[Climbermac]

Hello all I am new to this board, and also fairly new to Tundra's. I've built FJ40's for years and just bought a 2003 Tundra 4x4 SR5 AC with the V8 and WOW do I love it! I've got a Leer cap with a Thule box on top, and a Bedrug, very nice.

Unfortunately yesterday my wife and I were in an accident in the Tundra. Everyone came away fine and I have no desire to re-tell the actions of the idiot other driver, but needless to say the rig is being repaired on his dime (rather his insurance). The pass side fender, front bumper, hood and all brackets associated etc are all now going to be replaced. The rig had a brush guard from Steelcraft which I liked, for a brush guard, but it too is toast. I decided to see if I can use this incident to improve the front end and am planning on adding an ARB Safari Bar in lieu of a factory replacement bumper and a new guard.

My concern is my suspension. I know it's a big bar, and not too light. IFS is still new to me and I've been reading all I can find on the forum to learn about my options. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've looked at the Toy Tec coilovers and I like the idea but the price is a bit high in the midst of all this insurance stuff. The Bilstein 5100's seem like a good choice but I'm unsure as to how they will affect the spring rate. I've also seen the Rancho Quick lift leveling unit and am equally intrigued and concerned that Rancho has always had a rep as a stiff suspension. Do I even need to mess with the suspension? I'm moving cross country in April and driving the Tundra and I want it to drive/handle well. Advice is appriciated, thanks all, sorry for the long post.

--Mac

 

[jim65wagon]

Welcome! Sorry about your accident, glad no one was injured.


About your question; I would (if it were my truck, right?) put on the 5100s or even upgrade to a serious coilover like the Kings, or Icons. The 5100s will firm the ride up a bit but that will be offset by the weight of the ARB, and should keep your comfy ride. I do not believe the stock set up is firm enough for the ARB and would be a bit soft for anything but glass smooth pavement. I'm sure you'll get about a dozen more opinions, but there's your first!

 

[big-o]

When I had my 01' Tundra, I put an ARB bumper on and it was pretty heavy. If I remember right, it seems like it was a couple hundred pounds. Since you're a previous FJ40 guy, I would recommend looking into the Old Man Emu front replacement springs. It will handle the extra weight and maybe level it out a bit too. Check out Sleeoffroad.com - Toyota SUV Off-Road Outfitters and look under suspension. If you want to spend more money, a nice coil-over would be nice. At the time, I only ran a Daystar spacer and it was okay too. Wheelers has some good options, but I don't think you will be as happy with the stock front suspension.

 

[Boosted27606]

5100s would do great in my opinion.

One item you might want to consider is a HELLWIG rear anti-sway bar. This thing will stabilize your rig and make a nice difference in comfort as well.

 

[Climbermac]

Thanks for the input, looking at my options and budget I think 5100's with the stock coils or 5100's (or OME) with OME coils are my choices. From looking around it sounds like OME 885's are the way to go, maybe 886's does anyone have experience with them? How much lift am I going to get? How will the ride differ from the stock coils? I only want to modify the front and leave the rear stock for now, so all it needs to do is lift it back to stock or a little higher to level. Mods to the rear can will come in time, but for now I need to get it level/drivable. @Boosted27606 I actually was already in the market for the Hellwig swaybar but depending on the insurance payout may need to put it off, but thanks for the input, I agree it will really stabilize it nicely.

 

[big-o]

I would say the OME885 is the way to go, but it may sit a touch higher in the front. You can always add the rear add-a-leaf when you're ready. I think the combo with the 5100 struts would be awesome, and you could just leave it at the stock position. In my opinion, the stock springs are too soft unless pre-loaded. Just my two cents....