2013 Taco Lift Advice (In Detail)

I hate to be that guy but I’m over that. I keep looking and see varying responses so wanted to ask about lifts with specifics in hopes of a detailed response. I see allot of guys talking about 6” lift not being the best option for off-road and that a 3” is better suited. Coming from Jeeps this does not make allot of sense.

So I’m looking for direction, advice, and some learning on a 6” vs 3” lift. I was leaning originally towards a Rough Country 6" but now I am just not sure which way to go. I know I need the extra ground clearance and would prefer an actual lift not blocks for articulation. I am not to concerned with killing my MPG but also don't want a rough highway ride; in Az speed limits are typically 75 mph which in this state means 85-90 to keep up with traffic.



Truck: 2013 Toyo Taco TRD Off Road Automatic 5’ Bed

Off Road Location: Arizona

On Road / Off Road: It’s a Daily Drive and weekendly off roader so I would say about 60-40

Type of off roading: Mountainous Terrain and extremely rough dirt “roads” and washes.

(Not looking to haul ass and not rock crawling but I tend to get into shitty back woods locations.)

Desired Tire Size: 33s maybe one day 35s only if there was a good deal when needing new tires: I highly doubt it


I would also appreciate some advice on suggested brands. It is pretty hard finding solid reviews for lifts in the Taco world; coming from Jeeps where everyone reviews everything to death it’s a little frustrating at times.


Side questions depending on lift height it a hefty amount of fender wheel well trimming required?

 

Call www.headstrongoffroad.com and prepare for you mind to be blown with details. I'm about to put 285/70R17 wildpeaks or courier mtx on my 13 with a 3" lift and will need some trimming for offroad use. At heastrong she can give you everything you need for what you want and at a great price. I have a spacer lift and switching over to a full correct lift soon. So much better lift with the right parts.

 

Ground clearance comes from tires not lifts. You want to keep your center of gravity low and a 3" lift is good enough to get 35x12s with a cab mount chop and a re-gear to 4.56.

My bilstein 5100s all around, 886 coils, and a rear AAL have been good to me. You will probably have a better ride with a full leaf pack in the rear.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sou...ggmMAE&usg=AFQjCNHIf_rs7Qq60VGXlgER63jGYjh8Lw then call headstrong offroad.

 

Never Rough Country.

 

Welcome. Use the search and contact Marie at @HeadStrong Off-Road. Personally, I like a low center of gravity and don't want to have to deal with issues from driveline and cv angles.

You're most likely going to be trimming to fit 33s (285). You are definitely going to need to cut for 35s. You're going to want to regear.

 

@Zac of all trades True total ground clearance does come from tire size; however the clearance between front and rear wheel from ground to underbelly is effected by the lift. In the Az mountains running into issues of being high centered are not uncommon.

@stickyTaco Thanks for the welcome! I understand the concerns regarding center of gravity, driveline, and cv angles. I am well versed in lifts just not on a Tacoma. I am more concerned with people talking about the truck being less capable with a higher lift. I can only assume this must be due to blocks being more common then a true suspension lift on Tacos?

 

@frejil that was the one I have been looking at thus far; care for some input as to why not to use Rough Country?

 

Regardless of the vehicle, stability becomes a concern when you raise the center of gravity. If you want the height of a 6" lift go for it but performance wise, I don't think these trucks benefit from that much lift.

I went with a mid-travel setup that improved wheel travel and only lifted the truck about 2 inches over stock. if you wheel you're going to rub with anything larger than a 265/75/16 (unless you're running 255/85/16).

 

kinda with a IFS and you lift it via coilovers (not a DB kit) you are actually gaining ground clearance. so, you do get more ground clearance via a lift. now you will also get more with tires too. now with the rear solid axle yo do not gain any ground clearance via the lift, only tires. (unless you go with portal axles lol)

 

ground clearance

• n.
  The shortest distance between a level surface, and any part (other than tires or equivalent) of the underside of a vehicle standing on that surface.

 

ok, so you only count ground clearance from the lower balljoint to the ground. got it. as i know thats all i measure too lol