lift question????

[CUCUY]

i have a 96 tacoma x-tra cab 4x4 and it's currently stock. i want to put a fabtech 6 inch lift and i am wondering if this is a good idea or if i should go with something not as big. i hear bad things about trucks that are lifted that have IFS.

so my questions is;
should i get a lift?
and what things would i have to consider if going this route (front cv axles and such)?

thanks

:eek3dance :eekbunny:

[Toastr]

I'd personally look into what would be involved in a solid front axle swap... I know it's very popular for the peeps that wheel their Taco's and other Toy's.

As far as bad things... I haven't really heard anything, and I've 'wheeled with quite a few IFS vehicles that really impressed me. Still not a fan of them, but they can be tweaked. I'll see what I can dig up and check if any of my current 'wheeling peeps have any recommendations.

[CUCUY]

thanks for the info :)

yeah, right now i'm looking into doing a solid axle swap, which i would prefer because i would hate to deal with a broken cv axle while offroading.

[S.T.F.U.]

If you wanna it just for show no biggie, but if your looking for something to do some good wheel'n in I would definately think about spending money else where. The T100 IFS front ends are nothing I'd really mess with and going IFS to solid is a lot of work and costly!

[blue03stang]

also not a fan of ifs, ive seen the a-arm (or whatever the hell its called on thsoe) on one break in half once and it wasnt pretty. Front axle swap would take some time and patience if you do it yourself, otherwise it will probably be pretty costly getting it done at a shop. Plus decent axles arent all that cheap.

[blue03stang]

something like this would be cool too

http://tamor.org/member-rigs/rigs/100-z3.jpg

[CUCUY]

yeah, i want the lift to be functional.....not just for show.

i did a bit of research and found some beefed up cv axles because that tends to be the part that mostly breaks.

thanks for the help guys :)

and yeah, i would love to be able to take a trail like the one in the picture.

[blue03stang]

that truck is for sale, 4k obo

[retard]

My buddy had a 02 taco with a 3" lift kit.... was easy to install and cleared 33s easy... was very capable offroad.

[dj_Lotte]

i have a 96 tacoma x-tra cab 4x4 and it's currently stock. i want to put a fabtech 6 inch lift and i am wondering if this is a good idea or if i should go with something not as big. i hear bad things about trucks that are lifted that have IFS.

so my questions is;
should i get a lift?
and what things would i have to consider if going this route (front cv axles and such)?

thanks

:eek3dance :eekbunny:

Honestly if I were you...I'd get a body lift first if you're going to get one at all. The FabTech is a drop down bracket kit, and as such you don't need to worry about CV angles being off. Current friends Taco has 3" body, 6" trailMaster, and 3.5" coilovers (only at 1" lift right now). We noticed if you crank the coilover then rubbing of the CV starts to become an issue, but Fabtech includes a differential drop kit. He clears 37" easily on 15x10" wheels, and 16.5x12" w/ 35" boggers on it (stock gearign to, but I guess the S/C helps out there).

Main thing you should focus on is what you're going to be doing, and what tires you want for it. w/o regearing I'd say stay at 33" tires.

I personally MUCH prefer IFS over an SAS swap, due to ride quality mainly. I'd buy an '84 Toy truck if I wanted a solid axle, but it's a costly conversion that is better left to someone who thoroughly understands the system.

You could always look into the 4" ProComp. It's one of my favorites, but 4" just isn't enough for me.

If you want to get really nuts and put some welding time into it, there's a guy here who welded a 4" ProComp, to a 6" Fabtech, w/ 3" spacers, and 3" body. That thing is a bit to tall for my liking for off road use...Tacos look good with around 9" IMO, and you can have you axles level with just a 3" body and 6" drop down bracket like the FabTech.

Here's a link for you learn a bit more about these various lifts and whatnot, so as to make better educated decisions. (http://www.customtacos.com/tech/index.php?article=137) :thumb:

[S.T.F.U.]

Honestly if I were you...I'd get a body lift first if you're going to get one at all. The FabTech is a drop down bracket kit, and as such you don't need to worry about CV angles being off. Current friends Taco has 3" body, 6" trailMaster, and 3.5" coilovers (only at 1" lift right now). We noticed if you crank the coilover then rubbing of the CV starts to become an issue, but Fabtech includes a differential drop kit. He clears 37" easily on 15x10" wheels, and 16.5x12" w/ 35" boggers on it (stock gearign to, but I guess the S/C helps out there).

