instead of U.) I bought a real cheap 2 inch block kit and threw it in the back. This fixed the "sagging" look but I want to lift the truck in a more professional way now, including the front. I spend alot of time up the mountains and do a bit of moderate, usually slow, offroading and want a little more clearence, also make it stand out a little. I only want to lift it 3 inches max. Ideally 2, as long as the space between the wheel and wheel well is even, if not greater in the back. I hear shackes are the way to go because they dont cause so much axle wrap. I know I would also need new leaf springs. What lift would you reccomend for my 99 4x4 that would maintain handling as much as possible, also where to get new springs or have them rebent? Budget of about 300?? Thanks alot, much appreciated!

[haireball]

You should be able to find a local spring shop that will do what you want. They can give you the soft/stiff-ness you want. I had mine rebuilt by a local shop, they are a little stiff, but i occasionally haul a ton of bricks in mine and they hold up just fine, Toyota tacomas are famous for the spring sag. Deaver makes nice springs, but they are costly. Shakles are an easy install but you have to cut off the exhaust to get the shakle to work.

It is a 50/50 thing both are okay, but if you want the best ride out of it get a set of Deaver Springs

Ok, I was thinking about getting rid of those blocks, getting new leafs or rebend them whatever. I will have to take a better look at the back end before I ask questions about cutting the exhaust because I dont think the new leaves would lift that back 2 inches, maybe they would. If the didnt I would get shackels to do that. Now, my only question is, is it possible to put coil spacers in yourself without a big spring compressor? Also, I hear about this CV boot wear, when people use coil spacers, whats what all about? I just want the truck to look stock (level wise) but be 2 inches higher. Whats the best and safest (for the truck) way?? Thanks!

[haireball]

yes definately get rid of the blocks, they are no good in the long run and hurt your leaf springs by bending them backwards. you can get the 2" out of rebuilt leaf springs, just find a local shop, take your truck over and explain what you want, they should be willing to help you out and walk you thru the options, they can make leaves that will make up the 2" difference. Coil spacers are fine as long as they are less than 3", if more than 2" you can get a diff drop kit from Total Chaos that will help lessen the cv angle, yes your cvs may wear faster, but i have had no problem with them at 75k. although the ride is slightly harsher, because the springs are compressed, it take the progressiveness out of the spring,(the spring compresses at a different rate over the full travel making it soft at first) yes you will need spring compressors, you can "rent"then from Autozone, you have to pay for them and then they reemburse you when you return them, if you do a compressor and airtools help. Just be careful, they can break, and if they do you wont want to be anywhere near it

PS if you can afford it go with coilovers they will give you a better ride and are adjustable, i have pucks and my ride is quite harsh at 2.5" of lift and 2' rear leaf spring lift

Ok, thats very helpful, awsome. Only one (a few) more question(s): This Diff drop kit, how difficult is it to install? Also, with the lift being technically more in the front,(assuming i use non-adjustable spacers) will it look like its saggin in the back or level, this is very important to me? I guess a better question would be what size spacers should I get to make it look level if the back is lifted 2 inches? 2 in the front or 2.5? Thanks again!

Ok, after hours of extensive research, I have figured out what I want to do. I want to put 2.5 inch coilovers in the front with the 1 inch diff drop because that doesnt look too hard to do. I like this idea because the coilovers are adjustable, also no need to be compressing springs. Then I want new leafs in the back that will provide me with a 2 inch lift. How does that sound? Remember all this will be on a 99 4x4 Reg Cab. I wish I could put a pic up but it's not working. Now, does anyone have any reccomendations as to buy these things individually or in a kit. The kits seem to be a reasonable price. Skyjacker has a 2.5 lift in this setup for $245. Has anyone ran this or know anything about the quality? I dont do very "hard" or "fast" offroading, but dont get me wrong im out there, I just want the clearence. I am more of a "slow explorer" if you will. I gotta get those sh*tty blocks outa there asap! So if anyone knows any decent companies or has any problems with companies let me know.

http://www.northwestoffroad.com/parts/tacomasuspen.html

That is what i am looking for exactly. Anyone herd of these people or dealt with them? Thank you all very much in advance you guys know your shat.

[0stepside3]

Any idea how much either of those kits run? I don't see a price for either, but I'm interested in the 0-3" lift. Thanks

Yea, I dont know. I am planning on calling them today about their complete kit one. Nice ride!

[haireball]

Diff drop is easy to put in, you take off the engine brush guard, take the two bolts out of the diff and add in the spacers and new bolts, i think i had to reuse old nuts and washers

Skyjacker makes good stuff you shouldn't have any problems with them.

[monkey]

http://www.justliftkits.com/inc/sdetail/484
Found this set for $599+ 75s/h. Has Fabtech coilovers & add a leaf. I know add a leaf is lass desireable, but it looks to be a pretty good deal.