2" inch lift - thoughts on the quote + some questions

Hi everyone,

What do you think about this quote? Shop seems to be fairly reputable and the gentleman I've talked to seems very knowledgeable, experienced, and professional. I'm in Denver CO area and this is for my 2018 TRD OR Double Cab with about 9k miles on the clock.

Realistically, 95% of driving is on roads. I've done some off-roading on "moderate" trails but that was as far as I was willing to go with a stock truck. i would like to do more next summer. I camp/backpack a lot, so I also drive on lots of service roads a regular SUV would not have fun on. Another thing to consider is that I snowboard, so I drive a lot on I70 (highway going up to mountains, often with snowy conditions for those from not around here). My questions:

1) Should I try to use my stock wheels (16") to save $$$, or should I go size up to 17"? I want 33" so thinking 285/70/17 or 285/75/16. Leaning towards Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
2) Should I expect any issues with Toyota warranty? there will be some chopping done
3) does TSS work as intended. I would be lifting only 2" with this 3" kit
4) how much more sluggish will my truck be? It's AT, unfortunately and it's not too great already as it is driving at high altitudes. I would give my first-born for a supercharger.
5) I like these guys, but should I try to get tho work done at the dealership instead (warranty reasons?)
6) any other things I should consider?

Here's the quote:
Boss 3" Lift Kit 2016+ Tacoma $1,351.93
SPC Adjustable upper control arms $569.96
Install Upper Adjustable Control Arms $200
Shop Supplies & Handling Fee $106
Install Lift Kit $600
Alignment $115
Body Chop Boxed $300
Body Chop Plate $40
-------------------------------------------------
Subtotal $3,282.89
TAX (8.15%) $159.89
TOTAL $3,442.78


What's your thoughts? I do realize parts are probably slightly marked-up.
Thanks,
Peter

 

Part pricing seems reasonable. Install seems really high. I got all that install done on my truck for $600 out the door. Mine also included AAL.

 

I agree that the labor seems high. In a professional shop that shouldn't take half a day at most, all of it. Maybe try to see if they will adjust the labor cost because you're also buying the parts from them.

 

Can you spare a weekend to do the work yourself? You’ll save a ton of money and it’s an easy driveway job on a Saturday. The cab mount chop can be done later if you find you actually need it.

 

Only trick is access to a driveway and ability to hoist the truck

 

$100 for a jack and stands, the driveway part can be a bit harder if you don’t have one already.

 

I live at an apt but could definitely crash one of my buddy's driveways. when you say hoist - would jack&stands do? I'm afraid this might be over my skills/experience. its a 35k truck, not sure if I should take a chance. what do you guys think would be a fair price, assuming a chop will be needed? for all of the labor and "shop supplies"?

also, any feedback re my other questions? should I use my stock wheels or go the 17" route

 

16" are fine but you'll rub the UCA with stock wheel offset. You need spacers or new wheels with less offset for 285's.

 

Jacks and stands give you the ability to lift and hold heavy objects, like a truck, so you can do the work yourself. That said, if you're not comfortable, don't do it!

If I had to give a fair price for what you note above, I wouldn't go more than $650-$700 out the door for labor, supplies, chop.

EDIT: Missed the 285 inquiry. @RangerComa hit the nail on the head with it

 

Warranty will only matter for suspension component. Everything else is covered.

If you wanted to save money buy the rears yourself and save some money. It’s literally 2 bolts which I’m sure you can manage. You just need a tq wrench for the bottom bolt.

It also doesn’t mention how your gonna lift the rear end....3leaf, aal, full leaf pack? Or is that with the kit?

I always suggest the Bilstein 6112/5160 for Weekend warrior whose on a budget.

 

rear would be just a leaf add and my understanding is that it is included in the quote

2"inches up front and back. supposedly it shouldn't affect the TSS, but I would like to verify that

 

@hectorko55 ill be selling my Baja kits UCAs that came off my 17 Tacoma. Let me know if you’re interested. It’ll be way cheaper than the SPC.

 

It would have to be recalibrated by the dealership if there was a problem

 

90% on road use... you could do a 3" spacer levelling kit for $150 and an AAL for $90... install with alignment might get you for another $400-500..... Thats $740. I'll let you answer your own question given the info you have provided. You could have the EGCS bushing done at the same time and still be under $950 installed.

 

At 2" are the UCA even necessary? $770 right there.

 

No not really, and they want about 100 more than you can find them for elsewhere.

 

Ive always heard get the UCA's. They will help your alignment .

 

They do, if you want caster to be more than 2.5-3 degrees then yeah you'll probably want them. Seen a lot of 887 and 885 lifts with no UCAs and caster still in spec. Also depends on if you're bothered by the steering feel after the lift.

 

Let me play the role of THE OTHER GUY.

Since youre not that mechanically inclined and you do have valid concerns(warranty etc) maybe think this over and do the lift after a couple of years to let the bugs come out . To name a few. Front diff vibes, torn cv boots, shakes, and the infamous TSS malfunction error see the dealer. All of which will be voided. Not to mention your taco will definitely be slower. Service roads don’t require a lift but a slightly better and larger tire is beneficial. Just playing Devils advocate.

 

Thanks for all the feedback so far! Spacers are a no go. If I do this I’m set on getting UCAs, done a lot of research and alignment is a concern.
Thanks for the opposing view bulalo, you might be making a good point.