Check out my notch

toytaco99 · 2001-11-09

Work on my notch is almost complete. Attached is a picture.

M

Miniac

· #2 · Nov 9, 2001

Almost there, man....
Looks good

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MadAktion

· #3 · Nov 21, 2001

I just went through the tech gallery of your notch, those are some great pictures. Looks to be a clean install. I was just curious as to what the purpose of putting the notch there? It obviously doesn't lower the truck any more. Is it a necessary step in installing airbags? If so I figure you're just doing it one step at a time. Just trying to learn. I want to lower my taco, but I'm just not totally sure yet.

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Jeff

· #4 · Nov 21, 2001

Thanks for the question. The purpose of notching your frame is to allow the truck to ride smoothly again. You see, when you lower a truck, you're forcing the axle closer to the frame. As you drive down the road, obviously your axle travels up and down. If you lower truck more than about 3" in the back, you will probably have a problem with your axle hitting the frame. Attached is a photo that will hopefully help explain.

A lot of people get very concernbed when they see that a frame has been notched. I used to be one of those people. But when you consider that the Tacoma's frame is only 3-sided and the notch that i had installed is fully-boxed (4-sided), it's really very safe, as long as whoever does your work does good quality work (welds, etc.).

So, my advice is: if your axle is bottoming out on the frame, notch it. My 6" step notch job was really cheap and the guy who installed it did some amazing work. If you're ever in Virginia, look him up. His name is Shawn Barnard and his email address is: [email protected]

Hope this helps.

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2000taco

· #5 · Nov 21, 2001

that notch you did is what they call a monster notch, people with bags usually do that notch so they can lay frame. if your not planning on baggin your taco or like me is more in to performance and handling & dont wanna chop a hole in your bed, i was told to just do a weld on step notch. or you can get stiff ass shocks like some bilstiens.

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MadAktion

· #6 · Nov 21, 2001

Wow, thanks alot guys. You all know your stuff. I'm learning more and more from this site everyday. Anyone with other random taco info they wish to share. I'd love to hear all of it.