My 09 Tacoma build

[luni]

Okay Luni, after a little more analytical thinking, I get what you're saying. With the COs designed as they are, when you adjust the preload, you're NOT adjusting the overall length of the shock, you're simply adjusting where in the range of motion of the shock the resting place is. With the adjustable length CO, you would change the overall length of the shock without adjusting travel which could cause issues regarding to range of motion.

Exactly

As far as the squeaking goes I had more noise out of the uniball on my TC UCAs than I did from my coilovers but right now I'm getting a lot of noise out of the heim at the LCA. Some PB Blaster quiets it down for a day or two but I'm due for a rebuild any ways. I figure pulling them out for a thorough cleaning would probably do the trick too.

 

[deadbeat son]

Good luck on your build deadbeat son and fellow Lucero fan.:victory:

It's always nice to find someone else who knows who they are! Thanks for the advice regarding COs. I have OME springs on my Rover and love them, but just don't want the amount of lift they offer for the Taco.

Also, I got the new tires mounted today. Pictures to come after a little excursion on Sunday. (I'm trying to avoid anymore driveway pics.)

 

[Streakerfreak]

I've never heard a thing from my Icon's (formerly Donahoe).

X2 from My Icons........the only things that make a bit of noise are my OME Dakar leafs, they seem to creek and bang in the cold weather and flexing, no matter how much I grease them.

No squeaks from my Camburgs, but my Alcans JUST started squeaking today after 30,000 miles...ugh. Hopefully a little grease will work.

 

[luni]

No squeaks from my Camburgs, but my Alcans JUST started squeaking today after 30,000 miles...ugh. Hopefully a little grease will work.

Do you have polyurethane bushings? I've always thought those would wear down at about 30,000 miles and dreaded having to do the regular maintenance on them. Fortunately or unfortunately my truck with Dakars didn't make it that far so I never got to find out first hand. My dakars squeaked initially but I hosed them down with WD40 until they broke in and never had any issues. My TSB rear springs had a little squeak the first couple times they got muddy but they seem to be doing better now.

 

[deadbeat son]

I've spent the past three days working on a little landscaping project at home, but I was able to get away for a few hours this morning to give the Taco it's first taste of dirt. I thought it handled very well and I think the size tire I'm running now will be ideal for the terrain I plan to traverse. Unfortunately, I don't have any action shots since I went by myself. Also, I forgot my camera, so I had to use my iPhone for a shot; sorry for the shoddy quality.

 

[Jacket]

Welcome! Nice looking truck, and I like the wheel setup. I did something similar a couple months ago for my MT tires and 16x7 stock steelies. I'd move sliders (rocker protection) up near the top of your list. The long wheelbase and expanse of sheet metal below the doors seem to be a magnet for the rocks on these Colorado trails.

 

[deadbeat son]

Thanks Jacket! Sliders are NEAR the top of the list, but unfortunately a topper is first; I have to have a place for my wife's dog to ride. After that, sliders are next in the queue.

 

[heeltoe989]

Welcome! Nice looking truck, and I like the wheel setup. I did something similar a couple months ago for my MT tires and 16x7 stock steelies. I'd move sliders (rocker protection) up near the top of your list. The long wheelbase and expanse of sheet metal below the doors seem to be a magnet for the rocks on these Colorado trails.

I agree, I've had a few run ins with tree stumps that would have other wise carved out the bottom of my door!

 

[deadbeat son]

Updated photo from my first real trail run. I also ordered a Leer 100XR, and expect to see it in another week or so. Up next, sliders and a drawer system for the bed.

 

[heeltoe989]

Updated photo from my first real trail run. I also ordered a Leer 100XR, and expect to see it in another week or so. Up next, sliders and a drawer system for the bed.

Certainly looks like a real trail to me!!! :Wow1::Wow1:

 

[deadbeat son]

I drove about 175 miles today with my dirtbike loaded on a hitch mounted carrier. The 3-pack leaves went from a smile to a frown with nothing more than the bike loaded up. The bike only weighs 235 or so (wet) + the weight of the carrier. I realize there's an increased load seen by the truck since the leverage of the bike off of the back adds to the weight. The ride was pretty rough and I wouldn't want to make an evasive maneuver like that.

Regardless, I'm going to have to see if I can get the leaf packs replaced via the TSB. Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to the 2009s yet. When (if) I get new springs on the rear, I'll go ahead and add a set of Eibach 600lb coils on the front with heavier duty shocks all the way around. Net lift should be around 1-1.5" which will be plenty tall enough for me.

 

[soonenough]

Regardless, I'm going to have to see if I can get the leaf packs replaced via the TSB. Unfortunately, it doesn't apply to the 2009s yet.

I had the TSB done to my '08 before the '08s were officially added to the list. I just took the truck in and told them that the ride was crappy and showed them where my frame rails had been polished to shiny metal by the bumpstops smacking the frame over and over. They called someone at Toyota corporate and it took a day or two to get authorization to do the swap. I imagine it's going to vary from dealer to dealer whether they're willing to make an exception though.

I will say that I noticed an improvement in ride quality, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that it's like riding on a cloud or anything. I imagine most of the aftermarket springs would ride even better than the upgraded Toyota parts.

EDIT: one more thing - make sure they do a rear alignment of the truck, and I'd make them give you a printout of the specs just to make sure they actually did it.

 

[deadbeat son]

I had the TSB done to my '08 before the '08s were officially added to the list.

I took the truck in today and got approved for the TSB. Parts have been ordered. I guess I should get something for the front (to stiffen up the front end and level things out) and install it so I won't have to pay for another alignment.

Also, Weather-Tech floor liners were ordered Monday; I'm still waiting for the shell to arrive.

 

[deadbeat son]

I had the Leer shell installed Tuesday evening and the TSB leaf springs installed yesterday. Although the truck has considerable rake as it is now, I'm going to drive it this way for a few weeks while the springs settle. I'd like to bring the front just high enough to keep about 1" of positive rake. As it sits now, the rear is 2-2.25" higher than the front, hence the reason for this thread. After the new springs settle, I'll make an appropriate purchase for the front suspension.

I plan a mellow trail run tomorrow, and will add pictures of the truck in its current state after that.

 

[Applejack]

After a few trail outings you may begin to wonder what that burning plastic smell is. It's just your mud flap against your exhaust pipe:ylsmoke: I just decided to take mine off well........the one that was left.