To UCA+DiffDrop or not to UCA+DiffDrop? That is the question.

Been doing as much research as I can, being new to the idea of editing a stock suspension. I'll welcome (request) criticism by telling you what I've landed on as intended changes to my 4WD 1794; but also need to ask opinion on something I've not really been able to discern from my research.

I *think* I've settled on Bilstein 6112/5160 setup; leveling the front up 2". Wheels and tires will follow. My intention is for it to please my wife and ride over potholes and other daily driver tasks with much more comfort than the TRD Off Road package that came with it; and any improvement in its off road chops will be welcome. It'll take me hunting, tow a boat, and do an occasional trail; but it's not going to be crawling rocks or racing Baja. Plus, some of you guys have pics of leveled 3rd gens, and damn that's pretty.

Cost isn't as much of a concern as doing this one single time, forever. My '06 (totally stock 2WD) lasted me 238k miles, and I intend this one to do the same. I want a forever truck.

Most of the opinions of what to add in support of a setup like that described above are qualified. Statements like "likely no need..." or "it's fine not..." to add dimensional relief doesn't necessarily help me keep the maintenance problems minimized over the course of the next 10 years. On the other hand, I'm certainly not the kind of person who'd do something solely because I can tell my friends how cool I am (I mean, honestly, they'll be able to see the truck...).

If the answer is an unqualified 'no benefit at that height', I'll leave off pursuing UCAs or diff drops. But if it's an Nth-degree advantage to the CVs lasting longer, enabling better alignment, or even riding better, I'll be adding them to the checklist.

Thank you kindly for your commentary and opinion,

 

You are fine at 2", a diff drop at most for grins. The big thing is if you want the ride you describe, plan everything around staying with a p metric tire and not a Lt 10 ply. Much over stock tire size gets into Lt 10 ply only size.

 

Thank you. I have a target for more research.

 

I'm running 6112s set at 2.5" with shims to achieve 3" of total lift in the front. No diff drop needed however I did have to install UCAs to get the alignment into spec. I have 5100s in the rear lifted at 2" as 5160s are not necessary for street or mild off-road use. They are the same shock sans the reservoir on the 5100. Potholes are not a problem at the height I'm set at. It would smoother if I was on a "P" rated tire but I'm not. I'm running "E" rated 10 ply tires. My next set won't be an "E" rated tire since I don't tow heavy trailers or off-road hardcore.

Installing UCAs now would prepare you for the future. You wouldn't have to worry about installing them down the road if you decide to lift your truck higher to clear larger tires or want a different look. Might as well get it all done at the same time since you are installing shocks.

 

Not needed. If you wanted to fit large tires as a goal the UCA would help to adjust the caster for fitment. Don’t think the diff drop is any advantage at this height.
I think of it this way, the TRD pro comes with a 2” front lift similar to what you’re doing, and Toyota engineers are fine with stock UCA and no diff drop.
If you’re like me and may continue to go higher and bigger go ahead and do it. Most folks on this forum, me included don’t leave well enough alone.
I did get 285/75r18 tires, on stock rims, to fit with a 2” front lift without UCA. If I wanted rims with wider stance I would have to do the UCA, fender trimming, and BMC.

 

Ain't that the truth! haha

 

Nice truck!

 

I have a 20 1794 TRD and just got my 6112/5160 at the 1.9" setting in the mail last week. I'm keeping the stock UCA's and probably going to 275/70r18 on factory wheels. I just have to do some pre lift measurements to figure out what to do with the rear, I tow a boat and the TSS system requires some rake or it could potentially get screwy. Ideally at ~2" I'd love to do the Coachbuilder TRD PRO kit and run 295/70. There's also a thread where people run that size on factory PRO suspension and wheels, some rub, some don't, some use wheel spacers, some don't. So to keep it simple I'm just going to stick with 275/70 as I ran them on my stock 17 Limited. Now my wife's new 4runner is going to be a different story we plain to go all out on it so I'm going to keep the cost of the Tundra to a minimum.

 

Thank you! This is putting another angle on the project - - I would like the tires to peek out about 1/2" or so proud of the fender wells, and while I really like the look of the wheels that came on it, I don't think I want to space them over to accomplish that; so I'll need new wheels. That'll be part of the math here to, apparently.

