Lift question

I have a 2006 Tacoma Access Cab TRD Off Road 4x4. Currently I have an ARB front bumper with a winch. And as far as a lift it only has a 2.5" front leveling kit. Nothing done to the rear at all. And I'm running 265/75/16. am wanting to put a 3in lift on it so I called 4 wheel parts and the guy I talked to told me that with the weight of the front bumper the only lift I could put on the truck was the ARB lift which was really expensive(Or he quoted it to me wrong). And I also think he was kinda full of crap. So I got off the phone with him and called another 4 wheel parts location and the guy I spoke with told me that it was a waste of money to put a lift on it since it was already leveled. He said that I would not even notice a difference in appearance only going up a 1/2" in the front and an 1" in the back. So now I am totally confused. So here's what I am asking my fellow TW friends. I do not do any offroading. The lift is strictly a cosmetic upgrade. I don't want to spend a hell of alot of money, but I also don't want to buy the cheapest out there either. "You get what you pay for" and I understand that. And before anyone asks why I did the leveling kit instead of lifting it and putting that ARB front bumper on... I bought it that way. So what would you guys recommend for me? Please remember to suggest lift kits that will support the weight of the front bumper. Thanks is advance guys!

 

You have a nice start with the bumper. I think you got some weird advise. You'll do much better posting here. What can you afford or willing to spend for lift?

 

Bilstein 5100's and Eibach springs and an AAL in the rear. 3" for about $500

 

Thanks! I don't mind spending the money for the right setup. But since it's not for off road use I don't think I need to spend 1000's. The most offroading my truck sees is at work because I park in the grass.

 

Do you think that's a good enough setup for the weight in the front? That's about what I'd like to spend for a decent setup.

 

I believe you could do the 5100's set at 0 and OME 886 springs. The 886's are for aftermarket bumper with or w/o winch. Or you could just get a OME lift with the AAL for $784.99

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-Tacoma-Suspension-lift-kit_p_231.html

You won't need the front diff drop. Your choice if you want them to assemble the shocks for $100 extra. I had them assemble mine and it was a simple bolt on installation. You will want the 886 springs.

 

Go OME shocks if you go with the 886's

 

If your not really going to use it for off-roading then why bother doing the lift? Are your struts bad? How is your current ride quality? Appearance wise your only going to see the .5" in the front and 1" in the rear like the second guy told you.

 

$500? only if you do all the work yourself and have a spring compressor, if a shop does the install your looking at another $250 easy

 

To me my truck just doesn't look lifted enough. I love the way the Tacomas look with a 3in lift. Obviously my truck only has a leveling kit and that just doesn't satisfy me. And no, my struts are not bad and my ride quality it fine. Rides like a Taco.

 

Yes. I've got a TG front bumper with Bilstien's and Eibach's and it's fine.

You can rent a spring compressor from any parts store for a $50 deposit and doing the work yourself is easy; you loosen bolts, remove parts, put new parts in, and tighten the bolts back: simple as that Free and only takes an hour

lulz. You can lift a truck without being an avid off-roader. Also, if you do the Billies and Eibach's or an OME lift, you'll get more than .5"...more like 2.5"

 

This might sound stupid, but perhaps try it. Since you claim your truck is already up 2.5" over stock, you will only be gaining about a half inch as other including the guy you spoke to on the phone have stated. I suggest getting a jack set up under the front, doing all the measurements, and then jack it up an extra half inch. That's what it'll look like after. You decide if the difference is noticeable.

 

If you are already 2.5" up and you go with a 3" lift. How do you figure he will not only get a .5"? I guess if you put the level kit on top of the lift which sounds like a horrible idea. That would put his truck 5.5" in the front and 3" in the rear.

 

Ahhh, I didn't see that he already was 2.5" up. And I agree that putting a leveling kit and a suspension lift is a horrible idea

 

I'd be taking out the leveling kit. Just to put in the lift afterwards. It would not be both.

 

Agreed IMO it's a waste to spend the money for the .5" lift your going to get from taking out the level kit and put on the 3" lift kit. It you wanted to go higher like 6" lift then it makes more sense to me because it would be a noticeable difference. I could also see spending it if your struts are bad or ride quality is horrible. You could do other mods with the money but that is my opinion.

 

Why a plate bumper and winch if you dont offroad?

The OME kits are recommended for those with a plate bumper due to the extra weight.
If your 2.5" leveling kit is cutting it I would just stay with that. Throw an Add a Leaf in the rear to bring it up and be done with it.

 

The bumper and winch were on the truck when I bought it. I think you all have talked me out of lifting it. Thanks for all you guys help!

 

Hey guys I am new to this forum and have been thinking of lifting my tacoma it is a 2012 dbl cab trd off road but I only want to lift it 2.5 inches will this effect the ride quality and drive shaft?