2006 4x4 sr5 - leveling kit questions

I just bought a 2006 double cab sr5 with the 4.7 for my son. I believe it still has the factory suspension on it and it’s probably sagging a bit. Rather than replace with factory spec front coil over shocks I wanted to put a leveling kit on to give a little extra clearance as the current tires rub a little when turning hard. Plus it looks better!
Talking to the 4wd shop they said that new control arms would likely be needed in order to get a proper alignment.
All in, they’re quoting right at $3,000 for the new shocks and control arms. Seems high for a leveling process.

in y’all’s experience, are new control arms required (camber issues was the reason they gave me).

are there effective “kits” that consist only new coils and shocks ?
Thanks!

 

Read this. https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

 

If I were to go back with standard shocks, would I gain any height? It seem like the front is lower than it should be. I am not sure exactly where “as new” height would be.
I’d like to get it leveled but just can’t spend 3k right now for new control arms and everything else to do a proper level/lift kit.

 

If you only wanna level. Bilstein 5100's or 4600's on Old Man Emu 2885 springs should set you straight. I have a 2WD and I sit just about a half inch reverse rake. The extra weight of you're 4wd diff outta help get you to level.

I'd recommend Hotshot Off-road. PM @memario1214 and he can set you straight

the shocks are pretty easy to install and would be a fun weekend project for you and your son. You don't really need power tools, but they're helpful. As for UCA's you can find Freedom for like $400? And those too can be easily installed. I did my entire shocks/UCA's in one day and took my truck to get aligned the next day. I used KSP UCA's from scAmazon. They were $250. I don't recommend them because not enough people have put them through their paces and I'm not gonna be the guy to be like "yea this part rules!" It was cheap and I'm taking the gamble. But that is another option.

that puts you in the ball park of around $1200-1500? For parts and a dope weekend with the kid

 

Bilstein 5100s at all 4 corners, stock springs at 3rd spring perch, stock rear leaf springs. Total cost, if doing your own work + alignment: under $750.

These pics were from when I first installed the setup. The front has settled since these were taken but it is perfectly levelled with slight rear rake and perfect in my opinion.

No need for aftermarket upper control arms or extended sway links if you're just lifting the front end 1.5".

 

Truck looks amazazing dood.

 

Here's what we're talking about with the 5100s. They have a snap ring that the spring perch rides on. You can raise the snap ring to change the front ride height.

To be honest, I was using an aluminum "hockey puck" style strut spacer for a 1.5" lift up front to level the suspension before I saved up to buy the Bilstein 5100s. Purchased from Shock Surplus online retailer.

 

Front spacers I had were similar to this.

2 Inch Front Leveling Lift Kits for 1999-2006 Tundra, 2'' Forged Front Strut Spacers Suitable for Tundra 1999-2006

$37 2" Front Leveling Lift Kits for 1999-2006 Tundra, 2'' Forged Front Strut Spacers Suitable for Tundra 1999-2006

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGDBSV8L

You can't beat $40 and a couple hours to install. There are some folks on here will tell you that's the wrong way to go about it, but everyone has their budget.

 

Mine came with spacer blocks when we bought it. Its fine. I did eventually replace the stock struts with Bilstein 4600s and reused the block spacers.

 

They come with the front about 2” lower than the back front the factory. Kind of dorky looking which is why everyone levels them. I just bought a DC and it has the spacers, I’m getting ready to replace them with shocks because they make the ride way stiffer. As far as UCA’s mine has factory with 2” spacers and drives excellent, I’ve had it a week and have driven over 400mi down the interstate between 70-85mph and it drives excellent.

If your kids just driving around town a spacer lift is a quick way to make it look better and quit rubbing in the tires.

I’ll be ditching it for a better suspension but I bought the truck for a hunting vehicle and it will spend 90% of its time in the woods in crappy roads.

 

If it's time for suspension replacements and/or if it won't be a concrete queen; then I would recommend to move forward with Bilstein and adjust as needed for the look you're going for.

I'm using spacers but plan to dump them and upgrade at some point in the future.

Either way. watch you axle boots (plenty of info on the forum)..

(Older pic, looking for one without the nerf bars) -

 

So like I said. Get some Bilstein shocks and the appropriate spring to compliment it.

spacer lifts are short term bull shit and take away funds from the suspension. It's a 18 year old truck. The suspension is worn. You'll be sooo much happier with the ride that is provided with fresh shocks and springs.

