1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

lifts and rough ride?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Texan25, Sep 13, 2016.

  1. Sep 13, 2016 at 9:50 AM
    #1
    Texan25

    Texan25 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Member:
    #4212
    Messages:
    125
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Add TRD Pro grill Add 5100 Bilstein shocks front and back at highest setting Add Toy Tech Shackles on the rear Add Grid GD-1 +15 offset rims Add Toyo Terra Grappler 305/60R18's Add Katzkin leather seats (Original seats were UGLY)! Add rubber bed mat (free from dealership) Add cargo bed lights Add tint (legal) to the windows
    I am wanting to lift or level my truck Tundra Crewmax Sr5 when I purchase it. I've read about all the different options, but wonder how they all effect the quality of the ride(roughness on the highway and off road). I will be mostly on the pavement but do get off a lot during hunting season, nothing too hardcore, but some roads can be rough and pretty bumpy!
    What do all the experts recommend? Looking for the smoothest ride I can get.
    Thanks
     
  2. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:00 AM
    #2
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    I'm by no means an expert, but I am currently upgrading from a 2" Toytec front leveling kit to a 3/1 coilover/shackle lift. The major reason I'm doing this is because the ride with the spacers up front feels pretty rough, despite claims that it wouldn't affect the factory ride. My experience with coilovers is so far completely in cars, this will be my first time with a truck - but my experience is that a quality coilover provides excellent handling characteristics and the ability to balance handling/ride.
     
    Texan25[OP] and Law323 like this.
  3. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:05 AM
    #3
    Law323

    Law323 it’s only weird if you make it weird

    Joined:
    Apr 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3081
    Messages:
    9,842
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Law
    Baton Rouge, La
    Vehicle:
    2012 4.6 L MGM DC
    Toytec BOSS suspension lift @ 3" (front) Toytec BOSS remote resi's (back) 1" Toytec block (rear) 275/70r18 Toyo AT2 Info system mod 3D MAXpider Kagu floor mats LED interior lights 50% ceramic tint front windows 35% ceramic tint windshield brow Bed mounted YETI bottle opener Paracord wrapped oh Sh!t bars 3" stubby antennae TRD sway bar Upcoming: LED backup lights OEM Backup camera Iron Cross Patriot step bars Trifold or roll up tonneau cover
    Like @Backslider said, spacer lifts does NOT equal stock ride. Definitely upgrade your suspension and get shackles if you want to lift the rear.
    I'm upgrading to Toytec BOSS suspensions as soon as I can.

    There are plenty other companies out there that make quality suspensions at different price points.
     
    Texan25[OP] and Backslider like this.
  4. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:08 AM
    #4
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    I was about to pull the trigger on the Toytec Boss system, but a friend of mine turned me on to Fat Bob's Garage which is relatively local to me.. They have a coilover set that reviews very well (the owner of the company runs them on his Tundra) for $499 for the fronts.

    I was about $750 out the door with Bilstein 5100 rears and shackles from Toytec. Just another option to consider if you've been blowing way too much money on truck parts lately like I have..
     
    Texan25[OP] likes this.
  5. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:29 AM
    #5
    Texan25

    Texan25 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Member:
    #4212
    Messages:
    125
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Add TRD Pro grill Add 5100 Bilstein shocks front and back at highest setting Add Toy Tech Shackles on the rear Add Grid GD-1 +15 offset rims Add Toyo Terra Grappler 305/60R18's Add Katzkin leather seats (Original seats were UGLY)! Add rubber bed mat (free from dealership) Add cargo bed lights Add tint (legal) to the windows
    backslider, did you just raise the front?
     
  6. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:39 AM
    #6
    Texan25

    Texan25 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 17, 2016
    Member:
    #4212
    Messages:
    125
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Todd
    Add TRD Pro grill Add 5100 Bilstein shocks front and back at highest setting Add Toy Tech Shackles on the rear Add Grid GD-1 +15 offset rims Add Toyo Terra Grappler 305/60R18's Add Katzkin leather seats (Original seats were UGLY)! Add rubber bed mat (free from dealership) Add cargo bed lights Add tint (legal) to the windows
    when using the Boss system are the upper control arms necessary?
     
