Bilstein/toytec/icon

hey guys. I'm reachin. Out to anybody with the 3rd gen tacoma who could help give me any user reviews on the kits I think I've narrowed down to....pricing aside, bc I'm willing to spend upwards of 2500-3k on the lift but don't have to, if the lower end of the spectrum is satisfactory to people I don't see the reason to jump to a stage 3 or fully fledged kit. I have a 3rd gen trd OR DCSB and plan to upgrade to 33x16" wheel set, so with that being said, anyone have any preferences. This truck is not my daily drive, it is used exclusive on weekends, long highway rides to get to trails, n then will be all over the greater northeast trails. So I'd love it if anybody has any positive or negative feedback on 3 kits below, the bilstein b8 6112, the toytec, or the icon setup. Thanks everyone. And if I don't hear back, all good anyways, I'll continue my exploring!!!!!


https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...-75-lift-kit-stage-2-icon-2016-toyota-tacoma/

https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...1-rear-5160-lift-kit-2016-2017-toyota-tacoma/

https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...ift-suspension-system-for-2016-toyota-tacoma/

 

I only spent about 1500 on mine see the details with costs in my write up, link in sig below. Second post has review.

 

I just put a set of 5100's adjustable in the front and a Deaver aal. Picked up the stuff from a member here for 100 bucks. So far the drive home was good. A little noisy as I forgot to tighten down a few things. All in all I would day I am happy at the moment. Going to take her out this next weekend and wheel her in some dirt. Further reviews to come. Gave me pretty close to 2 inches all around.

 

Out of the 3 you listed, the Icon is my pick, however there are better systems out there for 2.5-3k.

Are you hauling stuff to the trails - say RTT, camping gear, etc ...?

 

Honestly I have not run Icon so I can't say for certain but I have seen enough complaints here with Icon Customer service and quality lacking also I read that the Icons are valved pretty stiff and tend to ride a little harsher than stock. I can tell you the bilsteins ride better than stock with the 3 leaf progressive AAL and by better I mean not as floaty on the road or at speed, not too "squishy" like the TRD OR shocks. Not as much body roll in corners. The 6112s are very absorbent offroad but then will help you corner better when on-road without feeling harsh or stiff like I've heard some people say the Icons can feel. Again I have not run Icons so I am comparing subjective feedback from others (hearsay) with my personal experience on the 6112s. Take that for what it is worth. Bilstein customer support and their responsiveness to my questions has been great.

5100s ride stiffer too.

 

Also see post #115 here by Gpsevinsixx
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...-aal-for-1-5-lift.486379/page-6#post-15245824

 

I have the Toytec kit and am satisfied. I was not able to really spend more than I did, so pricier kits were not an option for me; however, I am pleased with the lift and performance so far.

 

I have Bilstein 6112's in the front, Light Racing UCA's, Bilstein 5160s in the rear and wheelers off-road AAL. I'm extremely happy with them. I went with a 2" lift setting and it ended up giving me around 2.5" of lift. I've used them off-road and on road and they handled very well and provided a comfortable ride for daily driving. Very happy with my purchase. Everything came out to around 1900 dollars, I purchased some other things as well that I didn't list. That's why it was 1900.

 

Nothing more than some recovery and 1-2person overnight camping gear. Not a hauler, if it can't fit in the bed or basket, it doesn't come...

 

If I go bilstein I'm leaning towards the 6112s but I'd need to do more research on the AAL. That's also why I was loooking into the more kitted packages. But idk I have time. Xmas bonus is still a few months away

 

Do u trail ride and lift for function or is ur lift just for height and aesthetics though??

 

Thanks man very helpful, what size tires did u upgrade too? 33s or what?

 

I went with 265/75/16's. I could of gone bigger but I didn't know that at the time and didn't want to risk rubbing. Next time I purchase tires I'll go with 33's.

 

Once you start going over 2" of lift you run into more headaches. I think 3 leaf AAL is perfect for your described use. Bring up the rear 1.5" and set the 6112 to 2"...should level the truck out nicely. If You want to maintain factory rake set the 6112 to 1.5"

 

I'm running the Icon Stage 1 setup with Tuff Country 2" single AAL, I couldn't be happier with the ride it's smooth as a caddilac on the pavement and the ride is comfortable off road. I also tow a 17" TT with no problems.

 

I would avoid any single leaf AAL for 1"+ it will be much harsher than a multileaf progressive setup for similar amount of lift

 

Following. My next major modification is a lift with tires and wheels. I was thinking of doing 3" lift, but reading other posts sounds like maybe 3" adds additional thinks to consider.

If I went with a 2" lift and larger tires, would that in theory give me equivalent to 3" or so?

 

I got a total of around 3 1/2"s of lift with the lift I went with listed above and the new tires.

 

Perfect. That is what I was looking for and I like your list so I'll consider all that. I'm new to the truck thing so trying to learn all this lift stuff ha ha

 

What or why is it that you think 3" is the perfect number of lift instead of say 2"? Why not 4"? Genuinely curious. Also think it's important to point out a 3" lift isn't really going to help you fit 285's any better than a 2" lift will because Lift alone will not ensure fitting tires. (if that was your goal)