Main thing you should focus on is what you're going to be doing, and what tires you want for it. w/o regearing I'd say stay at 33" tires.

I personally MUCH prefer IFS over an SAS swap, due to ride quality mainly. I'd buy an '84 Toy truck if I wanted a solid axle, but it's a costly conversion that is better left to someone who thoroughly understands the system.

You could always look into the 4" ProComp. It's one of my favorites, but 4" just isn't enough for me.

If you want to get really nuts and put some welding time into it, there's a guy here who welded a 4" ProComp, to a 6" Fabtech, w/ 3" spacers, and 3" body. That thing is a bit to tall for my liking for off road use...Tacos look good with around 9" IMO, and you can have you axles level with just a 3" body and 6" drop down bracket like the FabTech.

Here's a link for you learn a bit more about these various lifts and whatnot, so as to make better educated decisions. (http://www.customtacos.com/tech/index.php?article=137) :thumb:

Your friend is crazy and lucky he hasn't blown a CV yet! With 10in lift your friends ball joints are gonna be shot soon! I'd definately recommend better CVs, heavy-duty tie rods and such. Only thing that IFS is good for is the road comfort. The sharper the angles on a CV, the more prone they are to breaking and that stuff is very pricey. Be sure to give me a shout next time your friend gets stuck in the mud w/ the 35" boggers and stock gearing, its always fun to watch shit break when its not yours!!!

[S.T.F.U.]

Another thing to think about is alignment, if this is your DD your gonna be getting alignments after every time you go out! May I recommend the lifetime alignment at FIRESTONE! I have it for my DD, but not my trail rig only cause anyone can align a SA! Well worth it!!!

[blue03stang]

Honestly if I were you...I'd get a body lift first if you're going to get one at all. The FabTech is a drop down bracket kit, and as such you don't need to worry about CV angles being off. Current friends Taco has 3" body, 6" trailMaster, and 3.5" coilovers (only at 1" lift right now). We noticed if you crank the coilover then rubbing of the CV starts to become an issue, but Fabtech includes a differential drop kit. He clears 37" easily on 15x10" wheels, and 16.5x12" w/ 35" boggers on it (stock gearign to, but I guess the S/C helps out there).

Main thing you should focus on is what you're going to be doing, and what tires you want for it. w/o regearing I'd say stay at 33" tires.

I personally MUCH prefer IFS over an SAS swap, due to ride quality mainly. I'd buy an '84 Toy truck if I wanted a solid axle, but it's a costly conversion that is better left to someone who thoroughly understands the system.

You could always look into the 4" ProComp. It's one of my favorites, but 4" just isn't enough for me.

If you want to get really nuts and put some welding time into it, there's a guy here who welded a 4" ProComp, to a 6" Fabtech, w/ 3" spacers, and 3" body. That thing is a bit to tall for my liking for off road use...Tacos look good with around 9" IMO, and you can have you axles level with just a 3" body and 6" drop down bracket like the FabTech.

Here's a link for you learn a bit more about these various lifts and whatnot, so as to make better educated decisions. (http://www.customtacos.com/tech/index.php?article=137) :thumb:

to each his own but i wouldnt go with a body lift at all. And the axle swap really isnt that hard, its jsut time consuming. If you want something reliable, the axle swap is the way to go, otherwise you can jsut upgrade the cv joints and a lot of other stuff. but in the end itll probably cost the same amout. And the solid axle will be much more capable off road

[dj_Lotte]

to each his own but i wouldnt go with a body lift at all. And the axle swap really isnt that hard, its jsut time consuming. If you want something reliable, the axle swap is the way to go, otherwise you can jsut upgrade the cv joints and a lot of other stuff. but in the end itll probably cost the same amout. And the solid axle will be much more capable off road

