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Removing Lift kit, did I miss anything?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by unsociablesam, Aug 22, 2021.

  1. Aug 22, 2021 at 6:22 AM
    #1
    unsociablesam

    unsociablesam [OP] New Member

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    I have not started this project yet. I recently bought a 2016 SR5 with 64000 miles and a 4 inch lift. I think the truck looks great(My wife i think likes it more than me), but with a baby on the way the higher center of gravity and rollover risk on top of having a 5'4" wife trying to put a carseat in the back. We are going to drop this down to at least a leveling kit in the front.
    WIN_20210822_07_49_27_Pro.jpg
    It currently has Ballistic Rage 20 inch rims.Tires are Mastercraft courser AXT2 at 35x12.5 R20's. I am hopeful that they are not offset so I could just remove the spacer and get the tires to fit under the fenders and bedsides.
    WIN_20210822_07_51_42_Pro.jpg


    I have removed and replaced many suspension parts from working in auto body repair but I have not messed with a lifted truck before.
    I was able to get these pictures to try and help show you what I am dealing with.
    WIN_20210822_07_35_05_Pro.jpg WIN_20210822_07_35_20_Pro.jpg WIN_20210822_07_35_39_Pro.jpg WIN_20210822_07_36_31_Pro.jpg WIN_20210822_07_50_50_Pro.jpg WIN_20210822_07_52_55_Pro.jpg WIN_20210822_07_36_00_Pro.jpg

    What I have been planning on is getting a stock set-up from someone who lifted theirs removing my lift blocks and spindle etc. replacing them with stock.

    I found all of these parts from a 2020 crewmax for 300 and a few hours drive
    Screenshot_20210821-065749_Facebook.jpg


    My main question and point to my outlined post is. After replacing the components back to stock parts and taking the lift off. would I be able to reuse the leveling spacer to level out the front?
    What about wheels and tires? I am thinking of picking up a set of 2008 18"wheels and tires from nearby to have for the winters and am assuming that I would not be able to run these Ballistics without a Lift even if I were to change the tire size attached. Is that correct?
    I know if I needed to I can sell the wheels and tires but what about the used lift pieces?

    Thanks for your help. I have been absorbing as much info as I can from you all after getting this truck 2 weeks ago tomorrow.
     
  2. Aug 22, 2021 at 6:45 AM
    #2
    Ely010606

    Ely010606 New Member

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    Just want to say that is a nice looking truck. Im pretty sure some of the other members will chime in.
     
  3. Aug 22, 2021 at 7:00 AM
    #3
    unsociablesam

    unsociablesam [OP] New Member

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    Thank you very much! We were super excited about the look/sound.
    bummed for sure about having to return it to a Stock-ish look
     
    Ely010606[QUOTED] likes this.
  4. Aug 22, 2021 at 7:09 AM
    #4
    Ely010606

    Ely010606 New Member

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    I would have to agree with you on your plans, it will be more convenient.
    You can always put the lift back when they get older.
     
  5. Sep 12, 2021 at 2:31 PM
    #5
    unsociablesam

    unsociablesam [OP] New Member

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  6. Sep 12, 2021 at 2:44 PM
    #6
    toyofan87

    toyofan87 Beer thirty

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    Toytec 2.0 Aluma 3/1.5 lift with JBA's UCA Falkens AT3 295/70/18
    Nice Rig and welcome
     
  7. Sep 14, 2021 at 10:28 AM
    #7
    pursuit2550

    pursuit2550 New Member

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    I have done spindles lifts and just coil over lifts. That being said. First you need to check if the spindles from the 2020 are the same as yours. Why you ask, well I was going to do a spindle lift on mine and the CST 3.5 spindles don’t work on the 2020. Didn’t bother to find out why. But just a heads up to check.
    Yes you can just leave the spacer in but you might have to buy a shackle kit for the rear or a block. Spacer leveling kits come usually as a 3/1, 3” in front and 1” rear to level the truck out.
    Wheels and tires. Buy OEM set an call it a day. The ones you have are probably 25-18 offset and will stay sticking out. But if you do keep the front spacer and don’t buy bigger tires 33” then it will look like you missed leg day at the gym. Or buy 33” tires for your current wheels.
    You can sell all the lift parts afterwards. Someone will buy it.
     
