2" Rough Country leleling Kit for 17 Tacoma TRD Sport

New to this forum, hope you guys can help. Bought a 2017 Tacoma TRD Sport. replaced factory 265 65/17's with Nitto, Terra AT's 265 70/17's. Raised it maybe close to a inch. Wanting to add a 2" Rough Country leveling kit to the front struts, just to level the front with the rear. I have asked ad nauseaum everyone that should know about doing this. From mechanics in frame shops, to alignment pros. No one says "don't do it" "or " you may have an issue with something". The truck is new and I don't want to compromise factory spec angles or over stress control arms etc. Other than an alignment after the spacers are installed, anyone have a opinion or experience with something similar?. Thx much !

 

Using spacer lifts is not what most people on here will recommend. While it is inexpensive, the majority consensus is "why do you want to go cheap on your 40k truck"?

You will most likely get recommended to do a suspension lift with 5100's. It's a fairly inexpensive option and is probably the most popular lift on here.

 

Ive heard that too. Was hoping spacers would be ok but I'm sure something like Bilsteins would be a better choice. Thx for responding

 

Check out the 6112s they're awesome. I did a write up with review linked below in my sig -- read 2nd post for my review if you want to skip to that.

 

Thx for the tip. Looks like u guys aren't real fond of a cheap fix like a billet alum spacer.

 

Suggest posting these questions in Suspension subforum.

 

I am. I used a toytec 1/2 spacer. I recommend that spacer. My geometry wasn't compromised and I feel zero degradation in ride quality. Once you install the hardware under the top hat, you can remove or install this modest "lift" in minutes. Since it is a new, expensive truck, I don't recommend much else as far as lighting up the parts cannon and having a go, I have another Tacoma for that. You know. Until the warranty is up.

 

I too, am a cheap-ass somebiatch. True, it is a $35k truck, which actually is why I'm going this route to start off with. ProComp steel 2.5" spacers in front, HS 3 AAL in rear. Stock OR suspension is great, and just want a bit more height for hunting this fall. After a year or two, assuming this suspension lift works ok, I'll go with the 6112/5160 combo. Right now, I just don't have the money. Related question: with just a 2.5" lift, do folks recommend doing the diff drop? Marie at Headstrong said probably not, but wanted to get some TW wisdom on this issue.

 

Agreed. No doubt 5100's are the real deal. My truck has 450 miles on it. I figure the worst that can happen is I take out the Rough Country spacers if not happy and do a Bilstein install. I'm already in for about $39000 + with added tires, running boards tint etc. What's another $125, while I'm at it.....

 

Most affordable way is Bilstein 5100 adjustable front struts. Pretty much require the same labor to add the spacers, will give you a better shock then stock Hitachi and you can adjust the height to how high you want up to 2.5". Going that high (2.5) you will have to worry about other factors, but it just going to level and an alignment you'll be fine.

 

I put 5100 on my Tundra to level it, and to be honest I really found the ride harsh. I lived with it for several years, but I'm going another route this time.

 

OK, If I do 5100's in the front do I have to do them in the rear as well? Again 450 miles on the truck...thx

 

I used the stock set up for many miles for hunting very nasty unmaintained ranch roads as well as backwoods logging trails. Nothing the stock setup couldn't handle. A spacer lift is really not going to provide you with any added functionality but will detract from ride quality and is hard on your stock components. Lots of reasons to not use a spacer lift but only one reason i can think to use one is for "cheap looks"

 

They call it "Rough Country" for a reason.


Do it right, do it once.

@HeadStrong Off-Road is your best source for a real suspension lift for the best price out there.

EDIT: Local mechanics are either not saying "don't do it" because they are trying to be "P.C." or because they don't know shit.

 

Obviously TW folks love them some Headstrong! That is where I bought my spacer kit btw. Anyways, I had spacers on one other Taco I had, and the ride was great. Like stock, but a bit stiffer overall. I found the 5100 solution really stiff, on both my Tundra and an '06 Taco. I'm getting the kit put on tomorrow, plus alignment, so I'll report back after I've got a few miles on it.

 

I remember when I was 19 and had spacers put on a truck . It rode like a dump truck offroad and just about broke my teeth. You know when you know.

 

IMO bilsteins are a waste of money. It's a half measure to an actual suspension build and the ride is actually similar to the dump truck you're talking about. If you get stupid with spacers you're gonna get stupid results. 2"+ spacers are nonsense. But a 1/2 spacer doesn't ruin the geometry or ride quality, still feels like stock in every way to me, I can reverse it in minutes, and what lift it gives looks nice. If OP is the labor, he would be in it for about 80 bucks. So THAT would actually be the cheapest route, and with the least amount of wear and stress on suspension components. But the cost of the lift vs the cost of the truck logic has always been tarded to me. It's about the end result of what you want to accomplish, which for my suggestion is a low impact, easily reversible and functional lift at about an inch for a truck still under warranty.

 

Bilstein 5100s yes. 6112s are an improvement over stock. 5100s ride like shit too. 6112s come with better springs. OP thread title is 2" lift...so assuming 2" spacers for discussion here not half inch. Maybe I missed something?

 

I saw the 2" on thread, but he mentioned leveling the truck, which should only require @ 1", if he would go higher I would say different suspension. The bilstein 4600 that comes on TRD off-road, rides far better than the Hitachi that comes on the sport in my opinion, and I have installed and ridden in several trucks with Bilstein 5100, I found once you put a heavier tire on the truck they seemed to ride okay to me, only test drive a Tacoma with them at max height setting, and I didn't like the preload being maxed out.

 

I did a bilstein 5100 in the front to level the truck. I debated on the same thing but came to the conclusion that the suspension lift would translate to a better ride. The 5100's have given my Taco a way better ride and I'm glad I did it. Anything over a 1.8 to 2" lift and you need (should) do additional work. I say go bilstein.