3in. Lift with 285/75/r17 Help

Hey guys,

I've got a 2018 Tacoma TRD Off-Road 4x4. My goal is to run 285/75/r17 tires on it with Icon's Rebound rims (17x8.5 in., BS: 4.5, Offset: 0).

I know what I want are 33.8" tires and making them fit on a 3in. lift will be pretty difficult, but what type of lift kit do you guys recommend I run with? Preferably a kit that includes UCA's. I also know I'll need a CMC and a lot of trimming done; but with that put aside, I'm mainly looking into a good kit.

I was thinking about Tuff Country's 3in. lift with Uni-Ball UCA's; rear lift method: add-a-leaf, but wasn't sure if there is maybe a better kit. I don't see myself doing a lot of off roading, so I don't really want to break the bank.

I was also looking into Tuff Country's 4in. lift kit with Uni-Ball UCA's, but the only thing is this kits rear lift method are blocks; not sure if thats something that is as stable as an add-a-leaf.

Still doing my research guys so bare with me if I sound like I'm new to this; because I am. Just wanted to get your guys' take on it so far.

Thanks guys,
Ray

Tuff Country Kit:
https://www.tuffcountry.com/lift-kits/toyota/tacoma/

3in. Kit Part #53910KN
4in. Kit Part #54910KN

 

What’s your budget?

Those lifts are cheap for a reason and the 4” likely requires some cutting.

Why do you want uniballs? Uniballs are for racing.

 

Spacer lifts do not get any love on this forum. I would save a little more and install an upgraded suspension. The spacer lift will cause you headaches down the road.

 

What type of suspension set up do you recommend I look into?

 

I wouldn't want the lift to be more than about $1000.

Only reason why I want UCA's is because from what I've heard and what I've seen from my research, it's better to go with aftermarket UCA's and not use the stock ones on anything greater than a 3in. lift. And from what I've found, Tuff Country are the only ones that offer the UCA's as part of a kit for the price I'm looking into. Besides, from what I've read, Uni-Balls are not as hard on the suspension? I don't know. Just figured they were better.

 

I would call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and let her match a suspension to your budget.

 

I get you want to update to a tougher stance but that's just throwing good money at bad parts. Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road will put you on the right path.

 

Either OME or 5100's. Marie will chime in by tomorrow and will hook you up.

 

Awesome, thanks so much for the help!

 

I have ran a Tuff Country 3” Suspension Lift Kit converted with an additional inch spacer in the front for a total of 4” Lift for almost 2 years now. I haven’t trimmed or cut anything on my truck to clear these tires either. I made this transition shortly after I purchased my truck. I know there isn’t a lot of love on this forum for spacer lifts, but I’ve had absolutely no troubles and it rides extremely smooth. My main reason that I went with this Suspension System first is because I didn’t want to drop a lot of money on a Suspension System right away that I knew I wasn’t for sure on. I wanted to make sure what I wanted is what I really wanted so I only had to drop the $ once. I added SX6000 Rear Hydro Shocks w/ Red Shock Boots. As for my wheel and tires, I’m running Helo HE878 17x9 Black 6x5.5 -12mm Offset and the Nitto Trail Grappler LT295/70R17. Too bad you weren’t closer or here in Oregon, I’d make you a deal on the whole setup so you could figure out what you really wanted to do. I just recently dropped a little over $3,500 on my new Suspension System. I got some great deals.

Suspension:

• BDS 6” Coil-Over Suspension System
  • Fox 2.5” C/O Remote Reservoir Shocks w/ Red Powdercoated Springs
  • New One-Piece Front & Rear Crossmembers
  • New Cast Iron Steering Knuckles
  • New Differential Mounts to properly Drop and Reposition the Front Differential for Optimal CV and Front Driveshaft Angles
  • Carrier Bearing Drop Kit included in Suspension System Kit
  • New Brake Line Relocation Brackets
• Fox 2.5" Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks, DSC w/ RR Mounting Frame Bracket - Thanks to AccuTune Off-Road, Inc
• ArchiveGarage Hammer Hanger w/ Stock Shackles (Provides 1/2” Lift) - Thanks to @ARCHIVE
• Archive Specific U571 Deaver Spring, 4”+ Lift with Stock Weight - Thanks to @ARCHIVE
• ArchiveGarage HD U-Bolt Flip Kit Option 4: 3.25"OD Pedestal mount for thread in bumpstop, with 3/8-16 flange nut welded in, with 3" tall Wheeler's SuperBump BumpStops - Thanks to @ARCHIVE
• BDS New UCA's - Thanks to @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc
• Wheeler Front SuperBump BumpStops - Thanks to @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc
• Cab Mount Chop Brackets- Thanks to BAMF (To clear 35”. Happening soon)

Only thing I have left to get is my new tires and wheels. I will be running the same rims just in 18”. I’m trying to decide if I want 295/70R18 or 35x12.50R18 Nitto.

 

Awesome choice on tire size. You're right in that it'll take some cutting to fit but it's worth it. Here's my parts list recommendation based on personal experience.

Front:
Bilstein 5100 on 0
OME 888 coils
JBA UCAs

Rear:
Bilstein 5100
Single or progressive AAL

 

Will the 5100's and the 888's give me at least 3in. of lift?

 

This is awesome, thank you so much for the idea! It helps!!

 

It'll get you close. If you want a little more height you can add a 1/4" or 1/2" spacer on top

 

I have also been running tuff country uniball uppers with no issues. I also have a 6" lift, the only thing I have noticed is that the sleeve that sits in the uniball has a crack in it, but its probably from removing the knuckle a few to many times.

 

OP for your budget I would stay in the 2” lift range for a better value on a kit, you don’t HAVE to go with 3” lift just to fit the 285’s (depending on wheel/tire sizes) and you can still keep stock UCA’s it’s tight but it’s definetly doable...New UCA’s alone (of a decent brand) will run you close to half of your $1,000 budget.

 

It can be done for sure. I follow a guy on IG who runs 295/70r17 (same height; just wider) and a dude on here has a cement build with the same rim/tire setup.

 

@EatSleepTacos this is what i was wondering. I am going with the lift that you mentioned but with full Dakars. Will a 1/2" spacer on drivers side and 1/4" spacer for passenger side alter the suspension any? This is to compensate for the settling that is expected.

 

I run both those spacers on top of 887. Be careful of your cv angles. My inner boots touch slightly even after a toytec dif drop. Just have to keep an eye on wear. But @TRDRay I did get 3" after settling with this. Id imagine you can accomplish the same with just 888? Not sure..I use spc ucas also.
Im looking to upgrage my heavy 275's for a 285 c

 

b

But how is the ride quality on road?