What you need to know about lifting a 2016 Tacoma - Presented by Toytec Lifts

I’m in the process of buying a new 2017 Tacoma TRD Offroad Double Cab/ Short Bed 4x2.

I’m interested in improving the suspension and lifting/ leveling the truck. I’d like to achieve the look of the truck in the attached image while improving the ride on road and during light offroading.

Anyway, I am considering Bilstein 6112’s up front set to the 3rd setting, which best I can tell offered about 2 inches of lift on a 4x2. Considering that the backend is already about an inch higher on 3rd generation Tacos, would I need to install Bilstein 5100’s on the back? What’s the best option for the back suspension (AAL? Shocks? Nothing?) to get the truck completely level and fit tires / wheels in the 285/70R17 or 285/75R16 range?

I also spoke with a rep from Eibach at SEMA and he showed me their new adjustable ride height shocks. I think these would be a less expensive option, but the size of the Bilstein 6112 makes me think that those must provide a pretty smooth ride. I’m more interested in quality ride / appearance than anything else.

That said, I would like to avoid Upper control arms in the front…really just looking to make a brand new truck ride even better than factory and have a slightly lifted/ leveled/ wider stance without throwing off anything or causing problems.

Any advise?

 

I know I'm not the only one running 5100's with OME 887 coils up front so I'm wondering if anyone else has this issue. Whenever I'm going over bumps or off-road I get a very annoying squeaking sound from the front. I'm also running SPC UCA's in case that matters. Any ideas what could be causing it from the sound clip I've made?

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Had Toyota install my lift. King/total chaos uca/Dakar and my check engine light and trac off light keep coming on after 100 miles or so. Took it back to toyota and they checked everything and said it's alright and cleared the light. Now it just came back on. Has anyone else delt with this?

 

I remember reading about this in a 3rd gen sometime back. I believe the shop had busted another members sensor.

 

Had this happen in my 2006 4Runner. Pulled the ABS sensor wire too hard and it broke. They're pretty fragile. Could be it.

 

What front coil over do you guys suggest for just doing about a 1"-1.5" lift on the front? The only reason for such a small lift is because I will be adding a low profile bumper and winch. Will I need to change rear shocks as well? I don't want to lose any travel so I'm not sure what all is needed with a very small lift. Also I want the softest/smoothest riding setup I can get. Money is of no concern......if I have to spend 2k on coil overs to get what I want then so be it.

 

Hey man,

I'm about to install that exact set up soon. how much lift did you get out of it? did you leave it at the 0 notch?

also about that sound, I had it with just a 3 inch toytec spacer lift. check your lower control arm bushings. Mine is from the front lower bushing and mount getting fucked up from one bad off road trip. IDK if you had any accidents bottoming out but that could be it. I had to change the front lower control arm bushing on my drivers side and bed the lower control arm mount back to its original shape. IDK if this helps but let me know if you find out anything

 

Hi everyone, complete noob as far as lifts go, but very proficient in car/truck repair/maintenance in general(though I'm not a mechanic)
I'm looking for a level kit with 2" lift max, I'm mainly wanting a more stout ride, my sport is a bit sloppy at highway speeds, I'm willing to sacrifice some comfort for stability. I'm mainly just puttering around town and to work and back, may do some mild off roading, but not too concerned with that at this point. I was looking at this kit, can anyone recommend this or advise against? Is there a better setup that's similarly priced?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/162278720560

 

Hey man, that is a great set up you have planned and will work fine for what you're thinking about. I did the same thing but instead of preloading the stock springs (which is fine, I didn't notice a difference in ride quality even though everyone said I might) I finally decided to take it up a notch and added the ARB 2887 coils to my front struts. This allowed me to keep the 5100's on the lowest notch (0) and still get a 2.25 inch ride height out of it. It also made the ride quality better off road. they were not that expensive and really made a difference both on and off road. I would recommend this set up to anyone looking for a lift and better performance. It really handles everything i can throw at it for a really good price.

here is a link to the 2887s: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ARB-2887-Bl...ash=item25a384ce2f:g:MWQAAOSwNSxVGcQr&vxp=mtr

Don't get me wrong, preloading the springs will work just fine for a 2 inch up front. But if you want to take it to the next level with your on and off road performance, add the 2887's, i promise you won't regret it.

If you don't mind me making a suggestion, try checking Amazon warehouse deals. I was able to get my 5160's for a steal. In case you don't know, amazon warehouse is a place that amazon sells things people returned. everything is in perfect working condition and all warranties stay in tact. For my 5160's, i paid just over 100 each. well worth the cost tbh. I even got new KYB strut mounts for 22 bucks each. this allowed me to keep my stock coils in tact so i can sell them or reinstall them later if i feel like it. They even have the lift blocks for the back for a good price every now and then. I think there are some up now if you take a look. Just fyi, most things from the 2005+ tacoma 6lug will work with the 2016 when it comes to suspension. The 5100's work as well, though the valving is different and you will void the Bilstein warranty if you use it on the 2016.

