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Lights and Suspension

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by TundraFlareSide, Nov 21, 2020.

  1. Nov 21, 2020 at 3:11 PM
    #1
    TundraFlareSide

    TundraFlareSide [OP] New Member

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    2005 Toyota Tundra SR5 2WD 4.7L V8 Flare Side
    I bought it used and I don't believe any hardware modifications were made (only radio, and after-market remote start pkg.). I have not made any structural modifications either.
    I have a 2WD SR5 2005 Tundra Flare Side 4.7 V8 and I have 2 questions:

    1) Are there better headlights available without having to do any retrofitting that take advantage of the newer technology of todays brighter and better headlights?

    2) I have heard that Bilstein shocks are one of, if not THE best suspension choices. For a stock, un-lifted suspension, what model front and rear is best if I'm never off-road, but do pull a 16' encloses trailer on occasion? Any suggestions or recommendations are greatly appreciated.
     
  2. Nov 21, 2020 at 3:50 PM
    #2
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Hand Protectors
  3. Nov 22, 2020 at 7:33 AM
    #3
    Rdway60

    Rdway60 New Member

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    Not to hijack this thread, but literally in the same boat here with my 05 ACC 4x4 w/stock suspension and headlights(1 burned out last night actually) so watching intently. 2 questions I would have are best Halogen vs Led headlights? And can I/should I use my stock front coils with a set of Bilstein 5100's or is there another preferred spring set? As with my headlights above I've got a front strut leaking and also ready for replacement. I measured 35" front and 36.5" rear this morning. Love the stock ride, but am sure it would have to be somewhat compromised with any suspension upgrading. I've got some ideas on combating rear spring sag also, but for another time. Thanks...and watching.
     
  4. Nov 22, 2020 at 7:42 AM
    #4
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    1) $37

    2) less than $350

    3) @Rdway60 ATS or General Spring less than $300.

    All DIY solid options for road/tow/haul.

    Other options $$$ way higher. Its your wallet.
     
    Rdway60 likes this.
  5. Nov 26, 2020 at 6:54 PM
    #5
    PenderBen

    PenderBen Forum lurker…

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    I’m looking to replace my stock shocks too, all stock truck.
    From what I’ve read, regarding Bilsteins, the 4600 are the right match for stock suspension, the 5100’s will work, no problem, but they’re slightly firmer and aimed more at lifted rides. This is of course all internet info, which I have no personal experience with.
     
  6. Nov 28, 2020 at 6:55 PM
    #6
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    Your halogens can be way way better. The factory switch and wiring act like a resistor. That limits the light even factory bulbs output. You can bypass it with a new headlight harness. There are generic versions for about $25 or you can go with a high quality harness from headlight services or rallylights. That alone will give a nice boost. It will also open up the possibility of running higher wattage halogens.

    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-headlight-upgrade-h4-not-led-or-hid.398066/
     
    daveeasa, Tundra2 and Rdway60[QUOTED] like this.
  7. Dec 1, 2020 at 11:42 PM
    #7
    chrifishtopher

    chrifishtopher New Member

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    1. I'm not a fan of beind blinded by others' LED or HID lights in halogen housing, and given that my truck is lifted and sits higher, I didnt want to do that to others. That being said, I use Sylvania Silverstar lightbulbs which are a tad brighter, and I also make sure my headlight lenses are clear. I did however put LEDs in my fog lights and leave them off but use them when I need to see better for a long period of time kind of as an intermediate between low beam and high beam, if that makes sense.

    2. As far as bilsteins go, they aren't the best, they're just the best for the price. The higher the number, the more offroad focused they are. 4600 are basically stock, 5100 is a good blend between onroad/offroad, 6112 are for the more serious offroader, and 8112 is if your truck is basically a full time offroader. That being said I have 5100s on mine and I like them just fine on road as well as offroad. Given your application I would say 5100s would be just fine. Front 5100s are adjustable so you can set the front lift to your desired height. The rear 5100s will add about an inch to your rear and are not adjustable.
     
  8. Dec 2, 2020 at 2:31 PM
    #8
    daveeasa

    daveeasa FBC Harness Solutions

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    Re: headlights, I may be mistaken but I believe crashnburn80's 2nd gen lighting thread on tacomaworld applies? I just ordered a harness, assuming ground switched and planning performance bulbs.

    ETA: Sorry @onesojourner I didn't see you had also linked to that a few days ago.
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2020
    Tundra2 likes this.
  9. Dec 2, 2020 at 2:35 PM
    #9
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    Where did you order it from? I have not done it yet but I do believe all the 2nd gen tacoma headlight info will be true for these trucks. It looks like the $20 ebay harnesses are using 14awg where headlight services is using 12awg. I have not decided what route I will take.
     
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    #9
    Tundra2 likes this.
  10. Dec 2, 2020 at 2:50 PM
    #10
    daveeasa

    daveeasa FBC Harness Solutions

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    So, in my covid lockdown world, I've taken up learning to crimp better. I ordered this guy which was ~44 ish shipped, and who knows how the quality is, I'll make sure I post when I receive it for others benefit. My plan is to use it as a model, attempt to purchase better (sealed) relays and rebuild my own harness with custom crimps, 100% waterproof, and exactly to my desired lengths and gauges. Because, I need more things to do at night while the kids and wife are asleep which don't make a lot of noise. And it's sort of a fun skill to work on.
     
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  11. Dec 2, 2020 at 4:31 PM
    #11
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    I would love to do the same. How do you plan to source quality components? I think headlight services sells a diy kit but its still pricey.
     
  12. Dec 2, 2020 at 4:42 PM
    #12
    daveeasa

    daveeasa FBC Harness Solutions

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    Yeah, their prices are a little high but I'm not sure on how much those connectors cost. can't be so bad since they are older tech. The relays should not be overpriced either.

    I'm leaning on puppypunter (TW user) for ideas and I think the plan is a small GEP weatherproof enclosure with 2 fuses and 2 relays. I think there _could_ be some benefit to fusing low beams and high beams separately though since it's one bulb maybe not and I don't think the fuse pops if the filament burns out. Still, one wasted fuse spot is no big deal.

    I can start a thread if I get off the ground on this. I certainly add some info upon receipt of this harness, it might be decent quality, you never know.
     
  13. Dec 2, 2020 at 4:54 PM
    #13
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    I had the headlight services harness on another truck. I may be able to build a harness of the same quality but I could not surpass it, and that is provided I could source the same quality parts. That harness uses inline waterproof fuses. The whole harness can be taken out easily and moved to a new vehicle.
     

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