Is a lift necessary?

I recently purchased a 2013 MGM DC TRD-OR. The main reason I bought the truck was because of my affiliation with Maui Cultural Lands. All the places we have access to needs 4x4 but only a few if not a couple needs extreme off road capability. Almost all can be accessible with the stock 4x4. I have been convinced by many, mainly by my peers to get a lift and it appears the general consensus in this forum is to get a lift. Now the question is.... Is a lift necessary if not necessarily needed or is it better to just keep the truck stock? I don't find a lift needed but I do want it. But I'd rather have a supercharger instead.

And just to give you an idea this is what the truck will go through.

 

Honestly i've drove my wife's prius on worse roads i don't think a lift is needed for those roads.

 

Ha! Wow! Those look like fun roads. No, a lift is not necessary. It IS necessary if you want to add bigger/taller tires. There are some easy ways to lift that are cost effective, and then there are some atrociously expensive ones. TacomaWorld is full of fans who spend time and $$ on their vehicles, but it's not the norm for what you want.

I'm sure people with more knowledge than me will chime in soon.

My thought? Nab some Bilsteins, a leaf pack and some AT tires and you'll be set for everything while satisfying your wallet and the friends who are peer-pressuring you to get a lift. Have fun!

 

X2, I don't see anything that needs a lift. If you don't want too, I would keep it stock. Holds better resale stock too.

 

I don't see anything that you need a lift for. But if you want it and can afford it, why not?

 

doesn't seem that a lift is necessary, and the few situations where it may be beneficial, a good driver could get through no problem

 

No lift needed. Are you getting bigger tires? If yours fit I don't see that terrain meritting the need for a lift.

 

Good tires are your best mod.

 

i would definately get a blower if its in your budget LOL. some of us got to scrimp to get into that echelon lol.

 

financed with the truck was the only way it was gonna happen for me

 

I was thinking about the Toytec ultimate kit.

I know the stock can handle the mountain terrain that I will encounter. I'm more worried about the valley terrain where I'll have to cross rivers if the water is flowing. In most cases it doesn't flow but once or twice it was flowing and there were no way a stock truck could traverse through it. I'll try to get a pic up later of what I'm talking about.

The way I see the SC is about $5K. I'm looking at about $3K with lift, tires, and rims. Saving up the extra $2K for a SC wouldn't be so hard.

 

You can do an OME lift with UCAs for well under $2k. Plus tires and wheels so you're looking at probably $2500. I don't see a need for you to get a lift though. A good set of all terrain tires would be the best thing for your situation.

 

What's a good set of AT tires. I have a set of OEM steeliness and was planning on putting AT tires on them to use.

 

I prefer BF Goodrich A/Ts myself. Great life and they do well with almost anything ya throw at em. Real thick heavy mud is a little tough with those. Just use more skinny pedal n you're fine!

 

Isn't the stock tires bfgoodrich.

 

Based on your pictures, you don't need a lift for that at all. Get taller, more aggressive tires and call it a day.

As far as your water crossings, how deep are you talking about? If it's deep, fast moving water, you probably don't want to cross it even with a lift. Water crossings have their own list of risks and a lift isn't really going to save you when it comes right down to it. You're better off relocating all your breathers up high, put dielectric grease on everything (and still expect a shorter life from your starter and alternator), seal up the cab as best you can and waterproof the ECUs that are conveniently placed on the floor in the cab, and possibly a snorkel to keep your intake up high depending on how deep you plan on going.

 

BF Goodrich makes more than 1 type of tire but yes, stock are BF Goodrich Rugged Trails.

 

I agree with most of whats said in here. You don't NEED a lift, but something reasonable wouldn't hurt to have for those sticky situations. Personally, I agree with the recommendation of tires first and foremost. (Assuming they will fit without the lift).

I have the BFG TA KO all terrains as mentioned above, and they have gotten me through situations that many people did not think a 2wd vehicle could do. They are quiet and smooth on pavement, and last forever! Look and function great for any use. I chose 265/70/17 because I wanted slightly larger than stock without requiring any serious modification to the truck. I am extremely pleased with them and would buy it all again.

For lift, I had issues with my approach angles when stock and my front end was a continuous concern. I also couldn't stand the look of the forward rake. So I went a simple, affordable, but extremely reliable and functional lift. Bilstein 5100 adjustable shocks. I got the standard length shocks for the rear (not required) and did no lift in back. For the front, I used the stock coils and have them set at 1.75" up. My truck is now almost perfectly level front to rear, and it gave me that slight advantage on my approach angles and better clearance for the tires and my of road use. This costs about $330 in parts, and delivers a far superior ride than stock IMO. I absolutely love it! Many people on here will swear by this lift and what is has to offer for such a low price. You can easily switch the stock struts back in if you ever intend to sell it.

Feel free to click my signature picture for a link to my build. It is slightly outdated but everything pertaining to suspension, wheels and tires is all current. Plenty of pics to get an idea.

Tires: $900
Wheels: $720
Lift: $330
Alignment: $50

Total= $2000 including labor (lift was installed myself)

I give it a 10/10 for overall performance for cost rating.

 

Here is a reference for you

FRONT: 5100 set at 1.75 plus a 1/4" top plate for a total of about 2.25" lift up front
REAR: Wheelers 3 leaf progressive AAL = 1.5"+OL(0.5") = about 2" lift out back



Nice small lift, plenty of room to move the 265/75r16 all terrains and not unnecessarily high for no reason IMO.

Cost me $450-$500 iirc.

 

A snorkel? I don't think I'd want to go that route.