[NOW CLOSED] APRIL GROUP BUY - TeraFlex Falcon Sport Tow/Haul 2.25" Leveling Kit - Tundra

Oof. That's a shit day for sure. Just gotta take it one day, and one step, at a time. 5 years from now it won't matter, but that doesn't make it any better in the moment.

 

@Black You are my expert. Did you install your CB shackles? Are you on the level setting with the Falcons? Rake with shackles? CB+1 or CB+2? Did you replace your UCAs? Any need to do so?

 

You quoted the wrong person.

Mistakes happen, though. Why the rental spring tool was used doesn't matter at this point.

 

Yes, CB +1 shackles installed with the Falcons on the level setting. I have a very small (just right in my book) rake.
I did not replace my UCAs and there is no need to my shop that does alignments had zero issue aligning it. If your UCA ball joints are shot may as well replace the UCAs.
I will replace the UCAs eventually as more articulation and a stronger arm is always welcome.

I quoted you because your post quoted his text that he deleted. But looks like the quote of the quote is cut out in my quote, so I guess it really is not his quote anymore.

I know he is frustrated I have worked on cars for a long time now. Long before there was ever such a thing as YouTube to help get us out of a bind.

Was trying to see what happened and see if we could help him out save a tow bill and labor costs.
Many times in the heat of an issue I have thought calling a tow truck was my only option. And on a couple of occasions wished if I did call a tow the thing would
Roll off the flat bed and into the River.

But never ended up having to have one towed. Was always able to get it done. So hopefully he’ll wake up today refreshed and tackle it again with better luck.

Yes, the worst part about these kits is the DIY assembly of the coilover and I so wish they would offer a fully assembled coilover as I really believe they are loosing tons of DIY buyers because folks don’t want to fool with the springs.
But these things ride and perform so well the hassle is worth it.

 

I appreciate the support. The tie rod is broken because I beat on it when trying to disconnect it. Beating on the top of the threads literally warped the head so bad the nut won't screw on. Never done that before and I didn't think I was hitting it THAT hard.

I only got the front left kind of done after a few hrs and even then it was at the cost of a tie rod. I've done a few jeep lifts and other challenging tasks, but this one was by far the worst. Basically it comes down to me not having the proper tools for the job.

With 2 kids and little to no real free time anymore I realized last night I needed to punt on this and just pay a qualified tech to get it right.

**Edit** Also I didn't see the post saying not to use the auto zone compression tool. When trying to figure out if I should buy these shocks I thought someone on here said it was easy to install the springs and to just use that. Turns out that tool can't do the job for sht and it's sketchy AF. DONT USE IT. Besides the springs being too much for it, it's hard to align the zerk and top hat correctly.

 

It may be in the other thread about the Falcons. I posted it with links to the proper compressors for the DIY stuff.
But like you said with the proper tools it is easy.

I learned the same lesson when I did my Expedition years ago. Those Autozone things are a hazard and if memory serves correctly Expedition coils are only 600lbs.

I know what you mean with the kiddos I have 3 under 7.
Everything gets done in small stages and never as quickly as I want.
Now that school is out I am Daddy Day Care the days off work so makes it even worse.
Currently helping a buddy do a full build on his Tacoma and just get it a day at a time or a few hours.
To add to it I work weekends and he does not except he preaches on Sunday so he takes Fridays off.
Almost done though suspension is complete, bed rack, and tent done.
Skid plates and modifying the brackets so a larger spare will fit go on tomorrow.
I am getting a load of mulch for the kids to spread while we are doing that.
Then hopefully one day I can get the in-laws to watch the kids because all that is left is the bumper and winch but that will be a full day.

So just keep pushing along!! This suspension is such a treat it is worth it.
My boys always want to ride in the truck and not Mommy’s Suburban.

 

I emailed Falcon and asked about the ability to run the shocks on heavy accessory to "level" a slight rear lift (1/2" - 1") and they said that would be fine. It might just make the front end a little softer.

they mentioned heavy accessory would end up with a ~2.5" lift

now to decide between CB +1 or +2....

 

My kids never wanted to ride in my Suburban because they did not like getting stranded!!!

 

I am on the level setting with a CB +1 and I have a very small rake.
Not really noticeable to the naked eye but if you put a tape on it it is there.
Pretty much perfect stance in my book.

Going on heavy accessory and a CB +1 you may be nose high unloaded and almost certainly nose high loaded.

 

Thanks. I was also thinking the weight distribution on my DCLB is probably a lot different than a crewmax... which may help. But I'll probably end up with +2s as I do tow pretty regularly.

 

Mine is level with cb +1. Sits just right for me.

 

Be careful. TerraFlex recommends no more than 1" lift in the rear.

