Front Droop Question

I'm new to Tacoma's, having bought a used 2015 DCSB 4x4 a month ago. As I do research on suspension upgrades, a thought occurred to me. The front end "lifts" I've seen, like the Bilstein 5100 or 6112, achieve lift by moving the spring perch or using longer springs. This makes the ride height further down (drooped) in the suspension travel. Does this cause ride issues (on or off road) due to lack of droop travel? I took a quick measurement of my truck at ride height and again when it was jacked up with the tires barely touching. As best I can tell, there is only about 3.5" of droop with the stock shocks and springs. So, if you run the 5100's or 6112's on the top setting and get 2"+ of lift, you are only going to have 1.5" of droop? Or are these shocks significantly longer than stock? My previous experience is with full-size GM trucks and I know that when we cranked the torsion bars and raised them too much, they would top out all the time and it made the ride terrible.

Thanks

 

they won't be stiffer and ride worse if you get the right application for your truck as far as spring rate goes.

I have 6112s and mine rides way better than stock

 

My concern isnt stiffer. It is riding around with less than 2" of droop travel. I guess I need to see what the stock shcok length is versus the aftermarket shocks.

 

I see your concern, but if there was an issue with droop/performance more people would be talking about it

I'd say anywhere from 50%-70% of this forum is on aftermarket shocks and a large chunk of those are bilsteins. They seem to be working fine .

 

Meaning what? The Bilsteins give an extra 2" or droop to counteract the 2" increase in ride height?

 

Yeah, I'm probably worrying about nothing. I just like to understand this stuff before I drop the money on it. I'm experienced enough with other offroad vehicles to know how important sufficient droop is. To your point though, I guess there would be many complaints if it was a real issue for a Tacoma.

 

Exactly, you'll be completely fine. It was a bit overwhelming when buying my setup as I didn't really know what I was doing. But I did some research and just went for it and it worked out perfectly

 

My new Eibach setup has 2.5" of droop with 2" lift springs, 1/2" top spacers and 1" diff drop. On bottom C-clip setting.Takes quite a bit to top them out! Even so it's not nearly as harsh as when the stock Bilsteins with RevTek spacers topped out!

I also see my question has been answered about a second Gen a while ago. Anybody know stock droop of a Third Gen?

 

Yes you will lose down travel (aka droop) when you raise the ride height of the front IFS. Raise it too much and issues are likely to arise. The often stated best practice is to not lift more than 2”. You can also get back 1” of droop by going with extended length coil overs and aftermarket UCAs.

 

If memory serves me correctly, there was about 3” of down travel before I lifted 2”. I measured it from hub to fender while on the ground and off the ground when jacked up via the frame. I have not yet measured after lifting.

 

I went to the garage and re-measured my front suspension post-lift. Ride height is 2" higher than stock and droop is 2" (1" less than stock). I have King extended length coilovers.

 

I have 2.5" left. Wanted some comfort that it was adequate. I feel better now, thanks!

 

I think you are correct. AFAIK, to circumvent part of the loss of droop, you need to spend $$$ to get extended length coil overs and aftermarket UCAs that have added clearance/travel. You can get back 1" of the 2" you lost.

This is true of all IFS ride height lifts (e.g. replacement coil overs), but not necessarily true of drop bracket lifts, body lifts, or rear leaf spring lifts.

 

What are your measurements from center of hub to fender for your lift? I have mine at 22.5" and that only nets me 2" of droop but that is only 1.5" of lift. I too have the king extended travel coilovers, but I am wondering if they aren't truly the extended travel version...
What are you extended length measurements of your front coilovers? From bottom of top hat to middle of lower shock mount?
Thanks!

 

I don’t have my current hub to fender measurements, but last I measured I was at 22” at ride height and 25” at full droop.

EDIT: correction, current measurements are 23” at ride height and 25” at full droop; driver side.

 

That's from center of hub to bottom of fender right? So you have about 1" of lift currently? If memory serves me stock it's about 21" correct?
I'm pretty sure I have the extended travel coilovers from king but my measurements make me feel like they aren't...

 

I never measured my stock height, but consensus seems to be 21”.

Center of hub to fender, yes.

 

AFAIK, the only difference between the normal and extended travel king shocks is a removable spacer.