Suspension leveling kit

What did you use?

 

Both kits were Pro Comp. Neither truck was a Tacoma but I wouldn't hesitate to put one on my new Taco.

 

A leveling kit is just a spacer placed under the shock that raises the truck and keeps the factory suspension. Mostly they just lift up the front to make the truck level where the nose isn't pitching down. Some raise the front and the back making it look like a lift kit. I have a 2.5 inch front and 1.5 rear leveling kit. When I go over a speed bump, my back axle acts like a trailer and is very rough. Other than that, it rides fine. Leveling kits are easily installed. I am told.

A "lift kit" essentially replaces the shocks and a some of the suspension components, depending on how tall you go. If you want 3" or more, you will most likely need a full suspension lift kit. It's more expensive than a leveling kit, and is what you want if you will be doing serious off-roading. You have more street-cred with a suspension lift. I went with a leveling kit because I wanted it to sit up higher on a budget, and I won't be off-roading. I need the 4x4 so I don't get stuck in the mud in the country, not because I'll be doing any rock crawling.

A 4 inch lift is pretty tall for a Tacoma. Be ready to loose highway power unless you re-gear it, and your mileage will drop significantly. I dropped 2-3 mpg with a 2.5 inch leveling kit, and my truck goes in and out of overdrive at 70mph. There is a great left thread that explains in more detail of you look for it.

 

I wouldn't of thought a leveling kit would effect the MPGs so much. Plus the shifting up/down doesn't sound like it worth it either.

Would you do it again? Lifting the front 1.5 - 2" is just for looks, but if it has these negative consequences is it worth it?

 

If I were to do it again, I would go with a 2 inch leveling kit and 265 size tires instead of the 285's, and not lift the back at all. When these tires wear out, I'll probably do that. I drive 35K a year, and could use the better mileage, and the 265's still look great. Don't get me wrong, I think my truck looks awesome, and if I lived close to my job, I might leave it alone. I do recommend aftermarket wheels that are off set, so the tires sit wider than the stock. Looks way better than just putting 265's on stock rims, in my opinion.

 

Wow, 285s are huge and with no lift, must look Wicked Good!

My wheels are the TRD Pro Black matte, will run with BFG K02s 265/70R17s.

So it looks like a 1.5" - to 2" front only.

I'll price check it today, gotta run a few errands so I'll stop by a shop. Can't wait to get my truck! Waiting sucks......

 

Without a lift I think 265's are as big as you can go. My 285's rub a little when turning and hit a bump with my lift. Probably need a full 3 inches for 285's.

 

You lost 2-3mpg from your 285 tires, not your lift.

285s have a significant increase in rolling mass over stock tires, rotational mass that decreases your ratio and can cause your transmission to shift lower. Plenty of people, myself included, don't find it a serious issue unless you jump to a Mid-Travel kit and squeeze 35s, which rehearing is highly recommended to maintain factory spec ratios/power.

Also, There are front 'leveling kits' which are still considered lift kits and 'suspension' kits, as they alter the geometry of the suspension, and thus gaining lift.

You've got a few options OP:

Cheapest:
- Strut (On top of assembly, moving assembly down to achieve lift)
- Coil Spacer (Inside assembling, compressing coil for preloaded lift)

Cheap:
- Rancho quick lift (adjustable spring preload for different ride height, valved for specific vehicle to maintain ride)
- Bilstein 5100 (adjustable lower spring perch allowing different preload to achieve ride heights, also valved to specific vehicle weights)

"Kits"
- Coilovers, etc $$ most require upper control arms which means more $$ though there are cheaper alternatives (Light Racing UCA's)

With that said, most will look for an adjustable trust assembly, like the Rancho or 5100 setups. They ride well and allow you to adjust the height. You can also use different springs instead of the perch, giving more customization in ride quality. Look into 5100 w/OME 885 or 884 coils.

For the rear, if interested, look into a progressive leaf pack. As opposed to a one leaf add a leaf, progressive leafs are softs when at standard ride height but stiffen as more weight is added or the pack is compressed, saving your springs from flattening out.

Lots of options out there, TONS of threads on this site about them.

 

Checkout two shops, both using "Ready Lift" brand, and both charging about the same. $525.00

That's Labor, Parts, and Alignment.

Not sure how good/bad that is, but that's the price from two local shops.

That's for a 2" front lift/leveling

 

Again, all of these options come with effects. Mileage loss, alignment issues, rougher ride etc. If you want bigger tires, that don't rub, something has to change. I agree, the tires themselves cause the most mileage loss. My 285 - 70 - 17's I am at 18 on the highway for mileage. i have also noticed that speed with this engine affects mileage as well. Under 70 on the interstate, 18-18.5, over 72 or so, drops to like 16.8. Both numbers were higher and less shifting with stock suspension and tires. I have put these leveling kits on other tacos, FJ, 4-runner, etc. They are pretty easy to do with simple tools and a jack. Ideally, if you have a lift, it is ten times easier. Also, first alignment on a new tacoma is free at the dealer, which you will definitely want to do.

 

My tires will be BFG K02s 265/70R17s. So there's no rubbing issue even with no kit. Not concerned with mileage.

My concern is ride comfort, and insuring a safe/stable ride. No off roading, strictly for looks. Now I'm thinking a 5100 kit maybe a better way to go. 2-2.5 lift in front, and an inch rear. Not sure to go all the way around kit or spacers/blocks in the rear.

But then again, since I'll never take it off road, maybe the leveling kit is the best way to go. It's definitely cheaper. Both shops locally use ReadyLift kits. Charge around $525, labor/parts/alignment.

Any suggestions is greatly appreciated
Thanks
Norma

 

No rubbing even without a leveling kit with 265's. My 2.5/1.5 leveling kit works fine except when I go over a speed bump the rear end bounces pretty good. Other than that, it handles fine, and I don't feel it's not a stable ride. The labor on the leveling kit should be a little cheaper than replacing the shocks I would think. I think I paid about $650 for my leveling kit including installation.

Are you replacing the wheels? To me that will make as much of a difference than a leveling kit, if not more. A customer of mine just put offset wheels and 265's on his trick with no lift, and it looks great. That and maybe a 1-2 inch front leveling kit would look awesome. Just depends on what you like. I'm 5 foot 7, and mine is a little too tall.

 

I went with a Supreme Suspension 2.5 front, 1.5 rear. It also came with the differential drop and the skid plate drop spacers as well for $150.00.(and a bottle opener in case of frustration during install) I put in on in about 2.5 hours by myself. No change in handling, rear end on speed bumps is bumpier. Again, zero rubbing. Height of the door handle went up 2.25 inches. Quality of Supreme Suspensions was good. For $150 and a couple of hours, I am happy with the results and looks. Good luck !

 

Hey guys, sorry for just jumping in being my first post and all with this NOOB question. So if I got a leveling kit (2.0 front 1.5 rear or so) could I still off road my truck to the same extent that I off-road it stock? That includes light mud, water, moderate rocks on a fire road (Tray Mountain, Georgia). I too am thinking of a cheap lift and eventually some 265/70R17's with some sort of aftermarket wheel setup. Thanks guys.