Falcon shocks are coming!

I replaced the shackles on my '07 with 180,000 miles a few years ago. I broke a press trying to push it out with the right cup to fit the sleeve. Those things are tight in there, then to add age, and a little rust. It came down to cutting as much rubber out to open enough space for a reciprocating saw, then I had to cut the sleeve in two places, being careful not to cut the spring. Once it was cut, I still had to use a large hammer and chisel to break it free of the spring eyelet. It took me a good 10 hours beating on that thing, cutting, etc. to get both sides done.

 

Well folks today was the day and they are on. As always not without a fight! Fronts went on easy as could be. Rear driver came off and went on without an issue.
The rear passenger was not going to allow a smooth or quick day!
The top nut on the factory strut was seized as a mother! We drilled a hole in the shaft put a screw driver through it and still would not budge. Ratchet strapped the screwdriver and vise grips to the leaf spring. Nope, snapped the screw driver. Had to end up cutting the top nut off which is a chore as there is zero room up there. The question was posed to remove the bed but we finally got it.
We started about 0830 if we had no issue with that top nut we would have been done about noon. But we got done at 2:20 and had to leave to pick up the kiddos at 2:15.
Wow, is all I can say!!!! The ride on this thing on the road is out standing.
I did not get a chance to install the diff drop or the sway bar relocation blocks so I’ll do that one night this week before I take it for the alignment.
Took the boys to Rally’s for some milk shake and they have the worst angled drive thru imaginable. At full lock got some high pitched scraping. And tried not to do that and ended up curbing the wheel pretty good. Ohh, well those will be replaced eventually. Also got the scraping at full lock the other direction so I am hoping that was just the skid plate. I have RCIs to replace the factory so hopefully that will fix it.
So these shackles sound like an absolute beast in some instances. I think I’ll ask my shop who does my alignments how much for a shackle install. May be well worth it for them to do it.

 

Beautiful! Where'd you get the red springs?

 

I picked up a set of 3k mile OEM take springs on FB so I would not have to disassemble mine. I had them, my TRD rear sway bar, and SDHQ ABS sensors powder coated burnt brown red. Almost an identical match to the Barcelona Red.
They don’t shimmer in the sun like the truck does but everything is under the truck so you would never know. Put the chip up to the truck in the shade and it disappears.

 

@Black Awesome work!

 

2 days on the road (still no alignment) and these things are awesome. The ride is planted, body roll is minimal (I do not have the TRD rear sway bar installed yet), the ride is solid but not harsh at all.
Speed bumps almost seem nonexistent even at speed. I have had Fox and Bilstein and so far the ride with these on road is far superior. It’s hard to describe but you can really feel the progressive bump stops and ZRT working (this is a very good thing) with past suspensions you just kind of learned where you were going to bottom or top out and braced yourself because you knew where the added thump was coming.
With this setup the only way I can describe it is like being on a trampoline. You are coming down you feel the trampoline mat catch you (it is not jolting or uncomfortable but you feel the initial catch) you continue downward motion but you can tell you are supported comfortably until that downward momentum is gone and you comfortable return to a normal position. Likely a terrible comparison but best way I can describe it.
Braking is also far more controlled and firm. There is almost zero nose dive. Not done any emergency braking yet but I presume it will be much more solid as well.
Hopefully will get my front sway bar relocation kit on tonight. The top diff drop nuts look to be a pain in the ass so I doubt I’ll have a chance to get that on tonight.
Once the diff drop is on I’ll take it for the alignment then will take it Offroad.

Lots of reading on the Coachbuilder install and it sounds like a 50/50 split on breeze or nightmare to get the factory bushings out.
I see that the Coachbuilder install video he does not swap from the OEM bushings. If the shop that does my alignments wants silly money for the bushing/shackle install I may just leave the OEM bushings in until they are shot. Not sure how much a difference one will notice from a good OEM bushing to a good poly bushing. If the OEM was shot likely a substantial difference.

 

Be aware that the metal teeth on the stock leaf bushings will create wear and tear on the CB shackles if you go that route. @Coachbuilder1 might have a better description for you!

 

Good to know. My shop is quite reasonable on price so hopefully they won’t be too much.
I like to do things myself as much as possible but reading folks take 6-10 hours fighting these things. I’d rather just pay since it has to go in for an alignment anyway. I use a commercial truck shop to work my stuff so my little 1/4 pickup bushing should be a breeze for them.

 

The teeth are there.

 

I like this description, it's the best way to describe these shocks. The best part is the ride gets better with time, I now have about 1000 miles on mine and they seem more comfortable, without the compromise in stability. The braking and cornering were the best surprise. This is my second Tundra, and I had gotten used to the body roll and bounce over bad roads. I am looking forward to some back roads this spring/summer.

 

These recent posts are making me wish I had the funds for these! Glad you guys are having such good results!

 

Preach @AzureNightmare!!!
I love/hate this thread (like many on the forum lol) really appreciate all the user insight and actual reviews that we can trust. Super jealous of everyone who has them and is ordering. All the post have solidified that these are my path forward but wish I could make it happen now lol

 

Pulled my factory skid plate off so I could install my front sway bar relocation kit. I zipped tied the plastic portion of the bumper on and kept the skid plate off.
As I figured the scraping at full lock was the skid plate.
So just need to get the diff drop installed and an alignment then I’ll slap on the RCI skid plates and should be able to hit the trails.

 

I just took a 8lbs hammer to the corner where it was rubbing and resolved my rubbing/scraping issue.

 

That would work too but I had to take it off to get to the sway bar and the RCIs are sitting in the garage awaiting their turn so I figured I would save the time by not even putting it back on.

 

bushing are easy with the right tools

 

suggestion other than the ball joint press?
Plenty have had issues using the ball joint press approach.

 

The ball joint press was tough but with the proper words spoken in anger it worked for me.

If I had to do it again I would price it out for someone else to do it.

 

ball joint press from oreillys, but with impact gun running it. You’ll be surprised how easy it is

 

I’ve seen the video that makes it appear smooth as butter.
Then there are plenty of folks that could not get the sleeve out without sawing and bashing.

 

Exactly how much lift are you guys seeing? I’m really looking for 2.5” and these Falcons are looking pretty good to me if they can achieve that after they settle.

 

Are you looking to run 285/75R18's by chance?

 

Either those or 295 70 18

 

I added Coachbuilder +1" so the rear is a little over 1/2" higher than above.

 

Awesome, I think I’m going to go with these. Have they settled any after you took your measurements/ drove around a few miles?

 

No settle from mine but I only have a tank of gas on them.

 

I wonder if it’s possible to use a set of eibach pro coils and set the Falcons on the lowest setting. Reduce preload and still get a 2-2.5” lift.....

 

You can but you will sacrifice ride quality substantially.
The ZRT and progressive bump stops are tuned specifically for the OEM springs.
These things ride amazingly well.

 

What lift setting did you set yours on and did you get that? I’m really wanting 2.25-2.5”

 

Falcon (Teraflex) specifically says they are only intended for use on the stock springs. They don't make any promises about it working with others, and I wouldn't be surprised if they wouldn't warranty a set that had different springs.

Now that I think about it, do these even have a warranty?