Leveling 1 gen tundra

My 2000 2 wd V6 sits pretty level. The rear height is 1/2" higher than the front. Looks good.

This new 2003 V8 4 x 4 is 3" higher in the rear. Looks a little funny on a regular cab.
So has a lot more space between the tire and wheel well in the rear. Measured and it is a 3" difference. Why? Again my 2wd V6 has only a 1/2" difference.

Both of these are regular cabs so I think it shows up more. The previous owner of the 2003 did a lot of towing. I don't think so, but could he have done something to raise it?

Any cons if I got a suspension shop to lower just the rear 2". Anyone see any cons with this?

If I did not have the 2000 tundra I would assume it would hurt the load carry capacity. But I have had a load over half a ton on that one a few times with no problem.

Thanks for any suggestions?

 

Hey @RR60, What is your ride height measurements all around? Best way to take that measurement is Center of wheel hub to edge of fender.


-David

 

See if this mak

See if this makes sense. From center of hub to chrome molding on wheel well. Have stock 16" wheels

Front passenger = 20 1/2"
Front Drivers = 20 1/4"
Rear Passenger = 23 1/2"
Rear Drivers = 23"

Also did find a rear lower kit made by toyota racing/SOS performance that lowers the rear 2".

Thanks for any suggestions

 

Hey @RR60

So it does appear that you are right around factory ride height...
What are you looking to do with the truck? Just level out the front end?


-David

 

Yes, just make the rear end more level with the front. Still would like it a little high like on my 2000 V6 2 WD base model.
That one is only 1/2 inch higher in the rear. With the Ivan Stewart fender flares it just looks a lot better. The stock wheels fill more of the wheel well.

 

So you are looking to lower the rear end down or lift the front end up?

 

Lower the rear

 

I could recommend something for you to lift the front end up, but lowering the rear is going to be a tricky one.... I would try to contact your local shop to see if they can help you out!



-David

 

Did get lucky Toyota racing/ sos performance makes a rear lower kit . Pretty cheap and should only take about an hour.
Only have the replace the H shakle on the 1 st gen and lowers it 2" in the rear.

 

Your 2wd v6 probably just sat higher in the front because of having less weight on the springs. If you lower the rear, you will probably be bottomed out in the stops with a little load on it. I'd raise the front 1.5 instead. Worked great for my 2000 v8, 4x4, access cab for 16 years and is probably working well for the gal I sold it to. You can't lift the front much more than that on 1st gens because you run out of down travel.

 

First thanks for the help.
What would I look for to raise the front. Just adjustable shocks?
Also looked up the spec it looks like the 4x4 had about 1" more ground clearance than the 4x2. So if I understand this all correctly. The most I could have lowered the rear was 1" to have the same load carry capacity.
My goal was to not have as much empty space above the rear wheels with the stock 16" tires. Like on the 4x2.

Thanks again

 

I had Fabtech, fox adjustable coilovers on mine. They're nice but pricy. Look into the Bilstein 5100's, they are adjustable but have to be off the truck to make changes. Like I said don't go higher than 1.5 inch lift because of down travel limitations. Fabtech said theirs were good for 2.5" I had them on 2.5 and the wheels would come off the road in corners and even going over speed bumps! If you're not planning on doing any hardcore offroading ,your shocks are good and you're trying keep the cost low. You could just get spacers, but it's better to avoid going that route. Maybe put one size taller tires on to fill out the rear wheel well. Also lifting the front will transfer some of the weight to the back.

 

Or you can always just put 500 lbs in the back and call it a day! This is my old truck. Stock rear with some weight on it. 1.5 inch lift in the front and 275/ 70/17's. The truck was a lot better off with the 265/70/16's that I had on it forever and looked fine. Don't put E rated tires on a 1st gen, they're way to stiff.