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2018 TRD 4x4; for those looking for a grille guard and the level kit to compensate for sag

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by ELindner0541, Dec 4, 2018.

  1. Dec 4, 2018 at 6:38 PM
    #1
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
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    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement
    Howdy—
    I am new to the forum; decided to join and share some info after scouring the web and not really finding detailed-enough insight as to precisely what I was trying to accomplish with my new purchase:

    I bought a 2018 TRD 4x4 crewmax and immediately wanted a front end level with a replacement grille guard. I wanted it done in such a way that after installing the replacement and level kit, the truck sat perfectly level (duh).

    Off the lot from ground to top of wheel well, I was sitting at a 27.5” (front), and 30.25” (rear) rake.

    Since strut spacers are typically not a 1:1 spacer height to lift ratio, I was weary to fork over any money (although nominal) on this option without doing any homework & not knowing the exact net effect that the added lift from the spacers and sag from the ~250 lb. replacement would have on the way the truck sat.

    I had explored the coilover route, but as a result of the price differential and my frugality—I redecided on the strut spacer option. I don’t do any hobby off-roading; just commuting and pulling misc trailers and the occasional fishing boat.

    So I opted for the 2.5” Supreme Spacers (Amazon), 1” diff drop to compensate for the added driveline angle, and a Ranch Hand Summit Series bumper replacement.

    After installing the level and diff drop, and an alignment from the dealer, I was stink-bugging at 31” (front) and 30.25” (rear); well over 3” of front end lift from a 2.5” strut spacer. Goofy looking, IMO.

    Knowing that the 2018’s are equipped with the PCS/TSS proximity radar that tie into the cruise control, I had to cut the center piece of expanded metal mesh out of the grille guard with a cutting wheel and smooth the edges with the grinder so that the PCS/TSS would still be functional. I tried disconnecting the sensor and it completely disabled my cruise control; I tried installing with the center expanded metal in tact and it gave me a “clean sensor” reading, and disabled my cruise control.

    After ~6 combined hours of hell and several Miller Lites, all installs were complete.

    End result: from ground to top of wheel well, 29.75” (front), and 30.25” (rear); a half inch of rake, and 1.5” sag from a full front end replacement grille guard.



    Close enough I guess... Slightly bigger AT/MT tires to come.

    -Eric

    25432AF9-ADDA-4F2F-8DC0-A10A1AC639A6.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2018
  2. Dec 4, 2018 at 7:01 PM
    #2
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement
  3. Dec 4, 2018 at 7:07 PM
    #3
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #22613
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement
  4. Dec 4, 2018 at 7:10 PM
    #4
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #22613
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement
  5. Dec 4, 2018 at 7:11 PM
    #5
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

    Joined:
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    Jim
    Hudson Valley, New York
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM Tundra TRD Sport Double Cab
    I wouldn't want to get rear ended by you.

    Looks very nice.:thumbsup:
     
    ELindner0541[OP] likes this.
  6. Dec 4, 2018 at 7:11 PM
    #6
    Jim LE 1301

    Jim LE 1301 Camaro Lover, SSEM # 11,TTC#179

    Joined:
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    Hudson Valley, New York
    Vehicle:
    2018 MGM Tundra TRD Sport Double Cab
    Welcome from NY.
     
    ELindner0541[OP] likes this.
  7. Jan 9, 2019 at 7:52 AM
    #7
    TexasCanesFan

    TexasCanesFan New Member

    Joined:
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    #24204
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    Joe
    Rockwall, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Silber Tundra Crewmax TSS
    Truck looks great. Found this forum while trying to solve the PCS/Ranch Hand dilemma myself.

    Still no issues with the Ranch Hand and PCS?
     
  8. Jan 9, 2019 at 7:57 AM
    #8
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
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    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement
    Thanks. Still no issues whatsoever with the PCS after I cut the middle mesh out of the grille guard.
     
  9. Jan 9, 2019 at 7:59 AM
    #9
    TexasCanesFan

    TexasCanesFan New Member

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    Male
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    Joe
    Rockwall, Texas
    Vehicle:
    2018 Silber Tundra Crewmax TSS
    Guess I need to call Ranch Hand then!!!!
     
  10. May 3, 2019 at 12:16 PM
    #10
    LBTHREEZY

    LBTHREEZY New Member

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    I've been in the exact same situation and just found this thread. I've considered all of the coilover options but as I'm not doing any offroading other than hunting season, spacers and bigger tires are the way I'm leaning. Did you end up putting blocks in the rear to regain rake or did the stock suspension just settle 1.5"? Also have you gone with a bigger tire? I have a 2017 TSS and its time for new tires, I figured I'd try to get the biggest on that I can with stock wheels and a leveling kit.IMG_5341.jpg IMG_5344.jpg
     
    ELindner0541[OP] likes this.
  11. May 3, 2019 at 12:41 PM
    #11
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #22613
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement
    So with the 2.5" strut spacers and the same grille guard that you have, I ended up with a ~0.5" rake. The 1.5" was the total sag from the grille guard alone that I recognized after instillations. I haven't done anything to the rear end, let alone anything else to the truck at all (minus a rear RH replacement). Planning to wear-out the stock Michelin A/T's that I paid for when I bought the truck new before I upgrade to slightly bigger A/T or M/T tires...
    :burnrubber:

    Good looking pickup, by the way! Wish I would have gotten that color.
     
    Last edited: May 3, 2019
  12. May 3, 2019 at 12:57 PM
    #12
    ELindner0541

    ELindner0541 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 4, 2018
    Member:
    #22613
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Vehicle:
    2018 Tundra TRD 4x4 5.7 Crewmax
    2.5” Strut Spacers; Ranch Hand Summit Series Replacement

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