Noob Suspension Question

Hi All!

Picked up a 17 crew max that had 2-3" level spacers in it. Thing looks mint but the tires are chopped and the thing rides like crap. To be honest when we went to the dealer it had just been listed and we didn't know it was lifted.

Anyway, it needs new tires soon which I figured I need to figure out the suspension or the new tires are gonna do the same.

My thought is to remove the spacers and put in some Bilstein 6112 and 5160 along with replacing the upper control arms on them. Help improve the ride quality and help even wear on the new tires.

Not looking to spend crazy money we don't do any off roading just really haul the camper and an occasional dirt back road. This setup seems to be running just under $1500. Just wondering if anyone had any advice as to if I should or shouldn't be doing anything else. Thanks all!

 

Others will chime in but you shouldn't need to change the UCA's with those Bilsteins. Once you lift the front 3" or higher, then change them for a better alignment.

 

Ok good to know. I had an alignment done on it today and they said it was adjusted as far out as possible making up for spacers. I'm assuming removing the spacers and replacing with new shocks will take care of that.

 

Yes, taking out the lift spacers will eliminate the bad alignment, and from what I've been told, with a true suspension lift (shocks, coils etc) you shouldn't need new UCA unless you're above a ~2.5-2.75" of lift, I'm pretty sure you can get away with a 3" suspension lift on a truck by truck basis and how good the alignment shop is

 

Yes. That spacer lift is probably why your tires are wearing uneven. Put the 6112’s at 1.9” and get a proper alignment. You’ll be good to go!

 

If I put the 5160's on the back will I need any other brackets?

 

Why would a spacer lift over a coil lift cause the tire wear? You are still lifting the vehicle. I would look into alignment first.

 

Because a spacer lift puts more preload on the coil/shock and doesn't lift the vehicle the proper way causing issues with alignments... also because most people get 3"+ lift blocks without new UCAs

 

It’s not because of how it’s lifted it’s because the stock UCA don’t have enough adjustment to get a proper alignment. They get it close and send it out. Seen it a million times.

 

Like stated if you stay around 2” your stock UCA will be fine. 2.5” and up will most likely need new arms.

You will not need anything but the 5160 shocks for the rear installation.

Do you want the rear to be level with the front or do you want to have some take?

 

Well i have 6112 set at 1.9 2 cb spacers driver one passanger i took to dedicated alignment shop and no abnormal tire wear. I do not see why spacers are the issue.

 

Nobody said the spacer is the issue. It’s the amount of lift. It was probably a 3”+ spacer. Tire wear is generally from an improper alignment.

And you have 2.4” of lift on your truck. Nobody is saying you can’t obtain proper alignment with a 2.5” lift on stock UCA. This thread isn’t about you. We are trying to help @gsxturbo11 with his issue and we are right.

 

You complain of a poor ride currently.

Before making the purchase to go Bilstein, IMHO, you need to research progressive vs digressive. Tou should also see if there are some locals nearby that are willing to give you a ride with either setup.

Not everyone likes the ride quality from a digressive setup and I'd hate to have you spend the money to still be unhappy.

@state48overland

 

Above is so true.. Good call Carne Asada burrito!!
Any chance you (op) in the Square of Gettysburg, I would let you ride/ drive my set-up and never look back!!
Did to another Tundra's owner where I had my tundra parked next to the blue/grey pub and asked me about it... I said, jump in and see for yourself? He was sold!!...Ordered the next day... Good luck. Pay once, cry once!

 

The ride now is absolutely horrible. Going over tracks there is little to no absorbing the track bounce. I've owned a few Tundras none of which were lifted in any way. The one we have now just came as is and during covid it was close to impossible to find one so we kept this one. Really anything will be a step up from what it currently is. I'm 6'5" so the lifted part is extremely nice for me getting in and out. We like the couple inch lift with the level look which is why I thought we could get that with a better ride with the 6112 and 5160 combo.

I appreciate the offer for checking out the truck, we are in upstate NY so just a little too far away. haha!!

 

Listen to @14burrito. Read some posts comparing 6112’s to Elka/Alumas and Fox. Depending on budget and use, you might wanna spend the extra few bucks for something you’ll be happier with.