2001 4x4 w/ 168k miles. Suspension Upgrades

Hi all,

I made the decision I'm going to continually invest in this truck to keep it around as long as I can. As far as I know, it is still nearly completely stock. I've learned from you all that lower ball joints are the first to go, so a new pair are on their way as my first longevity investment.

I'm on board with the "keep it stock as possible" mantra. Reliability and durability are my priorities. I've noticed that the suspension is getting soft and I'm starting to plan for suspension upgrade/maintenance as my next project.

We'll take some serious road trips and camping trips together but I don't plan to tackle anything more intense than fire trails. I'm looking for a 1-2" lift for a little more wheel clearance and eventually, I will carry a (~450lb) motorcycle on a hitch carrier so I'm thinking I'll add airbags when it's time for that.

My current plan is 5100s all around. All the components in the suspension look pretty clean and dry but aged. At this point should I be looking into replacing any other components with common issues? Do you have any other suspension advice for my situation?

Thanks all. I'm having fun with this truck.

 

Sounds like a good project and a great truck. Keep an eye out for this when you lift it, especially if the boots are OE or haven't been touched in a long time: https://www.tundras.com/threads/front-axles-throwing-grease.66371/


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If you do hauling and towing you may want to look at OME suspension. Very solid suspension- install and forget it, good price. Will lift it up @2.5. Id check ball joint, steering...;the typical wear items.

 

I rock 5100s with arb 885 coils. Rides good and it’s about 2” taller. Combine with icon AAL with overload and it’s a good ride and seems to hold weight well

 

Take a look over on my ‘build’ page which is basically a maintenance/restorative chronology. I had a 4 wheel shop rebuild my front end because my hands hate suspension work. Was well worth the $ spent as she was very very very tired upfront. I have owned it since new and the front suspension was the first thing on the ‘to do’ list after deciding to reinvest back into it.

My 2002 is sitting at about the same miles as yours.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/the...vestment-‘build’-a-chronological-story.46816/

 

Good tip. I do have grease buildup near the axle! Adding another project to the list.

 

Looks like a good price for a front and rear package. This is tempting...

 

Awesome. Did you have to do the Camburg UCAs to make this work, or how highly would you recommend them with a setup like this?

 

This is an awesome truck and an amazing resource. Thank you for doing the hard work and sharing it! I'll be referencing your build frequently. The soundproofing and lighting and other details are inspiring

 

Thank you, sir. Glad to help. This restoration was a type of therapy for me. Years of Hand Modeling took it toll on me and the truck helped. Post up your pics and work as you do it!

 

It’s rides amazing. You don’t need the cam burg arms, but they allow more caster which helps with how the truck feels with larger tires. The cheaper option would be SPC arms