Lift kit and tire suggestions to surprise my deployed husband?

Hey everyone,

So my husband is on deployment, and I want to surprise him with new tires and a lift kit when he gets back. I know that he was wanting a heavier duty suspension, and slightly bigger tires. At the dealership yesterday, they suggested a leveling kit and 33 in tires. I think the tires are good, but I looked it up and realized that a leveling kit and lifting kit are not the same. I know that OME lift kits seem to be a favorite, but I'm not sure what size to get or what all I even need. And then where to get it installed as the dealership won't do it (called and asked this morning). He's not wanting to do anything major, but has been wanting to get into overlanding, hence the heavier duty suspension and larger tires. I know that I'm totally green and out of my element on this, and I'm pretty good at subtlety, so I can usually find a clever way to find out the information I need. I would appreciate any help and advice that you can offer! His truck is currently stock

 

@tcBob

 

I say give him a gift certificate to your off-road shop and be supportive of him choosing whatever setup he wants to get. That would make me the happiest if my wife did that.

 

My main hesitation with that is that his tires now are in really bad shape - the cords are almost showing on 2 of them and the one tire is punctured in 4 places. I don't often drive the truck, but do occasionally to do stuff like pick up mulch or other things that won't fit in my car. I don't really want to get new tires that will just be shortly replaced for what he actually wants, ya know? If you've got any suggestions on that front I'm happy to hear them

 

Not knowing what he wants is hard... I'd try and get that from him first.

We all have opinions on what is "good" and "better" and that comes down to cost. How much are you looking to spend?

Honestly a gift card would make me the happiest.

 

Gift certificate.

 

I agree with the gift card. I know those kinds suck sometimes but it's probably the best option if you aren't 100% sure what he wants. What a great idea though!! He'll be happy either way!

 

you're awesome.

 

It just depends on what he likes he might want a 3 inch lift and 18 inch wheels of some color he wants or whatever. It's hard to pick wheels for my self I could only imagine doing it for some one else. But if your wanting some advice we will give it to you with lift and wheels. But for sure just let him pick out wheels for sure.

 

Call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and talk through things with her.

There may be some good options for you.

And thank you for your service. I know you're not the one deployed, but the spouses at home bear a great burden of service as well!

 

Gift card is a great idea. If you are against that, you need to figure out a budget. The OME full kit can be had for around $1200 or so, without install. another $800-1100 or so for tires. If you wanted to spend more than that, the sky is the limit. King and Fox and Icon adjustable coilovers are all good brands. If you were looking to spend less, bilstein 5100s with OME coils for the front, and either OME leaf springs in the rear, or a 3-leaf add a leaf for a less expensive option for the rear. Any of the popular offroad vendors on here will be helpful if you call them with your ideal budget. Marie at Headstrong offroad has been extremely helpful to lots of ppl here. I believe they are in the process of moving shops, so their website said they would be out of touch for a week or 2. Good luck figuring it out, it's an awesome present and I'm sure he will love anything you get. Also thanks for his service, and yours as well (as previously mentioned).

 

This. 100% the best way to go. Call Marie, she will talk you through everything.

Thanks for your service... both of you.

 

A gift certificate would work but IMO its always a better surprise to have it all done and wrapped in a bow for him when he gets home to see it. As @Clearwater Bill said hit up Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road. She is fantastic to work with and knowledgeable about lifting Tacomas. I'm sure she can answer any of your questions and get you set up with a lift that your husband would be very happy with.

 

If you don't want to get him a gift certificate I would recommend this OME kit, don't forget the Upper control arms, your choice of wheels and tires. I would call Marie at Headstrong Offroad for the best price on the lift. Wheels are really a personal choice, but some great tire options would be Toyo Open Country AT 2's, BFG KO2's, General Grabber's just to name a few. I think your best bet maybe to surprise him is to get the truck lifted for him and then let him pick out his wheels and tires. And from one service member to another thank you.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p201/Complete_Old_Man_Emu_Kit_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_05__Tacoma.html

 

Where are you located? I'm sure someone local would be willing to install! If I was anywhere close I would install it all for free.

 

Since you said he wants bigger tires and didnt mention anything about wheels, I would say get hime some 265 of your choice. There are many brands that people prefer. The thing with the 265 is they will fit on stock truck as well. The lift I would go with an OME from @Headstrong (like others said call Marie). Whatever lift or tires you choose he will be very appreciative of it. Dont get me wrong, my wife is awesome! But wish she thought like you! Thanks for the service. Hope he stays safe on deployment!

 

Was thinking the same thing! Anything to help out a fellow vet!

 

Find out what he wants to use the truck for and then talk with Marie at @HeadStrong Off-Road she will definitely give you some of the best advice. As far as the instal goes, I bet there are plenty of people in your area who wouldn't mind installing it if you provided lunch and drinks. I take it by your name you're in the Kansas area? If so I'd start here with finding out who can help you.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/kansas-meet.77723/page-41

 

^this

 

We're in southeastern NC. I'm not against the gift certificate idea, I think that in and of itself would be a good surprise and then when he's got time and good enough service he can pick something out and I can get it set up, but the tires that are on there now are sooooo bad. I don't drive the truck much and I know that I can just let it run for a bit in the driveway or take it for a spin around the neighborhood to keep the juices flowin like they should but I drive a Ford Fusion and if I need to get anything big, I need to take the truck. I don't want to spend the money on new tires that would fit as it is now just to be stuck with them when he gets what he wants.

And thank you for the kind words, it's tough! Not our first deployment but the first since having a kid, so it's a lot different this time around!