Lift options?

If you had 500-600$ to spend on a 3" lift, what setup would you chose? I am pretty new to all of this and looking for a little input. I don't need it to be a kit, I am willing to piece it together. I just need to know what all I would need to get it done. I have a 2012 TRD Sport and I spend a LOT of time in the mountains on some pretty beat up dirt roads. Looking for the best deal and a good ride.

Thanks TW

 

ok better yet, looking to spend maybe a grand, tax time is around the corner, i always forget.

 

Without a doubt, for that budget this kit is the best you will find! Next step up would probably be the full OME kit, but that's a bit more expensive.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/headstrong-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

For 3" you will want to go with the 887 coils. No diff drop needed. Also, in order to get your truck perfectly aligned you will need to add the UCAs. I have this kit with the 887s and did not get the UCAs. It is not as perfectly aligned as it was stock, but my tires are wearing evenly and the only issue is some slight steering wheel shakiness. I don't mind it at all, but it's something you should be aware of if you decide to go this route! If you can afford it, just get the UCAs.

As far as ride quality goes, I'm very happy with it. It's slightly firmer than stock, but I think it rides great. Looks awesome too!

Also headstrong is the shit.

 

If you want it done right, might be a G and change. Are you installing yourself?

 

I'm not sure that a slight steering shakiness would be acceptable to me, given the incredible high speed driveability that Tacoma trucks have when they're stock.

 

Steering wheel shake would make me want to stab my brain with a Q-tip. I am going to be installing myself, if possible without some crazy tools. About a Grand is where i want to stay, give or take a few bucks, rather take than give, lol

 

Mostly over small bumps for me. That said, I probably should have gotten the UCAs with the lift but I cheaped out. I'll do it in the future at some point.

The kit I linked with UCAs is right around a grand and you can get the coilovers assembled by headstrong.

 

Im digging that kit, i have only heard good things about the 5100's

 

Stay under 3" if you only have $1k.

 

2.5-3" is all I'm looking for

 

You also have to factor in the cost of UCAs..might be approaching $1500 with UCAs..

 

Your budget and your wants don't completely mesh with the reality of your expected results.

If you approach or surpass 2.5" you will want UCAs which are $400 on the lowest end. Or your truck will drive like a shopping cart.

 

Honestly, after seeing first hand 5100's and OME offerings, the build quality of the bilsteins are MUCH better.


OP for 500-600 bucks you will not be able to go properly above 2inches, as realistically at that point you need UCA's which for something like the SPC units are around 400 bucks. That stated some 5100's with stock coils up front set to the 1.75in setting, and some 5100's in the rear with a 1.5in progressive AAL will ride nice and you will be able to get it aligned within spec... and that will be right around the 450-500 mark.

 

Stay at 2"-2.25" if you can't afford to spend more than $1k.

And don't forget to factor in alignment costs especially if you get UCAs which sometimes need more than one attempt to get dialed in correctly.

 

OP said he can do a grand. The Headstrong kit I linked with billies all around, OME 887 coils an AAL and LR UCAs is right at a grand. Nothing wrong with that setup unless he hauls a lot of weight frequently. I'd do that OP

 

Depending how his stock leafs look, AAL or even a progressive AAL might not be an option. The toyota leaf packs are junk anyways. When I had my kit first installed I, mistakenly, got the single AAL and they lasted 3k. I didn't tow or haul anything during that time.

 

True. Depending on his leaf health.

@HeadStrong Off-Road is the best vendor to buy from, so no argument there either.

 

I have the single AAL on with my stock leafs and its held up fine...hopefully it stays that way . I've hauled a full bed of shit of few times and put on about 10k miles since the install.

 

would be lucky to get a decent set of shocks for $500

 

I guess I should edit the OP to state that I have about a Grand to play with. Give or take depending. The kit posted from headstrong was 1,100 after shipping, diff drop and aal. My lead health is great. I think that's the kit I'm going to go with. With alignment and all that I should be well below 1,500 and I'm ok with that.