Lift Advice

I have a 3rd generation Tacoma and I don't have much experience in lifts. I would like some advice/recommendations in brands of lifts since I would just like to lift it max of 3" and what size of tires would be comfortable for this lift.
Any advice is appreciated!

 

What's your budget? Off-roading or mall crawling? Do you want to cut and trim to fit tires?

 

No cuts no off roading it just for looks and daily drive

 

Budget?

 

Not much experience on prices but I know that when you want something good you have to pay the price and I want something good

 

My only advice is this: make sure all of your steering and driveline geometry is correct. I know this is vague, but a full explanation would be exhausting. You can search steering geometry and driveline geometry/vibrations for a primer. Here are a few things to look for: roll center, roll arm, camber gain, bump steer, pinion angle, CV joints on rear wheel drive cars. This should give you a little head knowledge. Don't shop for the best price.... shop for a kit (or piece one together) that gets the geometry right, then get the truck properly aligned.
Normally when you lift a vehicle more than 1 inch, you should relocate the front control arm pick up points, and move the steering end links, to restore front end geometry. Also, using CV joints, on drive shafts, is a good idea as well.

 

Budget lift and still decent quality:

5100's all around with OME 885 coils set at 0 up front

2" Progressive AAL pack in the rear

Light racing UCA's

Carrier bearing drop kit

265/75 tires for no cutting is the max you can go.

My recommendation is PMing @HeadStrong Off-Road and Marie can work with you, your gold and budget to get you exactly what you are looking for.

 

Thank you guys. I appreciate y'all info and advices

 

^^^ That FTW - just installed this on my truck yesterday. Didn't need UCA's or carrier bearing drop kit.

Set the 5100s to zero setting the 885s will lift the front about 2" and the AAL (Icon) will lift the rear about 1 1/2" - levels the truck perfectly. Also get a 1/4" spacer for the drivers side front strut to fix the Taco lean... good to go. Should get you right in the $1K range including install.

I have a TRD Sport - the stock ride was a tad harsh and around turns it leaned a lot. Now nice smooth ride stiffer than stock but A LOT smoother and no lean in turns anymore and no "Taco lean". Haven't been off road yet ... I will be this weekend.

Here's a pic of mine after install... the truck is on the street that is heading slightly downhill.. the truck is level.

 

Is this modification reversible (can be easily back to stock)? I am new here and wanted to mod a little bit on my upcoming tacoma and im interested in this setup.

 

Yeah sure .. don't know why you would want to ... this setup is superior to stock for sure. It wouldn't take any value away on re-sale or void warranty.

Lots of trucks have suspension mods done BEFORE sale by the dealership ... they sell a suspension upgrade for like $5k ... crazy but someone will buy it.

 

So what type/brand of lift did you buy? And how many inches did you raise the truck?

 

Bilstein 5100s all around with EMU 885 front springs and rear AAL progressives from Icon.. + 1/4" spacer for the front drivers side to fix the Taco Lean and new u-bolts. Had the struts pre-assembled prior to ship.. I got the whole deal from @HeadStrong Off-Road.



Lifted about 2" maybe a tad shy of 2" - not radically higher at all but the ride is MUCH smoother and at the same time stiffer. No bounce any more either.

 

I went with a Daystar 2.75/1 leveling kit from 4 Wheel Parts. They have some black Trailmaster rims in sale for under $100. Leveling kit, wheel, tires, and alignment for about $2100. I can probably sell my take off's for $400 or so, bringing it down to about $1700. Looks great. Tires are BFG 285/75/17. About 32.5 inches tall.