Stumped on how to lift my truck

So I'm new to Tacoma world and new tocomas in general. I used to drive a shitty Dakota and thankfully it got stolen so here I am with a new 2012 DCLB TRD sport and loving it. Since I've gotten the truck I've spent countless hours reading up on mods and lifts and realized I can't wait any longer I gotta lift mine. So now comes my question of how to go about it?

I've Noticed people on here tend to frown on spacer lifts. The way I look at it is everything on my truck is new, so Im having a hard time justifying buying all new suspension for a lift. So I'm thinking I'd just put some spacers on it for now, run the shit out of them and than upgrade. Anyone have any input?

My budget is around 2000 for lift and hopefully tires but I can always get some cheap used ones for now. I want 3" or close to it and just curious to weather my idea with the spacers for now would be alright or well I have the money should I just buy something nice? And if so what should I get?

 

Welcome to TW. You say you read allot about lifts so if your still up in the air I would consider some more reading. You can lift your truck via suspension for under 2k so no need for spacers.

When you have an actual specific question and provide actual data like what the lift will be used for we will always be here to help.

 

I say go for it. Get some tires and wheels and a spacer lift.

 

You could get a spacer lift. Just beware of offroading with them the have the possiblity of destroying a shock or destroying itself (this has been witnessed by me and many members here). If its your everyday car and you really dont plan on wheeling then i guess that will work. You could get a new suspension set up such as new struts and coils an an aal. this would be way better than spacer. or go with coilover but thats to much $$$$.. i guess you might as well just get a spacer and wait to get a good set up when those shocks and coils start to go. again that is if your only going to do very light wheeling or none.

 

Why would you put a $150 spacer lift on a $30,000 truck. Do it right the first time. (OME, Bilstien, FOX, Icon..etc) Or I don't recommend doing it at all. Just my $0.02

 

2grand for suspension, i spent under that and got full OME suspension(front coils were assembled and full dakar leaf pack), All pro brake lines and u bolt flip, and Built Right UCAs, install took 9 hours

you should be able to pick up a OME setup with AAL instead of a full leaf pack and hop on the Light Racing UCA Group Buy and be at around 1200 for a complete suspension set up. leaving 800 for alignment and $ towards tires.

 

I spent around $1,200 for a 3" suspension lift (Toytec) and new UCA's. If you have the money to spend, might as well do it right the first time. My truck sees little off road but I still didn't want spacers. Truck rides better now than it did stock. Some will justify poor potential ride with spacers as it's a truck it's not supposed to ride smooth, which is dumb since there are options there to get lift and not have it ride like ass. Hell between lift, UCA's, wheels, and tires I only spent roughly $2,600 or so (not counting lift installation).

 

^^^this

 

LOL!!!

 

I have read other threads and I still can't figure out how I want to lift my 2012. Figure when I get some money I'll enlist some help regarding the options.

 

How do you plan on using your truck? This should be the question that steers you in the right direction. I say get familiar with the truck and experiement with it stock and see if it fits your needs. If the answer is no, then research, but don't get anxiuos and blow your doe just to scratch a temporary itch. Just IMO.

If it's looks you're after and don't care about your ride, then perhaps spacers and blocks is what you want. But I highly discourage you from taking that route. Like everyone else, this is just my $0.02

 

Well it is generally my everyday driver, but I have a work vehicle so it's more for fun and I would be wheeling now and again.

 

I have a few friends that have purchased this kit and have had nothing but good things to say, affordable and seems to be working. They do off-road on a regular basis.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/207587-ishock-suspension.html

 

Blocks and spacers are out of the question then. Keep looking/reading up on the different types. Take your truck out and see what type of off roading you are into. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn about your likes and dislikes when you hit the trails.

I speak only from my experiences and was faced with the same dilema as you. Just take your time in coming up with an answer. I would hate for you to spend time and money on something that you might end up regreting.

 

Then get a real suspension lift.

 

OME complete kit with add a leaf and LR upper control arms you will be at around 1200. Add in between 700-1200 in tires and you're between 19-2400.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/142677-suspension-lift-info-includes-pics-3.html

 

Oh yeah, I forgot about the first thread. Good looking out Jonny

 

Are you going to be installing the lift yourself or do you not have much experience doing that kind of stuff? I did mine at my house with a friend so I got bilstein 5100s all around with OME coils for like $400. But i got my coils used for $65. I'd say get 5100s front/rear and eibach coils which would run you about $500. Then add a few hundred to have a shop install it if you dont feel you could do it.

OME with ome coils, or bilstein with ome/eibach coils is the best way to lift on a budget.