Lift Question

[exia]

This Toyota dealership gave an in-depth walkthrough of the factory lift option Toyota offers.

My question is based on that information. Shouldn't we need extended tie rods and lower knuckle attachments to our front suspension when using aftermarket suspension kits?

Why or why not?



I've seen ICON Suspension do this, but not any other manufacturer.

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[tipsyjam]

This Toyota dealership gave an in-depth walkthrough of the factory lift option Toyota offers.

My question is based on that information. Shouldn't we need extended tie rods and lower knuckle attachments to our front suspension when using aftermarket suspension kits?

Why or why not?



I've seen ICON Suspension do this, but not any other manufacturer.

I feel like the answer is yes, if going to a similar lift height as the TRD kit. This is exactly why I am willing to wait for the TRD lift kit for my truck type to release - it comes with the lift struts and springs, yes, but most of all it comes with all the necessary suspension geometry correction parts as well.

I always see comments saying you can get a better lift kit for the same price as the TRD lift, but I have a feeling that is not exactly correct. I have yet to see an aftermarket kit for the ~3k USD like the TRD kit that gives you all the suspension geometry correction parts, new axles, billet upper control arms, struts, shocks, and rear lift springs where everything is also designed to work together with the rest of the factory parts on the truck. If there is one, I'd love to know because that would give more options for "properly" lifting these trucks.

 

[AmbyBomb]

I thought only some of the factory kits come with new axles.

 

[exia]

I thought only some of the factory kits come with new axles.

All kits don’t except long travel only come with new axels. Too my knowledge

 

[tipsyjam]

I thought only some of the factory kits come with new axles.

Depends on your trim, engine type, 4x4, bed length, etc. If you have a higher level trim like off road you already have the axles to support the longer suspension stroke of the lift kit. My sport 4x4 short bed gas model would need new axles, for example. This screenshot and pdf is all I've got to go off of for now as far as which trim gets what:

 

[exia]

Depends on your trim, engine type, 4x4, bed length, etc. If you have a higher level trim like off road you already have the axles to support the longer suspension stroke of the lift kit. My sport 4x4 short bed gas model would need new axles, for example. This screenshot and pdf is all I've got to go off of for now as far as which trim gets what:

The more you know, Thanks. I'm going to contact the third party manufacture im gonna go for about the knuckle attachments and tie rods, whether or not I should get it, and if it's compatible with the alignment specs they have.

 

[tipsyjam]

The more you know, Thanks. I'm going to contact the third party manufacture im gonna go for about the knuckle attachments and tie rods, whether or not I should get it, and if it's compatible with the alignment specs they have.

Let us know what you learn! I had this idea that one could swap out the struts and springs for another brand with the same lift heights and then purchase the rest of the required pieces from the TRD kit to complement them. Say, like using the old man emu BP-51 lift kit with 3 inch/2 inch lift struts/springs rather than the oem bilsteins. I bet it would still work out well, albeit a bit more expensive.

 

[Space Taco]

Let us know what you learn! I had this idea that one could swap out the struts and springs for another brand with the same lift heights and then purchase the rest of the required pieces from the TRD kit to complement them. Say, like using the old man emu BP-51 lift kit with 3 inch/2 inch lift struts/springs rather than the oem bilsteins. I bet it would still work out well, albeit a bit more expensive.

I just installed the OME MT64 on my SR5 and definitely noticed an increased turning radius, likely do to still having the factory steering components other than the OME UCA.

Where can I find the other steering components to purchase? Knuckle, tie rods, etc. Also, why would you need new axles?

 

[tipsyjam]

I just installed the OME MT64 on my SR5 and definitely noticed an increased turning radius, likely do to still having the factory steering components other than the OME UCA.

Where can I find the other steering components to purchase? Knuckle, tie rods, etc. Also, why would you need new axles?

To preface, I do not know the answers to your questions with 100% certainty, but I'll try my best to help.

The pdf i posted earlier has the parts list per each trim lift kit. As far as their availability i cannot confirm nor deny that, I wouldnt know. And, as far as which kit applies to your SR5, if not on the screenshot I posted earlier, I cannot confirm the right kit number either.

I forget where i heard or read it, but I thought the new axles were supposed to be a bit longer and/or have extended travel to accommodate the increased suspension stroke of the new struts, shocks, and springs. I feel like it was mentioned in the Tundra or Tacoma lift kit youtube video from Ed Martin, or possibly in the description of the lift kit(s) on the Toyota parts site. Avoids binding of the CV axle.

Having a TRD sport myself, it makes sense to me to need new axles because the stock suspension is designed with either super stiff springs, high damping rate shocks, or both that would limit articulation. Super stiff and honestly kind of fun on road, but probably no real articulation when it comes down to it. You probably wouldn't need the new axles that support more articulation with the stock setup.

I would think TRD designed their lift kit so you have the same suspension articulation as like an offroad model before the lift. Or, and i like to believe this one more - they designed it so you actually gain the additional suspension articulation that the 3 inches/2 inches of front/rear lift made space for. This is why I think all the people with it from the factory all say it rides great. They have more suspension articulation so they are probably floating in the comfortable zone of the suspension all the time over normal obstacles on road.

I liken it to the TRD intake and exhaust. Both have a higher flow potential that work to optimize what the truck comes with from the factory in the intake and exhaust systems. No massive gains claimed or advertised, but the improvements are noticeable in daily driving.

I wish I knew exactly what each part of the lift kit is doing, but there is very limited information available right now, so all i can do is guess. I am one who has faith in TRD; I believe they would not put out a product that is worse for your truck or doesnt do what they claim it does. It would not make sense for them to open themselves up to that kind of liability or criticism especially with such a popular vehicle.

Only way to for us to be sure of these things is to try it ourselves! I hope you find the parts you need and can confirm whether they solve your problem or not.

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