Questions for my 2011 suspension setup

Hello all,

Just joined the Tundra family and got a used 2011 SR5 5.7L TRD package. The dealer said it's not lifted but seems it's very high. I attached the pictures of my suspension. It is blue colors. The dealer said it is TRD package.


I measured the height from the ground to the edge of the fenders. The front is 38.75" and rear is 40.75". By checking with this post, seems like my truck has the SR5 with leveling kit. Can anyone help me to confirm it?

Questions:
1) What is leveling kit? What does it do? What is pro and con?

2) Can I remove the leveling kit and back to the stock height? I know this may sound stupid, but I can't get into lots of underground parking. I haven't tried my own garage yet but seems like it can't. Also, I need to load up motorcycles very often, the lower the truck bed, the less chance I dropped my bikes.

3) Any aftermarket "adjustable" rear height system that you recommanded? My wife's 4Runner LTD has this function to lower the rear for loading. I assumed the aftermarket allows to lower a few more inches and that would be very helpful.

Thanks a lot.

 

I don't claim to be an expert but I've dabbled with lifts on a previous truck.

1) Leveling kit is usually a 1 or 2" lift on the front so the truck sits level. From the factory, the truck's rear is supposed to sit a little higher so that when you are towing a load, the truck will sit level. Pro: Makes the truck look cool. Con: Affects your aerodynamics and your MPG. Also has an effect on your suspension performance.

2) Yes, you should be able to remove it. Most leveling kits involve a spring spacer. I couldn't tell from your picture if you have a spacer in there (partially blocked view).

3) Yes, look for a 'Air Bag Suspension' kit or something similar.

 

Can the Air Bag Suspension change the height on the fly? I saw one Tundra with Air Bag suspension, it has 2 valves located at the rear license plate sides. Can release or pump in the air, just like a basketball....

 

Welcome, I do have some experience with air bags on my old Taco. No these will not give you the ability to lower your ride. These are only for keeping your truck level with a heavy load. I have my kit and will install soon. If you want to see it search Ebay.

$425 Firestone 2445 FIRESTONE 07-09TOY Tundra

Firestone 2445 Ride Rite Air Bag 2007-2015 Toyota Tundra 2WD & 4WD Rear No Drill Firestone Ride Rite Dual Air Bag Inflation Command Compressor System 2168- This is not a recommended set. But I wanted a better compressor.

 

Yes looks like it has a silver spacer at the front. Is this part of the TRD package? I mean, does all TRD package has this?

If I removed the spacer, how about the rear? Will that be the front lower than the rear?

 

In fact, lowering the front may not serve my purpose....

 

Yep, you have a spacer in the front. Looks to be in the coil. No it is not part of the TRD package. It is aftermarket. You also have a block in the back. Also not stock. Your dealer didn't know what they were talking about.

 

So removing the spacer and block will back to the stock height? And it should not affect the comfort of driving, right? Do I need to do alignment after that?

 

I'm not 100% on if you can remove the one from the coil but definitely the rear block. On the front, it just depends like @csuviper said.

 

My current measurement from the ground to the edge of the fenders:

The front is 38.75" and rear is 40.75".

I guess, the rear should always a bit higher than the front... as a nature of the truck. (Just my 2cents)

 

Yes, the dealer probably didn't know... so do I...

 

Side question, the underneath of my truck looks very rusty and dirty. Should I take it to the shop and do a new underclothing?

 

Can you point out or circle the rear block from my picture? Thanks.

 

^^^What he said.

 

Thanks. The rust makes it looks like one whole piece... haha~

 

Took more pictures today and I found that the shocks has lots of rust. The front are worse. Do you think it should be replaced soon, or can last until it's leaking or not working?

 

Man, where do you live? That is a lot of rust for a 5 year old truck. I'm so glad I don't have to deal with that here in the south!

But to answer your question, they'll probably last awhile if you can't replace them now. How many miles do you have on the truck?

 

Here in Vancouver, BC. Truck is 2011 with 117,000km. The previous owner lives in Vancouver Island. It's more country side, more offroad, and probably more rain. Yes, we got lots of rain in Vancouver too. Snowing is not often, mostly 1-2 weeks per year with 10-15cm max.

Thinking that if I'm going to take off the spacer, probably will save some labour to replace the shock at the same time. Of course, if not necessary, better to save up some bucks after spending a big bucks on the truck.

 

Would the Bilstein change the comfort of driving? I'm actually very comfortable with the stock toyota setup. Also because my wife would drive it sometime, need to maintain the level of comfort driving. She's so happy with her stock 05 4Runner.

I used to have a 06 Tacoma X-Runner and lowered with adjustable shocks. They are too stiff and my wife doesn't like it.

 

I would tend to get a new shocks now. Don't want to be surprised suddenly "again".

I don't think I will lift the truck in the nearly future, so I believe I won't need the height adjustable version. I used this truck for family transportation, occasionally go camping with family (maybe towing a travel trailer in the future), and transporting motorcycles every weeks.

As for Bilstein 5100s, how would you compare the stiffness (comfort) with the stock shocks in the TRD package?

 

Thanks. Any other people here with Bilstein could share the experience? Much appreciated.