2016+ Tacoma 6" BDS Coilover System Installation

https://youtu.be/OKKeRZ1y8Og

 

Noticed this video right when it was posted. This is exactly what I will be doing. Contemplating if I want to order Kit as is or upgrade both Fox Shocks. Rear would be Fox 2.5 Shock Series w/ Resi and DSC. Front would be Fox C/O 2.5 w/ Resi and DSC. Any thoughts out there with anyone that has installed this exact setup yet that would like to offer advice either way.

I also plan on ordering 700 lb Springs for my C/Os up Front for the additional weight I will eventually have up there.

As for the Rear, I would like to add the RXT Rear Leaf Spring Kit from ICON w/ their Hydraulic Air Bump Kit as well.

As this install states, you will definitely need aftermarket UCA's. Anyone want to weigh in on my two options I'm going between with ICON Billet and Camburg Billet UCAs.

Look forward to hearing from anyone that has this exact setup already installed on their truck and would like to offer any advice.

 

I just ordered this same BDS 6" lift w/ Fox coilovers yesterday and plan to just stick with the included front and rear Fox shocks and see how I like them. I heard from many sources that the ride quality is very, very nice. We'll see. I say try it first and see how you like them once they're broken in around 1,000 miles or so.

I do plan to replace the rear 4" blocks with new custom leaf springs at some point. But I will try the kit as-is for bit before I do this upgrade. I'm interested to hear what you ultimately go with for your rear leafs and how you like it.

Also, do you really have to replace the UCA's when you install this kit?? I thought this was not necessary but I could be wrong.

 

Oh, and there are a ton of haters on this site for 4 or 6 inch drop bracket lifts. But you probably know that already. I will happily build my lifted, mall-crawling, occasional off-roader with zero f#cks given. But I like your choice in lift kit. It's going to look and perform great.

 

I don't think you have to replace the UCAs but it's recommended I believe. He makes a statement regarding this in the video as well as other videos I have saved. It's totally up to you. Since you will hit your 1,000 miles prior to me ordering this kit can you please keep me updated on your thoughts. I'd also love to receive any pics or videos of your install too. I'm super excited to get this done. The reason I had the upgrades is I thought it would be cheaper to do the upgrade now verses having to pay for the Shocks included. Then have to pay for brand new ones later on down the round. I was thinking pay once but if the package doesn't work like that please let me know. I've tried getting in touch with someone from BDS to ask what this package would cost with the two updated Shocks so if you are in contact with them, if you wouldn't mind asking that question for me that would be greatly appreciated.

 

Agree 100%. I guess mine is considered a mall crawler as well with a little off roading. However, that's why we each have our own build pages.

 

At the end lf the day its your truck lol i want a db lift but dont wanna cut the crossmember

 

That would be nice but I don't know which one offers that

 

I'm actually thinking once I get this kit installed to crank up the c/o's 1" to 1 1/2" more and installing 37s mounted on 20s. Otherwise I will do 35s mounted on 18s. @JiuJitsu if you could let me know since you just purchased this kit if you can fit 37" or not that would be greatly appreciated. Will you be installing it yourself or no?

 

I will be putting on 35's on 18" wheels and will have it professionally installed. I want it done right (welding, etc) and I don't have the tools for this so no DIY this time. BDS said these lifts can be cranked up or down quite a bit, like an inch or more in either direction, with no negative effects on performance. But 37's...man, those are huge, heheh. Even if you crank the coilovers to 7"+ you might have to do some decent cutting and chopping to fit those bad-boys in there without rubbing. You could try calling BDS tech support and telling them your lifting goals with this kit and see if they have any info to offer. They were super helpful with my dumb technical questions.

