Which leveling kit

2002 TRD SR5 4x4 access Cab
300,000 miles

Replacing shocks and struts and I'm stuck between these two kits.

https://www.suspensionlifts.com/sho...embled-coilovers-for-2000-2006-toyota-tundra/


https://www.suspensionlifts.com/sho...ront-rear-shocks-for-2000-2006-toyota-tundra/


I want the truck to sit level, but not any higher than it needs to.

With 300k miles on the clock I figure it's probably time to change the springs too, but I am not opposed to just reusing the originals if it makes sense.

The only other question is should I replace the top hats?

If i need or should replace the top hats why not just buy the more expensive kit, get new top hats, new springs and just live with the truck sitting slightly higher.

Maybe I can just leave out the rear spacers?

Companies tech support is useless.

Suggestions please.

 

I went ahead with the Bilstein/ARB kit you have there, except I was dumb and bought them separately and had them assembled rather than buying them altogether. I LOVE my suspension. When it was first installed, the front sat about 1/2 inch higher than the back. I then bought some rear add-a-leafs to even everything out again, which you don't have to do to get it even I believe. I have a camper shell that's about 200 pounds and a tool box so the add-a-leaf was necessary for me to have it constantly sit level. I think it all depends on what you want, and there are a lot of threads on here already about these various suspension upgrades. I'd say if all you want is a level and you're not doing any super off-roading or hauling, then just go with the cheaper option, but I also see you are at the 300,000 mark so I personally would replace the struts as well. So my opinion would be to spend the extra cash and buy the Bilstein/ARB kit. You won't regret it and it makes the first-gen look less grandpa-ish immediately without that front-end droop.

 

Welp, it's done now. Just placed my order for the full pre-assembled kit.

It really was the beat option, given the miles on the truck, what I use it for and what I wanted to accomplish.

Thanks for your input Evan.

 

Hope you got the right springs, and didn't make the mistake of ordering OME 2885 which will have your ass-end sagging. If you did, you may want to call and ask them to change to 2884. Or if you're cool with about half an inch of rake (assuming you're V8), go with 2883.

Most of your questions are answered in this sticky thread, under the Suspension section. You made the right choice going aftermarket springs.

EDIT: Wait, I guess you can't call them. Same issue I had with that vendor. You can't get a human on the phone. They'll answer emails, but never tell you their name, never give you a number to call, and you're at the mercy of emails. Good luck! My shit arrived damaged, missing parts, and one item pre-used/return. They made it right, refunded everything, but it was difficult getting there.

 

Thanks for the forewarning shift. I had the same issue when i was trying to ask them questions. Hopefully this goes smoothly.

I used to hunt around on the internet for factory parts, but i got screwed one to many times by online companies that have zero customer support and misleading advertising so eventually said F that and decided to just order parts from the local dealer. Everything costs about 25-30% more, but at least when they fuck up i have a physical place i can go to where i can actually talk to someone and they speak english. I call it the "brick and mortar/talk to a real person" fee.

I just checked my order and it says 2884 1.75"

Dead level while unladen is the goal. If I had to choose between the front being to high vs to low I would prefer the front be slightly lower than the rear, much like stock rake, but not as severe.

As it sits currently the rake is pretty bad.

Space between top of tire and fender in inches is like.

4/8 front/rear

 

Yup, sounds like your fronts are probably shot, springs worn out. Are the shocks in rear newer, or original?

 

As far as I know everything is factory original.

I'm very curious to see how it will ride with the new stuff. It doesn't feel that bad. I know when shocks are completely gone the vehicle will ride like a boat.

I would compare the ride to my mom and dad's 00 tundra, same Cab, same trim level, 4x4, SR5, etc, but there's has 380,000 miles and they are still on their original shocks too I think.

First half of the order (rear shocks and helper springs) came in today.

Second half is scheduled to be here Friday.

 

Yup, think all of mine is supposed to be here Friday also. Won't have time to install this week. Sucks. Probably won't get time for myself until next month.

 

For what it is worth be prepared to reclamp your cv boots if they start to throw grease and at worse replace them cause they tear. Surprised no one mentioned oem lower ball joints unless i missed that in a post. Send it! Cheers

 

Update:

Got everything installed and have put about 1,000 miles on it.

The ride is . . . . ok? Still definitely feels like a truck. The original equipment was already bilstein (blue/yellow) so I'm not sure how much better i should expect these 5100s to be.

I'm satisfied with the result. Not like I was expecting it to ride like a Cadillac anyway.

When i finally got everything back together it had probably been at least a month or two since I last drove the truck. So I more or less forgot how good/bad it rode beforehand.

Back shocks are a bit of a bastard. Thank God my truck is 99.9% rust free. The nuts came loose with little fuss.

Front assembly was easy.

I am extremely happy with the ride height. I did not use the helper springs that came with the kit.

Front end now sits either level or just below level with the rear.

Before there was about a 4in rake from front to back.

 

No pictures were taken. ☹️

 

No pics after install? We wanna see the end result!