I never said the CV angle was good, but you figure 6" doesn't affect CV angle (especially with the FabTech), 3" body - again doesn't affect angle. So 1" or so since the coilovers aren't cranked , but we need to replace the struts up front, and the angle isn't bad at all...only real issue is the boots rubbing. Another Tacoma on the island has the same setup but his is cranked, and it has a habit of breaking CVs. Only thing I have against straight fronts is the ride quality. More capable yes, but then again I haven't really been on Texas roads lately. Those are a lot more smooth than the roads we have in Hawaii. If you have the money...SAS is the best bet, and you have an older Taco so that's a good place to start. A lot of us have different definitions of off road: Mostly we build trucks for the sand:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid200/pa8bbe20bd00c8e335ba7608fbc2774d3/f05d503e.jpg

http://www.islandpreviews.com/main/modules/dsclassifieds/cache/images/28909.jpg

http://www.islandpreviews.com/main/modules/dsclassifieds/cache/images/28552.jpg

http://www.islandpreviews.com/main/modules/dsclassifieds/cache/images/28071.jpg

So I mean, I guess it depends on the guys definition of off road and how much he really wants to spend. I guess I should have thought about what people in Texas use their trucks for vs. Hawaii. :thumb: I'll be back in Texas before too long with my Tundra waiting for me. :p

[dj_Lotte]

But there are a few locals who like go all out.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/dugyoot82/paper2012.jpg

DEFINATELY another class, but for a guy interested in 6" of lift...seems like over kill IMO. *shrugs*

[S.T.F.U.]

GO OUT THERE TRY IT! LEARN HOW TO WHEEL!! RIDE IT BREAK IT FIX IT!!:rock: :rock:

[Toastr]

to each his own but i wouldnt go with a body lift at all. And the axle swap really isnt that hard, its jsut time consuming. If you want something reliable, the axle swap is the way to go, otherwise you can jsut upgrade the cv joints and a lot of other stuff. but in the end itll probably cost the same amout. And the solid axle will be much more capable off road
Werd... death to body lifts. Besides, the dude said he wants to be able to use it offroad... body lift does nothing but allow for bigger meats, you get no ground clearance from a BL whatsoever. Agree with the SAS as well, it's not that hard there's just a lot of stuff that makes it a tedious process - the end result is well worth it IMO.

[atrdnut]

Solid Axle Swap.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v612/atrdnut/Misc/sas.jpg

[dj_Lotte]

Werd... death to body lifts. Besides, the dude said he wants to be able to use it offroad... body lift does nothing but allow for bigger meats, you get no ground clearance from a BL whatsoever. Agree with the SAS as well, it's not that hard there's just a lot of stuff that makes it a tedious process - the end result is well worth it IMO.

Body lift...bigger meats = more clearance...but we have to keep in mind we're talking to a guy who is wondering if a 6" dropdown bracket would be too much. I've heard about plenty of people having problems with the body lifts, but no first hand experiences. I heard what CAN happen, and heard about some stuff from a friend's dad, but so far we haven't seen anything bad happen to our truck, but we aren't really about massive articulation, just sand and maybe some small streams. Higher is definately scarier IMO when you start to have mean slants, and we've almost tipped on a few angled hills. Depeds on what you want to use the truck for. If 6" is too big for you, then maybe you should look into the ProComp kit. I love the ProComp kit, and think it's one of the best, but when there's the 6" available, just draws me back from it. People also make custom 12" Drop-Down Bracket kits in Hawaii, but I think I'd rather truck a company that spent the time in R&D developing something really solid.

Sorry...I'm not trying to be argumentative, just offering some backing for non-SAS Tacos. Honestly though I wouldn't mind an SAS Taco at all. :roflmao:

[CUCUY]

thanks for all your input guys and i really appreciate all the help. i am currently looking into SAS conversion and don't really care how it rides as long as it gets me from point A to point B while crossig everything in it's path to do so :)

but i am looking into the fabtech and also th procomp kit and will decide shortly.


thanks

Angel

[S.T.F.U.]

Body lifts aren't that bad! Its when you see the guy with custom 6" blocks, now thats fucking retarted! Most of my good wheeling friends have alittle body lift with there suspension lift, but its just to make them clear the bigger meats (MORE CLEARANCE LOL)! It definately gives you some better articulation and also adds body roll on the street which isnt a good thing!

[blue03stang]

Body lifts aren't that bad! Its when you see the guy with custom 6" blocks, now thats fucking retarted! Most of my good wheeling friends have alittle body lift with there suspension lift, but its just to make them clear the bigger meats (MORE CLEARANCE LOL)! It definately gives you some better articulation and also adds body roll on the street which isnt a good thing!

it doesnt really have anything to do with articulation unless ur just saying that it allows to clear a bigger tire, but as far as axle travel it has nothing to do with it. Ive always stayed away from body lifts cause ive seen 2 trucks with 2-3" lift blocks go up the RTI ramp only to pull the bolts straight through the frame! it was actually hilarious but sucked for them. I dont think its that important to get up a 2in higher just so you can have some massive tires. With a good driver, a well outfitted rig with 35s will go anywhere. Unless of course your goin rednick mud boggin and have to get 42in tires just to sling mud around.... but we wont get into that

