Suspension lift for first gen prerunner

Hey all, I am wanting to lift my first gen prerunner about 2”-2.5”

I saw the rough country kit, but I know it is cheap for a reason. I am looking at the 5100’s and I think that’s the way I want to go. However, I don’t know what all I need to buy to make this lift happen. I know I need the shocks front and rear, but what else do I need?
thanks in advance for all the help!

 

Bilstein front and rear

Another option is OME Nitrochargers front and rear

And OME springs up front; you'll see the different options offered depending on weight such as OME 880, 881, 882, 883 etc

 

Yeah I would get the right OME springs to pair with the new shocks for the front lift. Using 5100s for lift on stock springs is possible but not the ideal way

A set of new springs won't set you back much more $

 

So do I just need shocks and springs to lift it? Or do I need more?

 

We both answered your question.

Shocks, which will support said lift.

And the springs themselves to provide said lift.

Shocks will be slightly longer than stock.

The rear will sit a bit low compared to the front so you may wish to invest in a leaf pack or something.

Some prefer to use an AAL but that could make the rear feel a bit stiff as an AAL is for added payload.

 

I was wondering if I should get leaf springs or not, that answered my question, thanks

 

As someone who is dealing with the aftermath of lifting a 1st gen prerunner right now, I think my input is relevant.

My setup:
OME nitrocharger all around
883 springs up front
Dakars w/AAL

The 883s are the most firm and will compress the lest when weight is added. That being said, I believe the 881s are the same height but softer IIRC. The 882s are taller but the softest of the three springs they offer.

The AAL adds a little height but is designed to carry continuous weight I.e. A camper shell, a rear bumper, overlanding stuff.

With my set up I went way higher than stock (haven't measured yet). Granted, the stock suspension was over 20 yrs old and sagged. The kit I got came with an extended rear brake line and a exhaust drop bracket. You'll need these if you go past a certain height because as you go higher the body is further from where the brake line attaches to the axle(which will stay in the same place). I'm happy with the lift but it came with unforseen consequences and I thought it'd be fair to share those with you.

As you go higher, the angle of the driveline from the carrier bearing in the middle of the truck to the rear axle increases. The U joints (that probably aren't in prime condition given their age) weren't meant to operate outside of their OEM engineered parameters. The result is a vibration and/or a squeaking of the carrier bearing going out. I had to replace all mine which was an ugly $600 bill that I didn't expect to incur.

This will lead one to delve into researching how to fix your driveline angles and you'll find that it can be done by adding angled shims between your Axle and springs and/or a carrier bearing drop. The drop is achieved by adding spacers/Washers onto the bolt before reinstalling the bearing. How much to drop is different in every case and you have to figure that out by playing with the number of Washers and driving and adjusting as needed. I'm going to have my driveshaft balanced, reinstall, use a digital inclinometer to measure driveline angles, and then play with Washers some more so I still have work ahead of me.

All this to say be cautious of going too high or be prepared to deal with driveline issues. I think I went higher than expected because I have a prerunner like you and w/o the weight of a transaxle it went up a little more. Of course this is with my suspension setup and you may choose something a little more moderate.

 

And yes I think most would recommend new shocks all around, new springs up front, and new leafs in the back. Best to not mix out beat up suspension components with new high performance parts.

 

thank you for the insight, that’s the kinda of information I was hoping to find. I am completely new to the truck mod world, so I have zero clue what I’m doing. I just know I want the truck to sit better and not just be on a block lift. I didn’t even consider U-joints and all, I will have to take that into consideration.

 

all you need at the most

 

Just fyi 881s and 882s are both 500# springs, the 882s are taller. 883s are 590# springs

If you want more lift but don't have a steel bumper/winch/skid setup, get the 882s. If you have weight or intend to add weight get the 883s. Both will give you about 3" lift, although if you put a lot of weight on the 883s it might be less if they compress.

If you want 2" of lift or a little less get the 881s

There's also the 880s which are 500# and the shortest of the bunch, maybe 1 - 1.5" lift

 

Here's a list of the OME spring info, for some reason Headstrong doesn't list the 882s anymore but they are available elsewhere

 

So just to add another point, you may end up wanting/needing to move to aftermarket upper control arms.

When I placed my order (also a 2WD PreRunner), I went with the from @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc . Selected the 881 coilovers with nitrochargers. Ended up adding the AAL to the Dakar packs due to the added weight of my leer cap, basket and misc additional weight in the bed.

NOTE: replacing the coilovers, you'll be losing some of the space from the top of the spindle next to the upper ball joint and the shoulder of your tire. You may encounter some rubbing. This drove me nuts and at the time I still had 265/75/16s on the truck. I immediately ordered from Wheelers and installed them. Aligned the front end keeping the SPCs at their default setting. No need for any pinchweld hammering. You'll still have rubbing on the frame at full lock, no escaping this.

Where am I going with all of this? You'll need to really do some research and consider overall cost to get you where you want to be. There are of course less expensive ways to go. Talk to Josh over at Wheelers or any of their other reps. Ask plenty of q's, they're awesome to do business with and want to be sure you're satisfied.

A couple of threads to bookmark and keep handy -
https://adventuretaco.com/what-size-tires-fit-my-lifted-tacoma/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/old-man-emu-setups-on-1st-gens.141055/

If you haven't already and they are original, you'll want to replace the lower ball joints as soon as possible. Also address any front end issues with steering rack and other components as you'll enjoy the full kit that much more.

For me the 881s, nitros, SPC UCAs, Dakars w/AAL and running 255/85/16 Coopers is a perfect combo. Now let's talk about converting to 4WD

 

That is exactly what I was looking for man! Btw love your truck that’s is exactly what I’m building towards! Thank you for the information and help man!

 

No problem. Feel free to shoot me a DM if you have any other q's. If I can assist, I will.

Also, about the AAL for the Dakars - unless you are expecting an additional 220+lbs then don't worry about it.
Wheeler's notes this on their site as well.