Where to get started with a lift?

Never messed around with anything like this before so I kinda want to get an idea of what's involved, how much these kinds of mods cost, whether they'll void warranty, where to buy them and where to get installed? Looking for something mild like a 2 or 3 inch lift. Also any risks, complications, or unwanted effects that I should consider?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...2016-tacoma-presented-by-toytec-lifts.395798/

 

I would start with the front. Usually a lil bit more involved than the back. That way the job gets easier as you go.

 

What do you want to do with the truck, full suspension or spacer and block. Lifts can be achieved many ways.

 

I assume just spacers and blocks because I'm not doing this for major off-roading. Blocks dont sound super safe but what do i know? Lol

 

These typically give a much stiffer ride than stock.
@Tehcoma go with the bilstein 5100 and a 1.5 add a leaf in the rear you can't go Wong unless you want more lift the new leaf pack or supplement with a 1 inch block

 

Please explain to me how a spacer lift will make the ride stiffer. You have not changed anything as far as spring rate or preload, so why would the ride change?

 

I am not the best to explain it, it's only from what I have read. I do have a 1inch block in the rear and it does make the rear a tad stiff and sort of hop over bumps. I have never ran spacers in the front but have run preload on the the 5100's I had and now on the icons.

 

Start with your financial advisor.

 

Don't forget there are two types of "spacer" lifts, and the phrase tends to get used interchangeably. There's a spacer lift that bolts to the top of the strut tower, and there's a spacer lift that gets added to the strut tower between the coil and the hat. Some kits even use both to achieve its goal. The spacer between the coil and hat will definitely increase preload, but spring rates are generally linear so you're not likely to feel a difference. BUT, with the decrease in up travel due to this spacer, you're more likely to hit the bounce stops, which will definitely be noticeable. It's all personal opinion though, and it's equally likely that "that guy" who had a crappy ride neglected to mention he's got way too much air pressure in his tires, or he never got it aligned after the lift, or he just has a really sensitive ass.

 

Research....like do a lot of it.

You could spend a few hundred on blocks and spacers, or a few thousand with a good set of coilovers. What is your budget, what are you using it for, how much off roading do you do, what kind of maintenance are you prepared to do etc.

 

Ive been reading here for a while. Same question in my mind. Basically I do have something to look at. Just don't know how to choose.

1. No spacers. Find ET 0 wheels.
2. Like most people suggested. 5100+88x /AAL
OR 6112/5160 AAL. OR something you know.
3. ECGS bush for CV ?
4. UCA may required.
5. CMC if necessary.
6. Find tire better not over 285/75 R16 OR 285/70 R17

I think those set up could be done in US4000.
If I am wrong or miss something. Please correct me and any better suggestions. Thank you all.

 

I think you can do it for well under $4k if you shop around, and do it component-wise. Amazon will be your friend. I just did 5100s, 888, AAL, and JBA UCAs for under $1200. It took me a while to assemble it all though. I do all the work myself as well, so that's a big cost saver. Next phase will be wheels/tires, and I intend to re-gear and do the ECGS at the same time, plus CMC if necessary. I'm anticipating another $12-1300 to get it set up. All told it will be about $2500 done and dusted. It's less headache to buy a kit, by my trouble was finding a kit that was exactly what I wanted, so I Frankenstein'd it.

 

You bought all of your current aftermarket suspension components listed above on Amazon?

 

5100s and 888's, yes. It took a lot of patience to find them "on sale", but it payed off. AAL was from Toytec, and UCAs I got direct from JBA. The thing with Amazon, unfortunately, is if you see it for a great price today, it's not likely to be there tomorrow. I also got the diff drop, carrier bearing spacer, and driver's side shim from Toytec.

The only effective way I found to search those parts on Amazon is to search only for the mfr's part number. If you search right now, there aren't any good deals. But maybe tomorrow!

 

So to give you an idea. I recently spent around $2,000 on a full OME kit w/ Dakars (~2.5" lift), SPC UCAs, ECGS bushing. Couldn't stop and spent close to $2K on 17" TRD Pro Wheels, spidertrax spacers, and 285/70/17 tires. Spent another $500 on this and that related to the lift and tire/wheel setup (new jack, fluids, 285/75/16 spare tire, etc.).

I wasn't planning on spending so much. But do enjoy the truck more. You can go way more expensive or way cheaper. Just look at your budget and plan it out.

Edit: Let me throw the same photos I have thrown out there too many times now...I really need to take new ones. I'm sure everyone is tired of them. :[

After lift:



After wheels and tires