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flyingthemagiccarpet

flyingthemagiccarpet

2️⃣ Bronze
Hello everyone.

I am new to online forums. As a Veteran who worked in a community of “quiet professionals” I’ve tried to be none existent online.

That’s behind me now, and in recognizing the value in sharing information I hope I can pass on something’s I’ve learned while learning from other Tacoma3G drivers.

My Rig:
2023 TRD Off-Road Short Bed.
I bought it new, and had the dealer install the factory lift kit.

Mods done to date:
  • RSI Smart Cap: EVOa.
  • Rago: Bed Stiffeners.
  • Rago: Center Console Molle Panels & Device Mount.
  • Rago: Ditch Light Brackets.
  • 8 Switch Panel (Unknown, from Cali Raised)
  • Cali Raised: 27W Side Projecting LED Pods.
  • Baja Designs: S8 Light Bar (grill mount kit).
  • Baja Designs: Squadron-R SAE (factory location kit).
  • Baja Designs: S2 Rear Light Kit.
  • Expedition Essentials: Powered Accessory Mount.
  • Rear seat, overhead MOLLE panel: Don’t remember where I got it!
  • Meso Customs: Overhead and Map Lights.
  • RCI: Rock Sliders.
  • Billie Bars: Tailgate Cover.
  • Weather Tech: Bug/Window Deflector.
 

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Hope this posting helps others with a factory lift kit.

I recently installed new rear leaf springs.

The issue was after installing the RSI Smart Cap the rear end squatted. This was exaggerated when throwing camping, fishing, hunting, gear in the back. Also, I recently ordered a Xpedition Voyager Trailer, which will only add more weight to the rear.

I want to keep the factory lift height at least until the extended warranty is expired. The factory lift kit simply installed a 1” spacer between the axle and the leaf springs. When I picked the truck up after the kit was installed the height of the rear wheel well from the ground was 38-1/2”. After putting the RSI Smart Cap on, and loading the bed with the basic items, it sagged to 36-1/2”. I simply wanted to return it back to where it was with no load.

I used Deaver U402 Stage II springs, designed for a bed weight of 400-600 pounds. They are made for a 2” lift, but Deaver was able to make them in a 1” lift for an extra $200. They made them and got them to me in about 5 days over the Thanksgiving Holiday. (Very impressed with their consumer service).

The only issue I had with the install was how heavy they are. I did it by myself, and an extra set of hands sure would have been nice. You could bolt the bracket for the parking brake lines onto the Deavers, but because the leaf pack is considerably taller, it stretches them when the axle is at full down travel, so I cut them off. It took me about an hour and a half to do the first one, and less than 30 minutes for the second one. Big learning curve! I kept the old hardware just in case.

Result: Returned the height to 39”. I would think there will be some settling, and it will end up right where it started at 38-1/2”.

BONUS: THE RIDE IS GREAT!!! I found myself turning around to go back and forth over the railroad tracks multiple times!
 
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