Rear Shackle-Other reasons to install besides lift?

I am getting my new suspension installed on the 27th. Eibach 2.0 set at 2.5" on the front, and Bilstein 5160's on the rear, plus the TRD rear sway bar.

I also purchased a CB 3+ shackle, but having second thoughts on the install.

I do not plan to install any large tires than 33". Is there any benefit (other than lift) to install the new rear shackles?

This is on a 2021 SR5 4x4.

Thanks!

Pete

 

the shackles provide a smoother ride compared to stock and help to reduce any bed squirreliness as well. What are your second thoughts? I have a set of +3s i need to put on still but I am going to use the stock rubber bushings instead of the poly since I have a 21 and the stock ones would provide a smoother ride compared to the polys.

 

Second thoughts are two or three fold. I prefer the look of a level truck, and if I install the shackle, it wont be level. Second, since I have no plans of larger tires, and I just better keeping with the stock shackle. Third, I tow about 6500# a few times a month, and not sure the impact (if any) a shackle would have on towing.

 

Since you tow, look into RAS for the rear vs shackles. Minimal lift with it, .25 to 1 inch, will stop sag when towing.

 

Funny, I was justy looking at the RAS earlier this morning, and that is one of the reasons I was having second thoughts on installing the shackle.

 

The factory shackle bushings are splined so they limit movement. I have Toytec shackles with poly bushings. You are not going to notice a ride difference between the rubber and poly.

 

Yes, well tundra leafs are fairly soft, so there is some squat once you get 300+lbs in the bed or tongue weight. RAS will really help, all but eliminate squat without needing to move to custom leaf springs or add a leaf which may ride harder and sit higher than you want. Great alternative for a leveled truck, so when you do tow and you are already level, you won't be looking like one of those Carolina squat trucks@

 

The shackle would not have impact on towing other than taking away excessive sag, since you would be higher. If you do the +3's though, do bump stops, I got durobumps.

An alternative since you tow is RAS like mentioned, or airbags.

 

I just ordered the RAS, and will not be installing the CB 3+ shackles. We will see how that works, and make adjustments if needed.

Thanks all!

 

Coachbuilders smooth out the ride in the tail very noticeably.
The +1s are the way to go with a leveling kit and you want minimal rake.
I have Falcons and Coachbuilder +1s and the stance and ride are great.

 

Ironman greasable shackles and bushings here. RAS HD kit too. Anyway, the greasable shackles improve the ride without adding lift. Just another option.

 

I ordered the 1 inch CB shackles a week ago. My Tundra has a small spacer up front that gave me about an inch of lift. I want my factory rake back because now it always looks like it’s sagging with weight in the bed or when my trailer is attached. I personally don’t think the Tundra looks good leveled or near leveled (my case).

I hope those poly bushings don’t make for a rougher ride…. I would not be happy…

 

What was the front lift you had? Any pics of your current set up? I just ordered +1 shackles and the shims for up front to basically give it 1” all around and the smooth ride

 

Below photos is with about 400 pounds in the bed.

Below is with an empty bed and a full tank of gas.
I have not much weight on the trailer but no idea to amount.


I have the Coach Builder 1 front spacers. They provided about 3/4 inch of lift and they (Coach Builder) provides excellent alignment specs. It really rides great and wanders less than the factory alignment. I am in the minority but I like the factory ride in addition to wanting a little height.

 

Truck looks great! Seems like we both are in the minority! That's my same plan though, CB 1 Shims out front, CB +1 Shackles in the back, maintain factory ride. Just reinforced me going that route! Thanks for the photos!

 

Thanks! It definitely it the route less taken but I have been extremely happy. I wish I got the shackles from the onset though…no biggie. I have used 5100’s and Eibach leveling shocks on many of my past Toyota trucks, four to be exact. And with that said small spacers and such are just as good at accomplishing the goal of a small lift without getting rid of perfectly good suspension components and affecting ride quality.

 

I'm with ya - Had a 3" OME on my 2011 Tacoma that I traded in to get this guy. Awesome for offroading, but let's be honest, I only did it a half dozen times. Made for a rough daily driver, but looked great. Still miss it, but on to a new chapter!

2011 Tacoma the day I said goodbye



Current 2020 Tundra

 

I had a 2003 Taco with OME coils and Bilstein 5100’s…I chalk that up to being a very expensive mistake. Here’s my 2012 pre Bilstein lift.

I miss all my Tacoma's, all three of them were rock solid. But the Tundra is better in many more ways. Your Tundra going to look great with a little height.

 

Good looking Tacoma! I agree, lot more capabilities now with a family with the Tundra. At some point in the future when it is completed, I'll report back with some photos!

 

Hey guys,

I recently received a full OME tundra lift kit without rear shackles. It is the budget OME kit with dakars in the rear. I did not order shackles simply to save money. But I’m worried about installing the dakars with the OEM shackles. If I have to use heat to remove them will it destroy the stock bushings? I just don’t want to get partway through the rear suspension and realize I needed the shackles. Let me know what you think! Btw still trying to save money!