  8. Sep 14, 2021 at 11:30 AM
    #8
    Tundra234

    Tundra234 New Member

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    Alot of them
    Do not use those U-bolts if you purchase those parts. U-bolts are designed to be used as a "one and done" use after torque....it has to do with "thread rolling" during torqueing. You can get a new set for ~$40.00.
     
  9. Sep 14, 2021 at 11:38 AM
    #9
    Hbjeff

    Hbjeff New Member

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    Im 6ft tall, and i will admit, having my truck up on 35s was a total pain in the ass with child seats. I dropped it back to stock height for that reason.

    save the lift spindles for later when you want to go back up :)
     
  10. Sep 14, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #10
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Those wheels look at least a -20 offset. Probably more. Definitely will not fit with those tires. Maybe with some extremely low profile tires but I doubt you’re going to want a ride that rough. You’ll probably need new wheels.
     
  11. Sep 14, 2021 at 7:58 PM
    #11
    unsociablesam

    unsociablesam [OP] New Member

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    Thank you all so much! I had no idea about the U bolts being a one and done deal, that's great to know now.
    I picked up a set of platinum 20's from facebook for 250. so my plan was to just use those and pick up a set of nicer wheels down the road, that way i can have winter wheel set and a spring/summer set.
    I didn't know i could put 33's on the current wheels, that's another interesting idea! thank you all so much for the tips, I and my wife will certainly appreciate it!
     
    Nic146 likes this.
  12. Sep 14, 2021 at 9:00 PM
    #12
    J_Den

    J_Den New Member

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    RC 1.75" coilover spacers, 285/75R18 Cooper AT3 XLT on Method 316 wheels in gloss titanium, Retrax pro bed cover, anytime backup camera front/rear camera system, Rough Country DIY Front Bumper, Diode Dynamics 30" light bar + 6" fogs, Victory 4x4 ditch light brackets w/ Diode Dynamics pods, HF Apex 12k winch with synthetic line
    I wouldn't count on being able to put 33s on those wheels without running into some rubbing issues. Also that widened scrub radius is brutal on your steering components and won't be great for tire wear either. I'd probably go with a 285/60R20 on those platinum wheels (if you level it)

    As for the leveling spacer, anything over 2" will make you nose high, especially with those original leaf springs - they look a little saggy in the picture.

    It could mean a little extra work, but I'd recommend installing the OEM components and taking some measurements before deciding on the best route for level/lift/tires (you should be able to put the truck down on your current wheels and tires as long as you don't need to turn the steering wheel!)
     
    unsociablesam[OP] likes this.
  13. Sep 19, 2021 at 6:17 AM
    #13
    unsociablesam

    unsociablesam [OP] New Member

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    Thanks again! I will post an update as I get underway with the project!
     
  14. Sep 19, 2021 at 6:35 AM
    #14
    Teegee

    Teegee Around

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    It looks like you have a 6” kit. 4” spindles and a 2” spacer. If you remove the spindles you will also need to get stock brake lines to replace the longer ones that come with the spindles. Also the brake rotor dust plate is removed when running the 4” spindles so you will need to get those. If the rear brake lines were replaced to longer ones, those will need to be back to stock ones also.
    Those wheels might work, but as others posted probably too much offfset and might rub with the 2” spacer
     
    unsociablesam[OP] and Barrett50 like this.
  15. Sep 19, 2021 at 7:36 AM
    #15
    toyofan87

    toyofan87 Beer thirty

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    Toytec 2.0 Aluma 3/1.5 lift with JBA's UCA Falkens AT3 295/70/18
    Any updates? Post pics soon? We likey pics here
     
  16. Sep 19, 2021 at 8:48 AM
    #16
    Kfrog

    Kfrog New Member

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    The final height is something to think about, even after going back to standard height your Tundra will still be high and a problem getting into with baby, carrier and all necessary items. My girlfriend is 5'4" as well and has difficulty getting in and out of standard truck especially trying to stand on those running boards with a baby. I think, before I did all that work and expense to my truck I would asked someone with a standard Tundra if she could try it out to see how it works for her, just thinking.
     
    unsociablesam[OP] likes this.
  17. Sep 19, 2021 at 6:40 PM
    #17
    unsociablesam

    unsociablesam [OP] New Member

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    I'll send some pictures over once we get rolling, waiting on my friend's lift to open up when my schedule is open also.

    She has gotten into a regular height Tundra before and us buying a Tundra was her push after we found out...(darn haha)

    I appreciate the input and am sure that she would not mind me getting better running boards right?
     

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