 

The CB+2 are only 1.25" of lift. I do not think the quarter of an inch factors in to the decision.

 

It might if there's some kind of warranty issue. Just something to be aware of.

 

I will ask TeraFlex tomorrow but it reminds me of a classic movie scene and quote from Ghostbusters in which Sigourny Weaver has been pursued by Bill Murray. Murray shows up at her apartment and Weaver sexily answers the door. Murray says that he has a rule against getting involved with possessed women. Weaver continues to seduce him and Murray says "actually it is more of a guideline than a rule."
The 1" rear lift maximum is not in the literature or on the website but is stated on this Forum by someone who called and asked TeraFlex. I think it is more of a guideline than a rule. The warranty provides that if you fail to grease and torque every 3000 miles that the warranty is void but says nothing about a rear lift maximum. The web page does say "Max Tire Size: 285/70R17". I emphasize the 17" wheels because everyone is running 18" or 20" and I do not know why TeraFlex has that comment on the webpage.

 

Installed by Toyota today. I went with the level setting. Rides like a dream.

 

Great. I hope you are feeling better about your troubles and the dealer did not rob you.

 

Yeah I was pretty pissed but it's over and I am happy. Installation was in the 1200 ball park and I had the tow and tie rod fix that added to that. I helped put food on someone's table and got a good setup installed perfectly, and a warranty on the work. That's how I came to peace with it all.

 

I am so glad that all of the troubles are gone and you like your drive now. Pics?

 

Glad to hear. Looking forward to pictures.

 

Glad you were able to get it sorted. All's well that ends well, right?

In for pics.

 

I'll get some snaps of it tonight

 

Level setting

 

Gorgeous stance! Happy dancin'

 

Looks great and really level. Can hardly wait for mine!

 

Looking good man. I think I will set mine at level setting first and may add CB+1 in the back later. I just want a little rake or may be level. Probably I will drive without CB+1 for a while then will make decision if I want CB+1 in the back.

 

I am on the level setting and finally got around to taking a picture since installing the CB+1s.
I drove the truck leveled and no CBs for a few weeks. I wanted to get the real feel of each thing I added. Not only do the CB+1s give the truck just a hint of rake which I am a fan of the CBs really just hold the bed of the truck very nicely. I can’t really describe it. The back end just seems tighter and more connected to the front but adds no harshness at all.
I still have the TRD Rear Sway bar in the shop to install.
Sorry the truck is so dirty but in the past week I have hauled a load of manure, 50/50 compost, and 3 loads of mulch. The bulk landscape place is nothing but a dust bowl and I had planned to clean the truck well today so I can put my bed cover back on but it rained most the afternoon and evening.

But back to these Falcon Shocks they are outstanding. I tested the settings a little bit with these load. A full bed of mulch and compost on the standard 1 setting you can really feel the rear shocks working and there is a lot of down feeling movement of the bed when driving and hitting bumps. On setting 2 with the full load the bed just trails right behind like setting 1 when unloaded. Not done anything I feel needed setting 3 yet so can’t speak to that. May be hauling a car back from Florida in the coming months so if that happens I’ll let you all know how setting 3 is.
As for driving in setting 2 with nothing in the bed DO NOT DO IT. Feels really weird and almost unstable.

But here is the picture. Sorry it is dirty. I have 275/60/20 (33”) Michelin AT2s which are a really good tire. The truck just really needs something more aggressive for looks with this stance. Cooper Discoverer Rugged Trails are in the trucks future.

 

Thank you very much for the picture and explanation. (I don't mind the dirt at all but could I buy you some color matched mirror caps?) I think this looks fantastic with the perfect rake and I am really glad to hear about the success with the Falcons and the CB+1 shackles. I think I am going to copy you. Need to figure out how to get those CB+1 shackles before the Falcons arrive.

 

Absolutely!!
They are on the list. Just try to find things used or on sale.
I just did TRD Pro LED headlights and SR5 honeycomb grille to tame down the Limited front end shininess.
As you can see I already swapped the door handles.
I bought a badge overlay kit but the Limited overlays were nowhere near close to fitting. So those will likely get Plastidipped (meh).
As for the wheels I plan on getting the Level 8 MK6s in Gunmetal.
Unless I get lucky and have some extra cash whenever SCS has some goodies in stock.

 

With the Zone Rate Tuning of the shocks, does this mean that the ride quality won’t suffer with the shocks in the level setting vs. stock or slight lift setting?

My truck is mainly a pavement princess, but being in Alaska I drive quite a bit of dirt roads / rough snow pack, and I have a number of speed bumps in my daily commute. So having a plush ride is pretty important to me as well.

Thanks all!