Bassinfool

I bought this '01 Tacoma back in June; all current mods were already on it when I bought it. I don't know much about suspension stuff. If it's a motor I can figure it out pretty easily, but I'm a bit lost on the suspension. I can't imagine you could fit 33x12.5x15's on a stock suspension Tacoma, but it sure doesn't look like there is a lift kit installed.

When I had the truck inspected prior to buying it, the guy told me the front struts are starting to leak and should be replaced soon, so I'm wondering - how do I figure out just what type of strut I need to replace them with? I've searched all over the internet for these struts with a "dr" on them and have come up blank. I'm sure it's blaringly obvious, but like I said I don't know much about suspension. They're obviously adjustable height struts from what I see; is that ALL that has been done to fit these tires? They rub something FIERCE if I hit any mild bump while turning.

Can anyone help me figure out just what may have been done to this thing? I'm also considering a 1" or 3" body lift to help eliminate the tire rub issue. Anyway, sorry for the ramble. Here are some pics.


Here you can see the 'dr' on the strut and what *I think* is the threads to adjust the height.


Shot from the front of the truck


Above the front tire looking down


Overall stance of the front


Front end of the rear leaf spring. I can't see that there are ANY modifications to the rear suspension but ???


Back end of the rear leaf spring. MAYBE a taller shackle??


Overall stance of the back


Overall stance of the truck



Lengthy post, sorry guys. I'm just hoping to get some clarity on what I have, and what I can/need to do to it. Hopefully my sig gives you any needed info on the truck iteself.

warpigg

there made by icon vehicle dynamics as far as i can tell. and the front is lifted and it looks like the rear just has bilstein offroad lift shocks

Bassinfool

Yeah the fronts look identical to the Icon struts except they say 'dr' where the Icons say (naturally) 'Icon'. They say they're completely rebuildable which is good, because they're 1,200 freakin bucks for a pair of struts/springs!! I imagine the 'dr' ones are similar but different enough to where I shouldn't try to rebuild them with Icon parts... Oh well back to Google. I see what you're saying about the Bilstein's in the rear. I don't think those need replacing real soon so I'm not too worried about them. Thanks for the head-start! It's way farther than I was 2 hours ago!

Bassinfool

Looking around more it looks like the dr is a suspension series that Icon produces...maybe. Going to call them tomorrow because according to their website you can send in your parts for a rebuild ($125/ea starting cost). Thanks for your post; you certainly pointed me in the right direction!

MKtaco_98

the front coilovers are made by Donahoe Racing they're now called icon dynamics and it looks like you have icon dynamic add a leafs in the back with bilstein 5125 shocks.

this link should get you pointing in the right direction exact same lift you have

http://www.off-road.com/trucks-4x4/t...ion-19157.html

warpigg

sure thing, and it would be a big pisser if you had to but new ones because they do cost a pretty penny.

scuba

Icon took over Donohoe racing. Icon caries the parts you will need to rebuild the shocks.

The rear leafs aren't stock and I don't think it has an add a leaf. Those are stock shackles.
Any marks on top of the top leaf spring?

Bassinfool

Hmmmm I haven't looked there yet. I'll have to check that out. Thanks for all the feedback guys. Like I said I don't know JACK about suspension so this has been a huge help.

stepside trd

The rear leafs are after market. If the markings are still there, you will be able to tell what brand. The front coil-overs are adjustable, if you have the spanner wrench to turn it. It appears that you can adjust between 1"-3" on it. I personally would get longer shackles for the rear to match the front if you do decide to lift it that way(but that is my preference only), others may suggest other methods. Fronts might be able to be rebuilt. Can't really tell from the pic's. What ever you do, don't just put those parts in the trash without doing research, 'cause like the others said above, those things cost a pretty penny! BUT, if you do decide to toss them, I would gladly offer you my trash can to use!! LOL!!!

Bassinfool

It looks to me like I have exaclty what MKtaco posted here; front and rear setups:

I'll poke around the leaf springs this weekend and see what I can find. Hopefully they didn't undercoat over the label. On the Icon Vehicle Dynamics website (the company that bought Dohahoe Racing), they don't recommend going over 2.5" of lift on the fronts due to excessive strain on the UCA's. I think I'll keep them where they are and go the 1" or 3" body lift route to avoid the rubbing.

Guys, thanks again for all your input. You all really have saved me from my own ignorance on more occasions that I can remember. I LOVE YOU MAN!!!

scuba

Go with a 1". No need for a 3" unless you're trying to clear 35's without cutting.

Bassinfool

...aaaaaaand you've answered my other question! Thanks!

Doug18

I would still only go with 1" body lift if you are trying to fit 35s and just trim here and there where you rub just my personal preference but its generally a good idea to try and fit the biggest tires you can with the smallest lift (low COG) (http://www.expeditionswest.com/equip...bfg_mt_km.html) and since you have a tacoma you may want to seriously consider reinforcing the weak part of the frame by where the bed meets the cab

Doug18

Im jealous of your front coils too ... I wish my Runner had come with those

Bassinfool

Well as you can tell from the whole intent of this post, it was completely dumb luck on my part that I got what I did!! I agree with the low COG point; I think 1" is all I need. I hadn't thought of trimming a bit where it's rubbing. It's just the back part of the wheel well so it should be real easy. Thanks!

Land Pirates Off Roa

So as you have been told, DR is for Donahue Racing, that ran into financial trouble, regrouped and Icon was formed. The rear triple add a leafs were made for Donahue / Icon by Deaver...
They should give you 2 inches of lift in the rear... New... More like 1 1/2 once settled down.

Looks like 5100 Bilsteins in the rear for shocks... Nice ones.

The only thing we would do besides cutting where the tire rubs under compression would to add a spindle gusset to the upper part of the spindle. Total Chaos sells them or any of their distributors.

You can fab one up yourself, using tubing... But it is easy and less of a head ache to just order them and weld them in. It will not affect the upper control arm at all.

Nice truck!