help a newb pick right lift

I'm sure there have been a million of these threads,
but I've been lurking for a while and soaking up what I can
but I'm still afraid to pull the trigger on a lift in fear that I'll
pick the wrong one and my ride quality will suck.

Like a lot of people on here, I'm on a budget and I need to make
every dollar count. But I also believe that you get what you pay for
and I will pay more if I can justify the expense.

I'm running an '08 TRD Sport and I basically just want a 3" lift
so I can run bigger tires. It sounds like 32's are as big as I can go
without trimming (plenty of discussions on that one as well).

NOTE: I don't plan on doing a lot of offroading but I would like the option
of trying it out once in a while for fun.

I actually like the ride quality I currently have and would like to keep
what I can if possible. For example, maybe I can keep my shocks and just get bigger coils for the front? Just add a leaf in the back?

Just buy a package like this one and be done with it?

http://www.demello-offroad.com/shop/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=27_25_30&products_id=117

I would very much appreciate any suggestions or advice you have.

Thanks,

 

Do you have a budget?

That's usually where to start. You can get 3" without breaking the bank with icons but if your main concern is ride quality (and honestly in owning a truck, it shouldn't be) they are top notch quality and ride.

For the front you cannot buy new coils without new struts, the stocks are not made to allow the extended travel from the added lift of new coils. You'll need bilsteins or some other strut that has more travel.

To get 3" in the rear you'll need more than one AAL. Try Wheeler's progressive 3 pack or a full new pack of dakars or deavers.

Keep in mind a 3" lift requires new UCA's for 2nd gens, so factor that into the cost.

 

Ome with 885 could, Dakar leaf pack and less uca. Cheap easy good to go. Icons are nice but that's just for the coil overs and shocks. No leaf pack no uca. Food for thought

 

To note here the Bilsteins he's referring to are the Bilstein 5100 shocks. The stock yellow and blue Bilsteins from stock won't work. Also any lift at or over 2inches NEED aftermarket UCA's to maintain proper alignment angles.

 

First thing you'll need to accept is your ride is not going to be as cushy & car like soft as stock.. not bad just firmer, you'll need to cab chop REGARDLESS of lift if offroading to keep tire rub to a minimum...

You've gotten a few suggestions on after market springs , which are all good choices... if you have the $$$ to spend, they're not cheap in price, in my opinion anyway.. But there are alternatives if your mechanically inclined & a DIY kind of guy......

 

Oh yeah Doug?

And what kind of alternatives are we talking about?

(Actually on second thought, what does a 2nd gen do about spring refurbishing? We 1st gens have it so easy )

 

Hell I thought You'd know.. i was just throwing it out there....

Meh, 2nd gen, just cut the plastic

 

Good stuff!

Sounds like OME Dakar's in the rear,
and Billy 5100's up front w/ OME 885 coils
and some UCA's (Light Racing?).

Am I missing anything?
BTW, I'm seeing this setup a lot on these forums.

Any reason for new shocks in the rear?

 

Just the springs dude....

 

OK, so I called a nearby shop today and the guy I spoke to on the phone
said they have a gently used set of OME 885 coils w/ 90000 front shocks and
n182's rear shocks for $350.

Is that a good deal?

Obviously I still need to consider springs for the rear.

UPDATE:
I went ahead and told him I'd buy it all this Friday.
I figure that stuff alltogether is almost $700 new.