2nd Gen Tacoma Suspension Kit
So, you're looking to upgrade the suspension on your 2nd Gen Tacoma? Excellent choice! The 2nd Gen (2005-2015) Tacoma is a fantastic platform, but the stock suspension, while reliable, often leaves something to be desired, especially if you're planning on doing any serious off-roading, hauling, or just want a more comfortable ride. This article will walk you through the ins and outs of 2nd Gen Tacoma suspension kits, helping you make an informed decision for your specific needs.
Understanding Your Options: Suspension Kit Types
First things first, let's break down the different types of suspension kits available for your Tacoma. They generally fall into a few broad categories:
Leveling Kits
Leveling kits are the simplest and most affordable option. They primarily aim to eliminate the factory rake – that slight downward slant towards the front of the truck. This is typically achieved by adding spacers above the front struts or coil springs. While leveling kits improve the aesthetics of your Tacoma, they generally *don't* improve ride quality or off-road performance significantly. Think of them as a cosmetic upgrade rather than a performance enhancement.
Pros: Inexpensive, easy to install (relatively), improves appearance.
Cons: Minimal performance gains, can sometimes lead to premature wear on front-end components if excessively tall, may limit up-travel.
Lift Kits (Suspension Lifts)
Lift kits are where things get more interesting. These kits replace or modify multiple suspension components to increase ground clearance and allow for larger tires. There are several types of lift kits, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Spacer Lifts
Similar to leveling kits, spacer lifts use spacers to lift the vehicle. However, they typically involve larger spacers and may include rear lift blocks or add-a-leaf springs (more on those later). Again, these are generally more for appearance than serious performance. While they're more substantial than leveling kits, they still don't dramatically improve ride quality and can limit suspension travel.
Pros: Relatively inexpensive, easier to install than full suspension replacements.
Cons: Can negatively impact ride quality, limits suspension travel, potential for premature wear on components.
Coilover Lifts
This is where things start to get serious. Coilover lifts replace the factory front struts with aftermarket coilovers. A coilover is a single unit that combines a shock absorber and a coil spring. Aftermarket coilovers typically offer adjustable ride height and damping, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension to your preferences. This offers a significant improvement in ride quality and off-road performance compared to spacer lifts.
Pros: Improved ride quality, adjustable ride height and damping, increased suspension travel (in many cases).
Cons: More expensive than spacer lifts, more complex installation.
Full Suspension Replacement Kits
These are the top-of-the-line kits. They replace almost all of the major suspension components, including front coilovers, rear shocks, leaf springs (or sometimes even convert to a coil spring rear suspension), and often include upgraded control arms. These kits offer the most significant improvement in ride quality, off-road performance, and articulation (the ability of the suspension to flex and maintain contact with the ground over uneven terrain). They often include features like longer travel shocks and heavy-duty leaf springs.
Pros: Maximum improvement in ride quality and off-road performance, increased articulation, improved handling.
Cons: Most expensive option, most complex installation, may require professional installation.
Key Suspension Components: A Closer Look
To make the best decision, it's crucial to understand the function of each component:
Shocks/Struts
Shocks (or struts, which combine a shock and a spring seat in one unit) control the movement of the suspension. They dampen oscillations and prevent the vehicle from bouncing excessively. Aftermarket shocks often offer better damping characteristics and are designed to handle larger tires and more demanding driving conditions. Damping refers to the shock absorber's ability to control the rate at which the suspension compresses and rebounds.
Important Considerations: Look for shocks with adjustable damping (allowing you to fine-tune the ride), and consider reservoir shocks for heavy-duty applications. Reservoir shocks have a separate reservoir containing extra oil, which helps to dissipate heat and prevent shock fade (loss of damping performance due to overheating).
Coil Springs
Coil springs provide the primary support for the vehicle's weight. Aftermarket coil springs are often stiffer than the factory springs, which can improve handling and load-carrying capacity. The spring rate (measured in lbs/inch or N/mm) indicates how much force is required to compress the spring by one inch (or millimeter). A higher spring rate means a stiffer spring.
Important Considerations: Choose a spring rate that matches your intended use. A spring rate that's too high will result in a harsh ride, while a spring rate that's too low will cause excessive body roll and bottoming out.
Leaf Springs
Leaf springs are used in the rear suspension of the Tacoma. They are multi-layered steel springs that provide both support and suspension. Aftermarket leaf springs are typically thicker and have more leaves than the factory springs, increasing load-carrying capacity and improving off-road performance. An add-a-leaf is a single leaf spring added to the existing leaf pack to increase spring rate and lift height. This is a less expensive option than replacing the entire leaf pack but often results in a harsher ride.
Important Considerations: Look for leaf springs with a progressive spring rate, which means the spring rate increases as the suspension compresses. This provides a comfortable ride on the road and improved performance off-road.
Control Arms
Control arms connect the suspension to the vehicle's frame. They allow the suspension to move up and down while maintaining proper wheel alignment. Aftermarket control arms are often stronger than the factory arms and may offer increased articulation. Upper control arms (UCAs) are particularly important when lifting a Tacoma, as they can correct the geometry and prevent ball joint bind.
Important Considerations: If you're lifting your Tacoma more than a few inches, consider upgrading your upper control arms. Look for UCAs with uniball joints, which offer increased articulation and durability compared to ball joints.
Lift Blocks
Lift blocks are simple spacers placed between the axle and the leaf springs to raise the rear of the vehicle. While inexpensive, they are generally *not* recommended for serious off-roading. They can increase axle wrap (twisting of the axle housing under load) and negatively impact handling.
Recommendation: Avoid using lift blocks if possible. Opt for longer shackles or aftermarket leaf springs instead.
Installation Considerations
Installing a suspension kit on your Tacoma can range from relatively simple (leveling kit) to quite complex (full suspension replacement). Before you start, honestly assess your mechanical skills and experience. Some kits are truly bolt-on, while others require specialized tools, welding, or cutting. It's always a good idea to consult with a professional mechanic if you're unsure about any aspect of the installation.
Tools You'll Likely Need:
- A good set of sockets and wrenches (metric)
- Torque wrench
- Jack and jack stands (heavy-duty)
- Spring compressors (for coilover installation)
- Ball joint separator (pickle fork or ball joint press)
- Wheel chocks
- Penetrating oil
- Alignment after installation
Important Note: Always disconnect the battery before working on any electrical components related to the suspension (e.g., ABS sensors). Properly torque all fasteners to the manufacturer's specifications. After installing the suspension kit, it's *essential* to get a professional wheel alignment. Lifting or leveling your Tacoma will change the suspension geometry and throw off the alignment, leading to premature tire wear and poor handling.
Choosing the Right Kit for You
The best suspension kit for your 2nd Gen Tacoma depends entirely on your individual needs and budget. Here are a few questions to consider:
- What's your primary use for the truck? Daily driver, occasional off-roader, dedicated off-road rig?
- What's your budget? Suspension kits can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand.
- How much lift do you want? More lift isn't always better. Consider the impact on handling and stability.
- Are you comfortable with the installation process? If not, factor in the cost of professional installation.
- Do you plan on adding larger tires? If so, make sure the kit is compatible with the tire size you want to run.
Pro Tip: Read reviews and do your research! Online forums and enthusiast communities are great resources for learning about the experiences of other Tacoma owners. Don't be afraid to ask questions and get advice from experienced members.
By carefully considering these factors, you can choose the perfect suspension kit to transform your 2nd Gen Tacoma into the ultimate off-road machine or a comfortable and capable daily driver. Good luck, and happy trails!