 

ok, great! this seems pretty reasonable. I will definitely check these out.

 

I got the truck for a great price, under 4K so I can put a little back into it. I had the front hubs and bearings replaced along with tie rod ends. I do believe the shock is "out" on the front passenger side, so regardless shocks are in the future .

I have a bit of a budget, I just got sticker shock at that 3K quote I got. looks like there are some other options, but honestly, there's nothing worse than setting a front end up wrong and having it wander all over the road or be unstable. so I do want to do it the right way, jsut not $3,000 "right"

 

Looks like the 5100's are on sale right now.

https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...cks-set-for-1999-2006-toyota-tundra-4wd-rwd-1

Make sure to buy some front upper shock mounts from Rockauto or somewhere else while you're at it.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1028496&cc=1431003&pt=7600

 

The most financially sound route to go would be Bilstein 5100's and some fresh OEM springs. And have them moved up a 1-2 notch's. Butttt I personally dislike the idea of compressing the spring extra to gain lift and therefore not allowing the shock to cycle fully. I want all the benefits of the new shock so I went with springs that will just lift the truck without sacrificing the shocks ability to cycle.

PM my guy I tagged. Title it first gen suspension. I really don't think you'll find better pricing and most of the time he's the guy who builds the shock/ spring for you. So his hands are literally in it to help you.

 

those two trucks are clean!!! that's amazing. I live on the coast, and everything down here older than 10 years old is always rusted up. those trucks are in amazing shape.

 

I agree with you, stiffining up the suspension like that with either spacers or modifying the spring's spring rate just isn't my preferred path. I will contact that guy. thanks!

 

thanks for the tip. I am also trying to replace some of the parts with bolts/threads/nuts that have some rust on them as well for future maintenance issues.

 

I went with Bilstein 5100s on stock springs at the 2nd notch. If I did it over I would have gone 6112 for an inch of lift and new springs. My current setup on the 2nd notch rides nice and I wouldn’t go any higher due to further diminished ride quality. I’m running 265/70r17’s

 

I dig the Land Cruiser in your profile pic @Kyle1974. They're getting rarer and pricey around here. Got a buddy who has one and they're great trucks.

 

Many will suggest COs and UCAs for advantages over stock UBJs, different spring preloads, and height adjustability. If a really tight budget, depending on intended use, instead of spacers and blocks could consider hight adjustable front shocks up front if only want +1.5". If more, there's otions for rear, and for instance can use AAL in rear instead of blocks.

Have used 5100s for 2.5" lift up front before but now running adjustable Eibach shocks with 33s at the +3" lift setting up front for about $225 with OE springs and leveled in back using AAL. Probably under $500 in parts for front shocks and AALs with today's money.

Eibachs can get up to 3" of lift using stock springs (said to be approved for AC unlike some other shocks) although don't have a 2.5" but a 2.25" and 3" setting (YMMV), and on sale at Wheeler's were like $225 free shipping. They also have a 1.5" setting if just want to level the front and leave rear stock.

If want more lift consider AAL in rear instead of blocks. Could use the 2.25" setting up front with OE springs and a wheeler AAL in rear likely ending up level or maybe .25" rake with rear tiny bit higher and setup for some load carry capacity.

FWIW re UCAs, at both +2.5" and +3" up front did not have to swap UCAs and UBJs for my purpose (although many will suggest it) and aligned fine fitting 33s with modest trimming.

Also consider how high you want to go and if over 2" consider boot swap on CVs at some point.

But if just wanting +1.5" to level front (assuming back is stock) then the Eibachs should be able to get I'd done swapping on original springs with advantages over other shocks and for less $ (like only $225 for the shocks). Tech dept at Eibach is great to talk with too.

 

your truck looks great! this is exactly the height I am looking for. I don't want anything crazy, just enough to keep the tires from hitting. We do take it off road quite a bit, so it won't be a pavement princess.

 

Agreed on the benefits of alternative springs at lower clip settings vs. stock springs to gain lift at higher clip settings. Heard Eibach's ride height adjustable shocks have a longer arm. And softer valving for less harsh ride. IMHO can feel the difference (and don't have a lot of front bumper weight to need more stiffness up there). Also found OEM springs at 248k miles are yielding advertised lift heights.