Doc's 05 Tacoma Build Thread

[UncleChris]

I wonder how much it would cost for new shackles and custom deavers, has anyone done the chevy leaf setup for an 05? I know alot of the earlier tacoma models have that and much cheaper to go to the bone yard.

The problem is that the 05s have reverse shackles, that is the spring is above the body mount in the rear.

With the XJ(and with previous Tacos) I could get lift by putting a longer shackle on, that is not possible with the 05+ Tacoma. Here is a picture of a guys Taco from TTORA. He has a custom bumper that gives a clear view of the leafs.

I think that when Toyota designed the 05, they tried to make it as proprietary as possible. Look at the wheel fitment issues for example.

(BTW, this guy has a really cool bumper!!!!)

[TACODOC]

The problem is that the 05s have reverse shackles, that is the spring is above the body mount in the rear.

With the XJ(and with previous Tacos) I could get lift by putting a longer shackle on, that is not possible with the 05+ Tacoma. Here is a picture of a guys Taco from TTORA. He has a custom bumper that gives a clear view of the leafs.

I think that when Toyota designed the 05, they tried to make it as proprietary as possible. Look at the wheel fitment issues for example.

(BTW, this guy has a really cool bumper!!!!)

Whoa!!! Where can I get a bumper like that? Bentup??? That is a really solid design, any more pics of that one around???

[UncleChris]

Whoa!!! Where can I get a bumper like that? Bentup??? That is a really solid design, any more pics of that one around???

http://www.tacomaterritory.com/forum...ad.php?t=35095

Guys name is Pirox and his pics are on post #11. It looks custom made, and reaallly cool.

[scrmntaco]

The problem is that the 05s have reverse shackles, that is the spring is above the body mount in the rear.

With the XJ(and with previous Tacos) I could get lift by putting a longer shackle on, that is not possible with the 05+ Tacoma. Here is a picture of a guys Taco from TTORA. He has a custom bumper that gives a clear view of the leafs.

I think that when Toyota designed the 05, they tried to make it as proprietary as possible. Look at the wheel fitment issues for example.

(BTW, this guy has a really cool bumper!!!!)

Yeah that makes sense, so the custom leafs would have to just have more arch, I'm sure there are limiting factors to that as well, maybe if you cut the reverse shackles and welded on some non-reverse ones spaced farther apart.

[scrmntaco]

The problem is that the 05s have reverse shackles, that is the spring is above the body mount in the rear.

With the XJ(and with previous Tacos) I could get lift by putting a longer shackle on, that is not possible with the 05+ Tacoma. Here is a picture of a guys Taco from TTORA. He has a custom bumper that gives a clear view of the leafs.

I think that when Toyota designed the 05, they tried to make it as proprietary as possible. Look at the wheel fitment issues for example.

(BTW, this guy has a really cool bumper!!!!)

Yeah that makes sense, so the custom leafs would have to just have more arch, I'm sure there are limiting factors to that as well, maybe if you cut the reverse shackles and welded on some non-reverse ones spaced farther apart.

[UncleChris]

Yeah that makes sense, so the custom leafs would have to just have more arch, I'm sure there are limiting factors to that as well, maybe if you cut the reverse shackles and welded on some non-reverse ones spaced farther apart.

at first thought that makes sense, but you would have to do a lot of fab'ing as the mounts are currently supported from the bottom. I am not sure what geometry issues you would run into(for a straight axle, probably minimal), but for a guy with a welder it could be done.

- Think I'll watch!

[TACODOC]

Woohoo!!!!
Finally scraped the money together and today I placed my order with Demello for the stage 2 kit
Donahoe CO's in the front, and I special ordered 12 leaf Deavers for the rear (so I can carry supplies and friends). I just have to wait a little longer than usual for the Deavers, the spring steel is on backorder. The kit also comes with Bilstein 5100's for the rear

I'm going with some BFG MT's in 255/85R16 as well so this should be a well rounded setup.

Demello only charges $200 for install so when the parts come in its time to "Pimp my Ride"

[TACODOC]

I just spoke with Jason at Demello again. He says that IHO the only front suspension for the 05's that will stand up to the added weight of an ARB and a winch and still perform as advertised are the Donahoes. He says that they (DR) also have the best customer service as well.

FYI for those who are considering a setup like this.

Cheers,
...Doc

[asteffes]

Seems to me it's just a matter of adjusting the spring rates and damper valving. Is this too hard for others to do?

[TACODOC]

Seems to me it's just a matter of adjusting the spring rates and damper valving. Is this too hard for others to do?

No, but he was saying that he has installed and dealt with ALL the major suppliers and IHO the DR's lasted longer, and handled better with that load than brand "X".
He also stated that when and if you do have a problem that DR will actually honor the warranty and follow up with the customer(old school customer service, no playing games), as opposed to the "door slam guarantee" (we have your money so go away) attitude that he's seen with other makers...