I'm afraid the wife and I wouldn't agree on more lift, and of course we're going to compromise and do it her way! If the Flying TuRD makes it past 2030 intact, the wife won't want to ride in it anymore, and I'll lift it up and put an ashtray in for cigars. Meantime, I think the advice here is the gold I've been digging for. More digging.

 

Have you been through this thread?

https://www.tundras.com/threads/6112-setting-and-tire-wheel-combo-thread.23699/

 

Thank you.

 

Had not, but going through it now. Got far enough to find a truck with a stance exactly like I want, and have already contacted poster:
https://www.tundras.com/threads/6112-setting-and-tire-wheel-combo-thread.23699/page-3#post-1030853

If my Smoked Mesquite 1794 were sitting like that one, I'm afraid I might have to move it into the living room so it could watch sitcoms and eat nachos with me.... [cut to montage of playing on a beach / dabbing whipped cream on noses / kissing on cheek with Partridge Family song playing]

Thank you!

 

Yea I've screenshot several from that thread, that's one of them.

 

I'm digging this one. Same setting at 1.9 and same tires and size I'm planning on.

 

Quoted:
I'm digging this one. Same setting at 1.9 and same tires and size I'm planning on.

Gaah. Man that's nice. This forum is great. People are great, pics are great, really glad to be here. Will read more on whether folks who put 285/70's on those stock tires get any rub, and pros and cons of spacing wheels. I like the look of those stock TRD OffRoad wheels a lot, but want the tires a little proud of the fender wells. I grind on every detail to get comfortable before doing anything in life, which is a huge drawback to being me; but this forum has helped immensely.

 

The thing about the 285's is there a rare size and only certain manufacturers make it plus its pretty damn expensive. As far as wheel spacers Spidertrex or Bora seem to be the go to here with no issues. I believe 1" is as small as you can go without having to trim wheel studs but most opt for the 1.25" I'd love to put two shims per side ontop of my 6112's, bumper shims, rear shackle, and 1.25" spacers to run 295/70 but I'm not positive about fitment and trimming (don't want to do) plus like I mentioned earlier I'm going to keep cost down on the Tundra and focus on the new 4runner.

https://youtu.be/EB5uYm8Fj6o

 

Great info. Adding to the mix of problems is the P-metric vs. LT problem (have to keep the ride wife friendly). That may make the tire size debate moot.

I'd followed the Custom Offsets guys on YouTube, but haven't had time to watch all of their videos. There's a Custom Offsets shop in Ft. Worth I'll likely visit at some point; but I won't be able to take advice from even an honest guy trying to sell me something as seriously as advice from someone trying to help just to make a community happier...

Thank you

 

I had LT275/70/18 Ridge Grapplers on my 17 and I really couldn't notice a difference in ride. Now braking you could feel the weight difference. I believe though that with 6112/5160 the suspension should compensate for any roughness you may get from a LT because most people running this setup claim the ride is much improved over stock.

 

I run the same setup. You won’t need UCA or a diff drop. My alignment comes out great. Plus, consider the PRO is the same stance and it’s all stock from TOYOTA.

 

I'm really impressed with the breaking so far - - had to engage ABS once, and it was flawless. Can't imagine being disappointed by a little more weight. Nice to know the stiffer tires don't make that much difference. Getting the wrong tires, to me, is like getting a bad haircut - - it won't be that long before I can correct it; but still don't want to do it. Unless the coils on the 6112s are *much* softer than stock, I won't have any regrets about corner sway either. She handles really well in turns (no sway bars). The more I'm reading from everyone, the more I'm thinking my expectations about performance and the stance of the truck are going to be exceeded. One post suggested 5110s instead of 5160s, and I'm starting to lean that way. Setting the fronts to 1.9" and shimming the driver's side (that is an interesting trail I'll be following), and keeping and possibly spacing out the stock wheels seems to be the way to go. No UCAs and probably no diffdrop (It's $40, so this might find its way on the list...). And a gorgeous truck to drive around for 15 years or so.

I have to say I was really sad to see the '06 go. I loved that truck. But that was 512 miles ago.

 

Interestingly my truck ended up perfectly square on the front with the Dobinsons coil overs. Think my fenders are both 41” from the ground. Iirc the rear was 1” higher on the rear. passenger side.