 

It's not a huge priority for me as my number one option is to go with 35's on 18" wheels myself. Just thought I'd ask since you yourself will have this installed prior. Plus, going with 37's would most likely for sure push me into regearing sooner than I'd hope for. Lol

 

Haha, exactly. I will strongly consider the regearing after I drive it for a while as-is. But honestly you may have your lift installed before mine because I am waiting on the 2018 model Tacoma and they are super delayed this year (WTH???) I thought I would have it by now. I am losing my patience waiting so I just went ahead and ordered my lift and wheels/tires this weekend because after more than a year of research I know *exactly* what I want and I got a good deal ordering now. So I will just stare longingly at all these parts stacked in my garage until my new truck arrives, LOL, hopefully in the next couple months. I swear this stuff will get installed immediately after I roll off the damn Toyota lot.

 

You should just get a 2017. I've heard there is nothing different. Have you heard differently? You going AT or MT? I took my first year really figuring out what exactly I wanted which is why I just installed a $323.03 4" spacer lift myself. Now I'm saving for this big purchase. Hoping there are some really great deals over winter from BDS

 

Yep, I was going to buy a 2017, which was essentially unchanged from 2016, until I heard about some of the improvements for this next model year. They are adding things like major safety upgrades (Toyota Safety Sense), adaptive cruise control, black leather interior options on the Off Road and Sport models, LED lights, and other little fixes and updates based on feedback over the last two years. I hear that's why production is delayed this year. I just figured I would wait for the new model as we are so close. But I am slowly going bonkers waiting, lol.

 

Toyota Safety Sense? Adaptive Cruise Control? I have the other items already installed on mine. Leather seats I'm just going with the clazzios that way if one section gets ruined I can just order that one section. Looking to get those this winter. That's cool tho. New models are the way to go. I went with obviously a 2017 a year ago so I understand. Are you getting AT or MT?

 

I am getting the AT. I really love MT's and I wrestled with this decision but I am in traffic so often here in SoCal that it just makes more sense for AT. Plus I get the crawl control crap, but not sure how often that would get used. Did you get the manual? I have to say, I like your choices in upgrades! How do you like your Tacoma after the first year?

 

Same exact reasonings as me. I went with the AT as well. Plus I was going to need to wait an additional 6-8 weeks for a manual at this time when I just got mine off the lot! Plus I went with Barcelona red because I thought that color stood out more and there weren't as many it seemed like. Get that special affect. I went the Off Road over the Sport for the Crawl and Tow Package myself. Not sure how often I will use it but it's nice to have no matter what.

Thank you for the kind words. My truck is definitely a work in progress but I'm making sure the mods I go with are reasonable and functional for me. Ive planned most my smaller mods first in this first year because all the mods I have left are the final Suspension System which will be permanent for life and I wanted to make sure I made the best decision if I'm spending that kind of money. Same goes with all my Off Road/Camping Gear and Baja Lighting. I do have some structure plans hopefully in the near future I'm super excited about that will definitely strengthen the frame tremendously for the longevity; as well as I'm flirting with the idea of a custom Rear Bumper. Front Bumper will stay as is. I love the clean lines of the truck and I don't want to do too much that takes away from that.

After the first year, I absolutely love my truck!!! Best decision I made getting a Taco!

 

What's the Toyota Safety Sense and Adaptive Cruise Control that will be on the 2018s? Is that something I can add to my 2017?

 

The only option to fit larger tires without a drop bracket lift is to cut, grind and trim the shit out of everything. I chose the Rough Country lift because it only lowers the control arms 3.5" and only looses A few inches of ground clearance, maybe even less when compared to after market skid plates, and I only had to notch the crossmember. Granted my kit has been plated and beefed up heavily.

The 6" DB kits hang way to low for my liking, and at that point you loose any real use of the vehicle in my opinion.

I'm at about 4" of lift I'm running 35's and have factory geometry, great ground clearance and excellent up and down travel, I'd call that a win.

 

Yeah I don't plan on cutting and trimming my truck to the point others have just to get bigger tires. I'd rather get the lift that is recommended for them. Also, I'm not into making cuts all over my truck that takes away from the natural look. To me, my truck will mainly be on pavement with a little off roading so I don't need the ground clearance that most the guys are wanting on the forum to do the off roading and rock climbing. I know there are a lot of opinions out there on 4-6" lifts, but for me, I just think I will be happier with this Suspension System. Plus, I should have the ground clearance pretty close to a 4" lift regardless.