  7. Sep 13, 2016 at 10:47 AM
    #7
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2014
    Member:
    #6
    Messages:
    155,855
    Gender:
    Male
    No, but for better alignment it's a good option.
     
  8. Sep 13, 2016 at 11:04 AM
    #8
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    With the spacers I just leveled the vehicle. With the new kit I ordered the rear will be raised 1" as well.
     
  9. Sep 13, 2016 at 3:51 PM
    #9
    harrisdoggy

    harrisdoggy New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Member:
    #3561
    Messages:
    120
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Vehicle:
    2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax SR5
    So, if you're going to install the Bilstein 5100's (I think that's called a coil over set, but I don't even really know) do you just need the new struts up front and that's it? I'm having someone quote it, but I wanna ensure I'm doing it right while not paying too much at the same time. Not doing anything to the back, just raising the front an inch or two in order to get it level. In other words, if not doing a block/spacer lift upfront and doing the Bilstein 5100's, what else needs done? Thanks.
     
  10. Sep 13, 2016 at 4:58 PM
    #10
    joem1cha3l

    joem1cha3l New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2016
    Member:
    #4013
    Messages:
    1,957
    Albany, NY
    Vehicle:
    2016 Double Cab SR5 Blazing Blue Pearl
    BOSS Suspension, DB Customz Grill, 35's, Spyder, Tint, Color matched corners

    I believe if you're all the way up on the 5100's you should do a differential drop (if 4x4)
     
  11. Sep 16, 2016 at 12:21 PM
    #11
    YotaDan

    YotaDan New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 15, 2016
    Member:
    #2689
    Messages:
    111
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Grants Pass, Oregon
    No matter what lift you go with just the dynamics of lifting will make the ride firmer. Different kits may be harsher or smoother than others though. If you plan to use the vehicle off-road much I would stay away from the large top-spacer style of lifts. A shock and coil lift, or coilovers would be a much better choice for both ride and performance as well as not causing damage to the vehicle. Aftermarket UCAs are not required, but as you get over about 2.25" of lift on the front end the available Caster starts to get low which can cause the vehicle to wander a little on the highway. This is where aftermarket UCAs come into play to fix the low caster.
     
    csuviper, Ancient1 and vidman like this.
  12. Sep 17, 2016 at 5:37 PM
    #12
    5.7Literdreamer

    5.7Literdreamer New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 11, 2016
    Member:
    #4497
    Messages:
    49
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brooks
    Vehicle:
    2011 4.6l. Procomp lift with 20" XD series Rockstars. I have the amp step boards wich I love. Bone stcok motor, K&N drop in filter.
    You have to get the truck before you can lift it, pro comp has done me right, rides good on the street and even better off road, 4 wheel low does work!!!
     
  13. Sep 28, 2016 at 7:58 AM
    #13
    GoHuskers

    GoHuskers New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2016
    Member:
    #4402
    Messages:
    316
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lam
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    '16 Limited CM 5.7L 4x4, '15 GX460 premium
    @Backslider, I checked out the Fat Bob's Garage coilovers and it looks great. A complete adjustable coilovers for $499 is a super deal.

    What kind of shock it that? is 700 lbs springs too heavy/firm for our trucks (without plate bumper)? Most important: How is the ride? Thanks.
     
  14. Sep 28, 2016 at 8:08 AM
    #14
    GoHuskers

    GoHuskers New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2016
    Member:
    #4402
    Messages:
    316
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lam
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    '16 Limited CM 5.7L 4x4, '15 GX460 premium
    @harrisdoggy ...The Billy's 5100's is just the shock, you will reuse your stock coils and top plates. You can set the Billy's @2.5", 1.75", 0.85", or 0.0" to get the lift you want. The 5100's is about $200-$230, you would have to pay the shop about $200 to install so it will cost you about $400-$450 to get the front level with the rear.

    Another option is to buy the complete set from Fat Bob's Garage that @Backslider mentioned for $499 and do it yourself since this is Plug 'N Play. You can sell your factory coilovers for $100 to make up the different.

