OEM TRD Lift Components Question

[Ruckus]

So I'm relatively new to suspension components and could use some insight from more knowledgeable members.

I currently have the Eibach Pro Truck 2R 2.5" lift on my 2025 Tacoma SR5 4x4, and I'm running 33's. I also have the Rough Country Forged UCAs.

I've seen that the OEM TRD Lift kit includes a few components outside of just springs and UCAs.

Would it be beneficial to install the tie rod ends and lower steering knuckles from the TRD kit on my truck? I currently get a little bit of popping during articulation, and there seems to be a bit of a dead or spongy spot at the end of the turning radius when I go lock to lock. These issues arose before installing the RC UCAs.

Lower knuckle attachments
PT981-35310
PT981-35320

Tie rod ends
PT81G-35320
PT81G-35310

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[PNWkip]

So I'm relatively new to suspension components and could use some insight from more knowledgeable members.

I currently have the Eibach Pro Truck 2R 2.5" lift on my 2025 Tacoma SR5 4x4, and I'm running 33's. I also have the Rough Country Forged UCAs.

I've seen that the OEM TRD Lift kit includes a few components outside of just springs and UCAs.

Would it be beneficial to install the tie rod ends and lower steering knuckles from the TRD kit on my truck? I currently get a little bit of popping during articulation, and there seems to be a bit of a dead or spongy spot at the end of the turning radius when I go lock to lock. These issues arose before installing the RC UCAs.

Lower knuckle attachments
PT981-35310
PT981-35320

Tie rod ends
PT81G-35320
PT81G-35310

I'd be curious about that dead/spongy feeling. I am running 275/70R18 with 1.5" up front and .5" in the rear and at full lock and turn I've felt that a couple times. If it's just locked and stationary and I have someone holding the wheel I don't see anywhere it would rub or touch, but when moving I have felt it.

 

[Ruckus]

I'd be curious about that dead/spongy feeling. I am running 275/70R18 with 1.5" up front and .5" in the rear and at full lock and turn I've felt that a couple times. If it's just locked and stationary and I have someone holding the wheel I don't see anywhere it would rub or touch, but when moving I have felt it.

Yea, I can't really nail down what is causing it. From what the TRD Lift Kit includes, we need the lower knuckles, tie rod ends, and extended drive shafts. Apparently the knuckles can help improve turning radius so I guess it could improve that dead spot.

 

[PNWkip]

Well well well.... Good thing my credit card isn't maxed.

 

[PNWkip]

Those parts are only $175 delivered right now so I'd be curious to know what you find out!

 

[Ruckus]

Those parts are only $175 delivered right now so I'd be curious to know what you find out!

I got the part numbers wrong for the knuckles - for an SR5 4X4, the right parts are listed below. It doesn't make sense adding the other components without the extended drive shafts, though. That adds about $650 to the bill. I just want to know what I stand to gain before pulling the trigger

Lower knuckle attachments
PT981-35330
PT981-35340

Tie Rod Ends
PT81G-35320
PT81G-35310

Drive Shafts
43420-AK020
43410-AK020

 

[PNWkip]

I got the part numbers wrong for the knuckles - for an SR5 4X4, the right parts are listed below. It doesn't make sense adding the other components without the extended drive shafts, though. That adds about $650 to the bill. I just want to know what I stand to gain before pulling the trigger

Lower knuckle attachments
PT981-35330
PT981-35340

Tie Rod Ends
PT81G-35320
PT81G-35310

Drive Shafts
43420-AK020
43410-AK020

I emailed the 4x4 shop that helped me with the springs/front 5100s and I'm gonna pop by at some point so I'll let you know what they say too.

 

[rijc99]

I got the part numbers wrong for the knuckles - for an SR5 4X4, the right parts are listed below. It doesn't make sense adding the other components without the extended drive shafts, though. That adds about $650 to the bill. I just want to know what I stand to gain before pulling the trigger

Lower knuckle attachments
PT981-35330
PT981-35340

Tie Rod Ends
PT81G-35320
PT81G-35310

Drive Shafts
43420-AK020
43410-AK020

What model were the numbers for in your previous post?

 

[Ruckus]

What model were the numbers for in your previous post?

I believe those lower knuckles were for the TRDOR but don't quote me. There is an image floating around somewhere, along with a PDF, that you can try and cross reference to find specifically which parts you need.

See the references below to find your specific part numbers.

 

[RutsyBucket]

Well, you got me. I've noticed some slight popping at full lock and uneven ground as well. Figure I'd rather get ahead of it. From what I could deduce from that parts diagram, the off roads have the longer axel shafts. Really wish I would have bought these before I had the shocks installed..

 

[RutsyBucket]

Hard to see from here but the tie rods are definitely longer, if only like 10mm. Definitely beefier.

Tough to really see a difference on the knuckle attachment.

 

[Ruckus]

Hard to see from here but the tie rods are definitely longer, if only like 10mm. Definitely beefier.

Tough to really see a difference on the knuckle attachment.

The knuckle definitely looks a lot more stout. From what I understand, it just extends the perch and improves your turning radius, but I could be completely wrong.

Having an SR5, I would also need to buy the extended driveshafts, to the tune of about $650. That kind of turned me off from doing this for the time being.

I did get under my truck to retorque the lower shock mount bolts to spec and tightened up all of the skid plate bolts. I have yet to replicate the popping noises I heard before, but time will tell.

Are you planning to install these yourself or have a shop do it? Having to get ANOTHER alignment definitely sucks lol.

 

[RutsyBucket]

I don’t really care about another alignment, Sunk cost fallacy. I’m already like 60 in this truck, what’s another 200? lol

But really, the first alignment I got wasn’t great. It tracks straight, but the steering wheel hangs to the right a bit.

I’m a mechanical rube. All of this stuff seems super simple, but I don’t have the space or tools. I have a great mechanic nearby that’s going to get them in this afternoon.

 

[Ruckus]

I don’t really care about another alignment, Sunk cost fallacy. I’m already like 60 in this truck, what’s another 200? lol

But really, the first alignment I got wasn’t great. It tracks straight, but the steering wheel hangs to the right a bit.

I’m a mechanical rube. All of this stuff seems super simple, but I don’t have the space or tools. I have a great mechanic nearby that’s going to get them in this afternoon.

Yea man - I'm about 4 alignments deep on this truck at just over 1 year of ownership. Mostly due to me adding suspension components, but I will say, it's hard to find a shop that takes pride in their alignments.

Let me know if you notice any improvements after installation.

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