Lift ideas for a better ride

i have never lifted a vehicle before and would like opinions from anyone who has. Basically I want to improve ride quality and make the truck look good at the same time. I have a 2005 white sr5 4x4. I just ordered a set of gunmetal scs sr8s. I was thinking about going with icon or kings front and back? Idk for sure though. Thanks in advance for all who reply

 

Those shocks are really nice and really expensive! Are you going to use your truck Off-road a lot. Point being you've got an 11 year old vehicle and I assume higher mileage. A cheaper alternative would be bilsteins with ome coils and a single or 3 leaf AAL. What's your budget, desired lift height, and intended use? Then people can advise you with more specifics.

 

Lifting a vehicle doesn't usually improve ride quality. Usually the goal is to maintain stock ride quality. Just my two cents...

 

I agree. Unless the stock components are blown/worn out, then the quality will be better with a new suspension.

I just upgraded my suspension with Bilstein 6112/5125 and a OME Dakar leaf pack. I also looked at ICON, but after close consideration decided against due to the cost vs. my use of them.
Must say after a week with the new suspension in, I am very pleased with the Bilstein set up. I have taken the truck out to some of my favorite unmaintained roads to give the suspension a try. It has shown that it shows it's true colors in rough road, driving at a good speed.
Super happy with how it all worked out. Would recommend this set up to anyone interested in upgrading.

Another thing to factor in with a suspension is that the component cost is one part of it. If you are having someone install - that will cost you. You will need an alignment after - that will cost you. If you need any little extras that popped up after - that will cost you.
Good luck with the build. Hope this helps a little.

 

Good point. Also, if your vehicle is short on maintenance and you lift it, those problems tend to become very noticeable. If you plan to lift an older vehicle be prepared to drop some cash fixing other things that pop up as a result.

 

Another excellent point.

 

Good vehicular example of the proverbial 'have my cake and eat it too'..........

 

I'll disagree with this to a point in that I thought the stock ride on my truck, really every Toyota I've ever owned actually, is just too soft. I feel they kind of wallow (especially with any cargo) and tend to lose control on washboard. But it's a reference point because there are suspensions (cheap lifts) that ride worse than stock. So I'm in total agreement that the OP needs to define what he's looking for.

My last truck went through a few interations until I got to 25mm Sway-A-Way torsion bars and OME heavy all around, which was good for me. The ride I thought was good and I got a couple of inches of lift. This time, for the Tacoma, I went a little higher end with FOX coil overs but I wouldn't have any issue running complete OME or as @3coma says Bilstein/OME hybrid.

 

+1 to ALL of this. Having replaced the suspension in my previous '04 and my current '13. Both felt soft on stock suspension. Ride, handling, stability, and appearance all benefited from the upgrades.

For the '04, I went with Wheelers 5-Leafs, OME 881s, and Bilstein 5100s...


For the '13, I went with OME 885 Coils, Dakar Leafs, and NitroCharger Sports...

 

To answer some of the questions I've seen...I really don't want to spend anymore than 2500 bucks..I'm looking for a good 3 inches of lift. The truck is a one owner vehicle with 55,000 miles. The truck is used on the highway 80% of the time and used in the woods/trail the other 20%. I'm liking what everyone has contributed thus far. I was under the impression that you could adjust the icons and kings front and back to lift and level the truck. Is this possible with the other options as well?

 

Also thanks 3coma for pointing out all things I forgot to include in my OP