04 Tundra DC Suspension Overhaul

[bcrook7602]

I just picked up an 04 DC that needs a bad overhaul in the front end. I am up for any sugestions. I am looking at putting Camburg UCA's on the front w/ Bilstein 5100 shocks all around. How compatable are the two parts? I will also be looking at adding a Diff Drop Kit but was wondering if it is worth the time and money? Does anyone else have any suggestions on what to do to the front suspension to make it ride nice and have some longevity? The previous owner just used larger springs and taller shocks in the front to lift. So now it is causing the upper ball joint to rub on the springs and the stock UCA does not sit level at all causing the joint to wear prematurely. Any info would be very appreciated.

[rich_4]

I would definitely do the diff drop, and that's for any lift application. To me, it's smarter to spend a little bit more $ to save your CV's...because you'll be spending the $ if you break one.

[escondidotundra]

do the diff drop fer sher. The uca's and shocks you chose would be compatible as long as the shockes were for a Tundra. When I first upgraded the front suspension of my 03 I went with total chaos uca's and king bolt in c/o's. If you have the coin you should really consider them. Chaos has the best customer service out of all the 'big box' manufacturers, even if they're a little more expensive, customer service is worth the money. PM me if you want a horror story. The bolt in kings will give you the best ride quality and control. Even if you never off road, the on road manners are amazing plus you can adjust the ride height very easily. I have built several Tundra's for a few people including mine, this set up has always worked the best.

[sic402]

RCD 6" with Saw/Icon coilovers Camburg UCAs, full leaf back and a custom set of Saw rear shocks.... you will be extremely satisfied.

[DevinSixtySeven]

Bilstein does not make a shock which takes advantage of the uniball upper control arms. Camburg's version of the Swayaway coilover may or may not work better for you with their upper control arm than IVD's coilover. Get either one, they will both suit the truck very well, both are very supportive of the Toyota offroad community and very active on the various forums, but if you're getting an upper control arm, get nothing other than Camburg. I would get shocks from IVD or Camburg before all else...King, Fox and Bilstein all make shocks which will fit 1st-gen Tundras, but they just don't provide the same customer service or presence in the community like IVD and Camburg.

I would not run the Chaos upper arms again...great materials, great welding, not so great design...plus, they are stupidly expensive, probably because they're using 4130 when 1018-1020-etc DOM does just fine. I sold my old arms, and they went to the new owner with Camburg parts in them, which was the only way to correct the design flaw.

I'm not sold on the diff drop anymore either...it's just not changing the angle that much, since the drop is at the front of the diff mount, but the diff output is closer to the back. The difference at the axle is less than 1/2".

Frankly, Total Chaos's stuff for the 1st-gen has really left me frustrated. Maybe their other stuff for other trucks is better, but I wouldn't use their products aimed at the 1st-gen Tundra.

5100 shocks will do fine in the rear. If you want something rebuildable, with more oil volume and still a decent price, look at the 7100 Bilsteins.

For reference, I have run ATS upper control arms, stock-length Total Chaos upper arms, 2.0x6 Swayaways with 13" and 15" 650# springs, Bilstein 7100 rear shocks, 2.5x8 (travel limited to maybe 7") Camburg Swayaways and long travel kit, and will soon be running Radflo 2.5x16 (travel limited around 14") piggybacks in the rear.

-Sean

[TundraSkyline]

Originally Posted by DevinSixtySeven

I sold my old arms, and they went to the new owner with Camburg parts in them, which was the only way to correct the design flaw.

What design flaw are you talking about? This is my first time hearing this -- what changes with the use of camburg parts in them?