[VtFly]

I have an 04 non-TRD 3.4 double cab used mainly as a commuter/farm/hunting/fishing truck. It experiences moderate off road use in the form of logging roads and deer trails. It also tows a 16 ft aluminum outboard boat. Eventually I want to put an ARB bumper on the front. It regularly carries at least 200lbs in the back. What type of practical suspension mods should I add to more effectively accomodate this type of work load?
Thanks for you suggestions in advance.

 

[04RedLobster]

what is ur price range...
because people can't really tell you what you want with out the price range..
but if you are thinking about putting some ARB bumper...you might have to go with coilovers if you don't want ur front to sag with like spacer lift...

 

[VtFly]

Sorry I forgot to mention price, 1,000-1,500

 

[Portman]

Ome

Seeing your price range just made me think of the Old Man Emu suspenion kit. I have seen various kits from $800-$1100. Get the heavy duty 882 coils with the firm shocks all around and a new set of leaf springs. I do not have this setup, but have been researching it for over two months and have heard nothing but good things about it. They are a great on and off road package, and hold up to a constantly working truck. Like I said I can't give you first hand advice, but that is what I would do. I live in NH and use my truck for the same things . . . would be nice to have a higher performance system like OME.

 

[rojodiablo]

Sorry I forgot to mention price, 1,000-1,500

You have LOTS of options, with that kind of budget. A full kit from downey, $950ish. A full kit from Fabtech, about the same. I believe Demello or SAW Ryan could set you up with a Swayaway and aal kit for real close to that. Camburg would have something , I fon't know about an aal from them.....not their style. They would all help with the added weight of the bumper, and would stop the sagging bed.

 

[GOT COPE?]

I have an 04 non-TRD 3.4 double cab used mainly as a commuter/farm/hunting/fishing truck. It experiences moderate off road use in the form of logging roads and deer trails. It also tows a 16 ft aluminum outboard boat. Eventually I want to put an ARB bumper on the front. It regularly carries at least 200lbs in the back. What type of practical suspension mods should I add to more effectively accomodate this type of work load?
Thanks for you suggestions in advance.

If I were you I'd go w/ SAW's ($600+) in the front since you plan on running a winch and bumper and you have a dcab v6. An AAL in the rear ($40+). New shocks in the rear (your choice) and a brake line (wheelersoffroad.com $35 + Shipping).
I'd stick with a 265/75/16 (31.6x10.8?) BFG tire AT or MT. This size suits my buddy fine while hunting in GA. Or if you wanna go taller or ub more 255/85 (33x10) or 285/75 (32.8x11.2) tires 16's of course (I'm assuming thats the size wheels you have.)
Of course the bumper will run $700+ and a winch $500+

Total: $1875 + tires, alignment, balance and mounting and shocks.

Sorry for busting your budget.

 

[Bryanccfshr]

I would suggest the OME rear springs and shocks and a set of coilovers for the front if you plan on running winchbumper and winch. If you plan on running it light up front the 882/n-91s combo performs flawlessly. Don't cheap out with aal's and or shackles. Gets some new leafs in the rear, You will really benefit from them. Also get servicable(greasable) bushings everywhere you can. This will make for an more durable hunting fishing truck without the squeeks that the stock bushings and springs are prone too.

For your stated needs I am going to lay it out ione more time.

OME leaf springs shackles and n-85 shocks in the rear. A set of Saws or other reasonable coilover with a higher spring load up front. Throw some inexpensive MT's on the 16" wheels like 265/75 r16 Kumho or Dunlop MT's and be done. Check the reviews on Tirerack.com and you will see why I think they are a great value. http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?shipquote=N&compare=true&partNumber=&make=&model=&clarifier=&price=&width=265%2F&ratio=75&diameter=16&sortCode=&speedRating=&qty=&stockMessage=&type=T&URL=&newCompare=true&prevprice=&loadRating=&promoShortText=&promoUrl=&promoLongText=&sidewall=&sidewallShown=&frontTire=&frontLeftTire=&rearTire=&rearLeftTire=&wantRHP=&RHPprice=&sumRating=&hasSpec=&hasWarranty=&hasComments=&hasTests=&hasSurveys=&perf=&pre=&specCode=&autoMake=&autoModel=&autoYear=&autoModClar=&goWhere=%252Ftires%252FCompare1.jsp&AddToUser=true&performance=ORMT&startIndex=0&sortValue=1&qty_675QR6GEOMTPL_=4

 

[sagexp]

I had the same need, and did a bit of research and settled on Downey coil overs (600 lb) and a 1 5/8" lift rear shackle from NWOR. I don't want much lift myself, just about 1.5 inches after installation of ARB and winch, and a suspension to handle that load for moderate (nothing extreme like rock crawling or desert running at high speed) off roading in a camping / hunting truck that sees some hard use.