    Either way you would need the alignment done, another $100 and you will happily enjoy your truck.
     
    harrisdoggy[QUOTED] likes this.
  15. Sep 28, 2016 at 8:15 AM
    #15
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    I'm really liking the ride and feel it is an improvement from stock. New coilovers sucks up larger bumps and provide a smooth ride while still giving eccellent feedback from the road. Handling seems to have improved as well, particularly in higher speed turns.

    The shock is a proprietary brand, but they seem to be very well made and so far with about 1000 miles the ride just keeps getting better. I know a company makes these shocks for FBG but I'm not sure who they are. The guy I talked to co.pared them to Bilsteins.

    ETA: Sorry for all the typos, which I'm leaving. Was responding from my phone.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2016
    GoHuskers[QUOTED] likes this.
  16. Sep 28, 2016 at 2:49 PM
    #16
    harrisdoggy

    harrisdoggy New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2016
    Member:
    #3561
    Messages:
    120
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Josh
    Vehicle:
    2016 Toyota Tundra CrewMax SR5
    @GoHuskers - thanks for the info. Do you think I'll need a differential drop if putting at the middle setting of the Bilstein 5100's? 4x4 shop is telling me no since it will be under 2" of lift, but they're not that much so I was gonna just do it. Thx.
     
  17. Sep 28, 2016 at 3:06 PM
    #17
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jan 6, 2014
    Member:
    #38
    Messages:
    17,283
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brian
    Broomfield, CO
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Sport CM 5.7L 4X4
    Some Mods :) See build thread for details
    OME, Bilstein, Toytec Boss, Icon, King are good choices. I have heard to stay away from china made Fat Bobs and Pro-comp. It was mentioned before Fat Bobs did go bankrupt last year, not sure how that affects their current business.

    Spacer lifts are ok if they are split between top and in-spring. New coilovers are the best option.

    Diff drop is recommended at 2" lift. I would say required at 3" and above.
    UCAs are recommended at 3" lift. UCAs are required over 3" lift.

    Rear lift can be done with blocks, aals, shackles or new leaf packs. Have heard aals on Tundra are too stiff when you don't have a load. Blocks are a good cheap and popular way. I am now a fan of the shackles after replacing my blocks with shackles. New leaf pack built to your needs would be the best choice but $$$.
     
    TheBeast likes this.
  18. Sep 28, 2016 at 4:44 PM
    #18
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    Fat Bob's aren't made in China - They are designed in Utah and contracted to some other company in the US that starts with a V. I talked to the people in their office about it and confirmed this when I bought mine.

    They also come with a lifetime warranty against defects or failure from regular use that is as good or better as the Toytec warranty. I'm not a dumb consumer - I did a lot of research and comparison. The two it came down to was the Toytec Boss kit or the Fat Bob's front with shackles (sourced elsewhere) in the rear.

    I understand brand loyalty, but to say FBG's are made in China simply isn't true. I'm sure the Toytec shocks are great as well, and they certainly look cooler.

    I read about 700 reviews and personal experiences online, both with Tundras and Tacomas before I bought the FBG. Thousands sold and only a few bad reviews. Many of the bad reviews I read were for very minor things like getting the wrong bolts or obvious user error. The ONLY review I can find on the Toytec site says the shocks leaked after a very short period of time. I'm not saying the FBG are better than the Toytec, as I've only had experience with one and not the other, but so far for me they are performing very well.

    I would encourage anyone to do their due diligence before buying anything and not just take my word for it.
     
    Last edited: Sep 28, 2016
    Akaklutz likes this.
  19. Sep 28, 2016 at 4:52 PM
    #19
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    I should also add that Fat Bob's is local to me, which was part of my decision to go with their product. If I have a problem with the coilovers I can literally drive there and avoid any shipping charges.
     
  20. Sep 28, 2016 at 7:56 PM
    #20
    Backslider

    Backslider Thirsty...

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2016
    Member:
    #3553
    Messages:
    3,138
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Tooele, UT
    Vehicle:
    2022 GMC Sierra AT4 L5P - 2017 4runner SR5P - 2023 Tesla Model 3 LR
    I just remembered the name of the manufacturer for the FBG coilovers. It's a company called Vated Suspension and they are based out of Ogden, UT, USA.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top