Let me know if you have any more questions. I would be happy to make suggestions or help you in anyway I can. Just PM me. I can also give you some advice on installing them if you need.

 

Thanks for the tip I'll definitely check that out. I got about 2 inches and yes I'm at the 0 notch.

 

cannot get over how much the ECGS bushing helped. truck is smooth as can be now(for a truck) and i cant believe i waited so long with that piss poor needle bearing in there. the play in it was amazing, never measured but id guess 20-30 thousandths, now everything is tight and proper. had i waited much longer i think a new axle would have been required. everyone lifted and even those who arent should seriously consider replacing that bearing

 

sub'd

 

Thank you so much for a comprehensive breakdown of all I needed to know.
I will keep an eye out on Amazon returns and see if anything pops up before Christmas. If nothing comes up before then, I'll pull the trigger on the bilstein kit along with arb coilover. I know to effectively take advantage of the damper, you don't want too much preload on the strut assembly, at least that's the consensus in the car world.
What is your current lift level? Could you post a pic or two for reference?
Again appreciate all the help, the truck world is new to me

 

I tried to decipher as much as I can before I posted on here.. I am in a predicament so I would like some advice. Noted, I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 double cab short bed with issues so I can't void any warranty related stuff until they either fix my truck or replace my truck.

I am photographing a wedding in Big Bear in January and I would only expect it to snow. However, when I purchased the truck I had to sign a waiver saying I will not take the truck into the mud or snow with the tires that are on it. The original goal was level with 285(or 275)/75R17 all terrains. I am okay with rubbing and trimming. Now is it possible to fit those tires with just the 2-3" leveling kits? What is the cheapest way to level the truck until it is cleared from the dealer as "fixed"? At which point I would then go the more expensive route with full coilovers and UCA's from Camburg or Icon or wherever..

I was looking at those spacers or OME coils as the temporary solution to clearing the tires but not sure if that would work. Because if Toyota lemons my truck I want to be able to easily put it back to stock. Any advice would be amazing!!

 

Sure, I'm on a business trip right now but when I get back I'll post some before and afters for reference.

 

Thank you, meanwhile I'm doing some reading on 6112's and 5160's, I'll have to decide, I may just wait till bilstein releases 3rd gen version

 

I was thinking about going the 6112 route after SEMA but decided against it. Unless you do some serious off-roading, you most likely will never use them to their full potential. That being said, they are pretty fucking sick lol. If you got some money to burn, by all means, don't let me stop you. They are super amazing from what I have seen from the past gen.

As promised, here are pics:

Stock Height: 21-inch front, 22 inch rear

3inch spacers and 1.5 inch blocks in rear 23.5 inch front, 23.5 inch rear

5100's (2016 Tacoma), OME 2887 Coils, 1.5-inch blocks in rear 24-inch front, 23.5 inch rear) Waiting for coils to settle. Will update front lift height in a month or so.

Bilstein 5100's (for 2016 Tacoma) with OME 2887 Coils:

Stock struts with Toytec 3 inch spacers vs. Bilstein 5100 and OME Coils


Let me know if you have any more questions. I'm no expert but from my experiences I maybe able to save you some money and having to learn shit the hard way lol.

 

Coils and dampers stance looks perfect, if I'm honest it's actually a bit high for my liking, but I'll probably get a beffier tire too, that'll help to fill the wheel well out.
You're probably right about going the more expensive route, would be an overkill for my use.
I'm settled with the setup above bilsteins and ome coils.
Thanks for the pictures, the truck looks good, it'll look perfect once suspension settles a bit(imo)

 

Thanks man. My next set of tires will either be 255/85r16 or 285/75r16. I didn't want to get wheel spacers with this set (some say you need, some say you don't for 285's) so i just went 1 size up to 265/75r16.

The 6112's are super sick! But no one wants to be that guy known for driving the "Pavement Princess" lol. You might know a few of them. The guy who has thousands and thousands of dollars invested in off road suspension, wheels, and tires, only to to go over speed bumps in a Wal-Mart parking lot.

I think you will be very happy with the 5100's set at 0 and the OME 2887 coils. Also, shop around. I know Marie at HeadStrong off road has the 5100 set you saw on Ebay for a little bit cheaper. Also with free shipping. I'm not to sure about the OME coils though... You might be able to work out a package deal with them. They are very active members of the community and offer great customer service.

Ill update pictures and measurements when things settle down. I just helped my buddy install the 5100's today on his 2016 Offroad. He used the stock coils and just set the 5100's at the 5th notch. It rides great and handle ok. I still like the OME setup a little better. Offers more if you plan on doing some off roading.

Let me know what you decide and please post pictures. Id love to see it.

 

I am a pavement princess. But I don't go to Walmart. Usually at Starbucks and Saks Fifth Avenue.

@ToyTec Lifts have you guys lifted any Pros yet?