[Toastr]

Ive always stayed away from body lifts cause ive seen 2 trucks with 2-3" lift blocks go up the RTI ramp only to pull the bolts straight through the frame!
Seen that too - only the dude was on a trail with us - he was essentially fucked, esp. since he had to drive the thing home. That's the main reason I stay away from them. As far as the BL allowing for slightly larger tires, which in turn equal clearance, I get that - I'd still rather spend the extra money for a larger suspension lift and improve the approach/departure and break-over angles over relying on the extra 1.5" of clearance the tires allowed by a BL will get me. Suspension + same tires will always equal more than the body.

I've got no problem with them on street-queens and show toys though, and a tiny amount (like an inch tops) is alright with me.. anything beyond that, eeeh :hs:

[dj_Lotte]

I've got no problem with them on street-queens and show toys though, and a tiny amount (like an inch tops) is alright with me.. anything beyond that, eeeh :hs:

But it does make it way easier to clean your frame after some fun out. :p

Main thing is taht you really gotta stay on top of em and make sure the bolts are tight. I've seen a few bodys fly forwardand then it becomes PITA to fix, but the 3" gained w/o worrying about CVs on a Taco are well worth it for the price for a truck that mainly rides on the beach. Then again a few guys over on Maui make a 12" suspension for the Tacos. Just it's all chrome and $4,000. :( Not to mention 3" body lifts don't pass recon here. I think 2" is max allowed body lift allowed here, but doesn't seem to bother most of these guys anyways. I'll probably be going with an SAS on a Tundra when I get back to Texas, but there ARE other alternatives that aren't all that bad. :thumb:

[JeffCatt]

Get Back to Texas!

[Din]

damm i didnt think Tundras would look good lifted. This one looks pretty nice.

http://www.islandpreviews.com/main/modules/dsclassifieds/cache/images/28552.jpg

[dj_Lotte]

Sorry to dig up old posts, but I figured this would be of interest to some who were into this thread before.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/Brandonstruck.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC05028copy.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC05024copy.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00569_edited-2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00570_edited-1.jpg

Let the hating commence...

[adslrnut]

:bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

probably the hottest taco I have seen yet!!!!!!!!! do you have any specs on it?

[Twisted-Perform]

Sorry to dig up old posts, but I figured this would be of interest to some who were into this thread before.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/Brandonstruck.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC05028copy.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC05024copy.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00569_edited-2.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00570_edited-1.jpg

Let the hating commence...

Not hating but that thing would break fast if you took it off road!! all show

[dj_Lotte]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00380.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00377.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00381.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00371.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00388.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00387.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00386.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00383.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00376.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00374.jpg
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y146/PimpG35/DSC00372.jpg

[blue03stang]

Not hating but that thing would break fast if you took it off road!! all show

yea anything more than a big speedbump and the thing would break or flip, after all of that work it seems like they'd get some ground clearance but i guess not

[dj_Lotte]

To put it in perspective those are 38.5" boggers on 16x18 (I believe) wheels. The thing has a 10" custom dropdown bracket setup combined with a LT setup, along with a 4 link rear end. The thing has enough articulation to get around a lot better than your standard Fabtech 6", but in the end it is mainly a plaything. The guy drives it one the road, but likes to keep it good for show. I wanted to do something similar with a Camburg LT kit and probably a Procomp 4". I like the LT kits and all, but not enough to go to fiberglass fenders and beds. Just enough to clear the travel w/ 35s and I'd be satisfied. The truck is also running the STS turbo system as you can see the charge pipe being run outside of the frame. I like SAS, but I give this guy credit for doing something nice that obviously took time thought and most of all money. Makes an SAS look easy. :thumb:

[Twisted-Perform]

To put it in perspective those are 38.5" boggers on 16x18 (I believe) wheels. The thing has a 10" custom dropdown bracket setup combined with a LT setup, along with a 4 link rear end. The thing has enough articulation to get around a lot better than your standard Fabtech 6", but in the end it is mainly a plaything. The guy drives it one the road, but likes to keep it good for show. I wanted to do something similar with a Camburg LT kit and probably a Procomp 4". I like the LT kits and all, but not enough to go to fiberglass fenders and beds. Just enough to clear the travel w/ 35s and I'd be satisfied. The truck is also running the STS turbo system as you can see the charge pipe being run outside of the frame. I like SAS, but I give this guy credit for doing something nice that obviously took time thought and most of all money. Makes an SAS look easy. :thumb:
all that money could have done a SFA front D60 and done the rear and made a bad ass yota, and Fabtech lifts suck!!!