The OME's I understand will sag, and are rated at 500 lbs across the board for all their coils 881, 882, etc (stock Taco coils at 420 lbs I believe). They simply stretch out the same coil to get the additional lift. They will eventually sag and fail with the added weight of an ARB and winch (or so I'm told).

I stayed away from other coil overs because I want the option to purchase shocks instead of rebuild (even though the downeys are rebuildable), and some of the coil overs will leak over time and require recharging at a motorcycle shop (more hassle). (I understand the Donahoes don't have this problem, but too pricey for my taste, and again, need rebuilding versus buying a new shock).

I also went with coil overs versus any spring set ups because it allows for easy shock replacement in the front now. No worry about spring compressors or taking it to a shop to have it done at increased cost.

Coil overs have the additional nice feature of adjustable lift. Add a winch and bumper later, crank it up. Take winch and bumper off, crank it back down. Driver's side spring sag, crank up that side a bit and level it off. You don't have to worry about shims and all the trouble it takes to install those after things settle.

I was told to not go much over 1.5" on the Downeys (with a winch and ARB) otherwise you could get some coil slap. Not a problem for me because I didn't want much lift.

I got the Downeys for about $710 shipped (I had to pay tax as I live in Kalifornistan where Downy is), and rear shocks and shackles for another $200, which puts me at about $910 for a winch and bumper capable front suspension and lift in the rear to match.

I cannot yet attest to this set up, it is going on with the winch and bumper this weekend, and will see some off road use soon after, but if you're going to be a while before you buy I can give you at least a first impression in a few weeks.

 

[rojodiablo]

You can get a bit more from the Downey coilover kit. But, like the rest, the front end starts to get stiff, the higher you go...At 2-5/8, I am happy. But, no more than this, as 4wd..... besides, I like having some droop left.BTW... DO NOT tighten the set screws much!!!! Run asearch on this/ downey coilovers. They are just fine, it is a thing to watch for.

 

[hytenor]

I have an 04 non-TRD 3.4 double cab used mainly as a commuter/farm/hunting/fishing truck. It experiences moderate off road use in the form of logging roads and deer trails. It also tows a 16 ft aluminum outboard boat. Eventually I want to put an ARB bumper on the front. It regularly carries at least 200lbs in the back. What type of practical suspension mods should I add to more effectively accomodate this type of work load?
Thanks for you suggestions in advance.

ARB bumper AND winch or just the bumper? reguardless you will need to upgrade the front coils. OME's won't quite handle the extra weight AND maintain lift. The full pkg OME kit is just under $1k but that bumper runs just under $700...add the same for a winch.
I would go with a set of coilovers; SAWs or Downeys will work fine. The Sway Aways are 675# but can be ordered with lighter coils. I have the 675s and they are a bit of an overkill for my 300+# of extra nose weight. 600-650 would probably work better for flex. Downey's have 600s. On the Dcab with a heavy winch and bumper this might be a little light. One of our Norcal members (with the same bumper I have) has gone to Downey tundra coilovers (800#) and so far so good. he doesn't have much flex but did well enough to make it through the Rubicon despite my less than stellar spotting

for the rear just have your OE springs rebuilt with an extra leaf and re-arched to your specs. Any decent spring shop should be able to do this for under $300. you'll still need longer rear shocks, BPV extension bracket and longer rear brake line.

 

[VtFly]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Sounds like I'll go with the Downeys up front and rearch in the back. Supposedly there's a spring shop in St. John, Que. that will do the work and with the exchange that should make the deal a bit better. But seeing as my roof has just succombed to another Vermont winter and needs repair, I may have to put this suspension project on hold. A temporary option I'm playing with is having the dealer replace the non-TRD coils and shocks with TRD coils and shocks for a price of $140. Or should I just have the nonTRD coils and shocks replaced with the same for no cost(still under warranty).

 

[hytenor]

Thanks for the advice everyone. Sounds like I'll go with the Downeys up front and rearch in the back. Supposedly there's a spring shop in St. John, Que. that will do the work and with the exchange that should make the deal a bit better. But seeing as my roof has just succombed to another Vermont winter and needs repair, I may have to put this suspension project on hold. A temporary option I'm playing with is having the dealer replace the non-TRD coils and shocks with TRD coils and shocks for a price of $140. Or should I just have the nonTRD coils and shocks replaced with the same for no cost(still under warranty).

6v TRDs are a little stiffer than non-trds but not that much. If you are going to replace them down the road I would save the $140. get the new non-trds and sell them when you go to coilovers.