[cookie_monstr]

the one in hawaii is sick.. it looks to be 2wd.... but just make sure that u get it for wat ur gona use it for.... like mine(which i still have but dont drive) is great for city use... soft tires for quite ride and the lift is tall enough to run the 38s.
this one is mine
http://i11.tinypic.com/4cu4lc5.jpg

[adslrnut]

holy crap that's a nice ride!!! how current is that pic? how well can you see outta those headlights? looks to be about a '98 prerunner???

[dj_Lotte]

all that money could have done a SFA front D60 and done the rear and made a bad ass yota, and Fabtech lifts suck!!!

SFA front conversions are pretty shitty for everyday road use, and isn't all THAT complicated. This truck seem to be a more of a "look what I can do" type of truck. Hawaii roads aren't the smoothest with potholes regularly surfacing here and there. Overall it makes most do it yourself SASs seem very impractical when it's main objective is to just go ro places to cruise or go to the beach. Chevys are ok on the sand, but have yet to see a Ford in anything soft. It's like someone from Alaska saying we should have chains on our tires. Everyone has different purposes. :thumb:

[dj_Lotte]

the one in hawaii is sick.. it looks to be 2wd.... but just make sure that u get it for wat ur gona use it for.... like mine(which i still have but dont drive) is great for city use... soft tires for quite ride and the lift is tall enough to run the 38s.
this one is mine
http://i11.tinypic.com/4cu4lc5.jpg

Are your wheels 15x12? It's a 98-00 model to whoever was wondering. Trxxus tires? Gonna be doing car/truck shopping whne I get back. A newer Tundra or Lexus are when the money from my RX7 will go towards. If I get a Lexus though I'm planning on getting a 91-95 Toy pickup to play with. Love Toy trucks though...tempted by Chevy's though. :lol:

[adslrnut]

stick with toyota, lotte! :eek9:

[cookie_monstr]

holy crap that's a nice ride!!! how current is that pic? how well can you see outta those headlights? looks to be about a '98 prerunner???
it not current....but the truck still looks the same... its a 99... rides great..i take turns like if it were a car... havnt made it flip yet...but i dont drive it due to having another truck. i really cant see out those headlights..but hey i dont have to worry.

[cookie_monstr]

Are your wheels 15x12? It's a 98-00 model to whoever was wondering. Trxxus tires? Gonna be doing car/truck shopping whne I get back. A newer Tundra or Lexus are when the money from my RX7 will go towards. If I get a Lexus though I'm planning on getting a 91-95 Toy pickup to play with. Love Toy trucks though...tempted by Chevy's though. :lol:
yep 38-15-12... they are heavy...but quite on the road.

[Twisted-Perform]

SFA front conversions are pretty shitty for everyday road use, and isn't all THAT complicated. This truck seem to be a more of a "look what I can do" type of truck. Hawaii roads aren't the smoothest with potholes regularly surfacing here and there. Overall it makes most do it yourself SASs seem very impractical when it's main objective is to just go ro places to cruise or go to the beach. Chevys are ok on the sand, but have yet to see a Ford in anything soft. It's like someone from Alaska saying we should have chains on our tires. Everyone has different purposes. :thumb:
So Why lift it and put big tires on it if you just going to drive from home to the store??? I bought my jeep to wheel and lifted got tires on it and dame it I tear it up...... 2004 and My DD is a 94 Tahoe

just dont understand why you go and put all this money in something and not put it to use? going to build a Pro Mod Drag car just to site in the garage?:-/

[dj_Lotte]

sand...hawaii sand...not like the beaches in baywatch where you see FWD cars just cruising on the sand. I've seen so many tourists stuck throughout various beaches and act suprised about it. Also we have lots of cane field roads that go to various fishing spots. It's minor stuff for the most part, but some places you can only get to with a 4by. You go out to go crawling...that's cool, but here a lot of people go out to go fishing or beach parties where they won't be bother by cops. If I wanted to crawl I'd probably get a Jeep, but then would rather ride a motorbike or something if the terrain was like that. Just saying is all.

[Twisted-Perform]

git r done