Picking the Right Lift

So I've been in the market looking at lift kits for my 2012 TRD Sport, I don't have the budget to spend over 2 grand on a lift as I'm still in highschool and my wallet can't take the hit. However, as I've been searching I've fallen into three choices for lifts. I'm not planning on doing intense off roading and I want a lift that keeps or preferably increases the ride quality as I enjoy driving my friends and family and want to keep their ride comfortable

The Lifts I've landed on are placed in order from cheapest to most expensive : All to achieve 3ins
OME :
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2015/ome-suspension-lift-kit/

ToyTec's BOSS :
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...ss-suspension-system-2005-2015-toyota-tacoma/

Icon Stage 1:
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...3-5-lift-kit-stage-1-2005-2015-toyota-tacoma/

I'd love to hear your opinions on these three lifts and what else would be needed to achieve proper functionality with the lift (like if new UCA's are required) without going insane

The aftermarket wheels I plan on purchasing are 287/70/17 BfGoodrich All-Terrain K02's - I was told these would fit with a 3in without trimming
All recommendations for other All-Terrain tires are appreciated

 

You can’t go wrong with any of those.
Since you don’t do serious wheeling I’d say the ome for simplicity an reliability. It’s a proven setup an you can build upon it later if you decide to.
For control arms spc is good and affordable I’ve had great service out of mine.
Jba also makes a solid uca.

 

I've got the OME 3" and beat on it pretty hard, but not as hard a some guys do. It's lasted the last 29,000 miles with no issues. I do medium rock crawling, muddy trails and daily it. Also keep in mind what weight you might add in the future so you're not changing suspensions constantly

 

5100's with 885 springs and rear add a leaf. On the right sale you are in right at $500. Can't beat that for the money.

 

This, but I’d skip the AAL and go right for a new leaf pack.

 

This.

 

I gotta give credit where it’s due...
I’m just repeating what I learned from you on here when I was researching AAL vs full leaf pack. You’re seriously the reason I just bought the Icon RXT’s

Shouldn’t even have to explain it. Just look at this picture. Stock leafs off my ‘12 TRD OR vs RXT’s.

 

Don't forget the step where you throw the stock leafs in the trash..where they belong

 

How much lift did the RXTs give you and how much constant load do you have?

 

Welcome to TW. Those are good choices but incomplete. For your money, I'd go OME and add aftermarket UCA's, carrier bearing spacers and axle shims, 1/4" billet lean spacer, and a full leafpack. You'd still be under your budget even with the coils pre-assembled.

I'd also buy it from either @Headstrong or @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc

Both solid companies I have worked with and treated me right over the years.

 

Are you on option 3?

 

It sounds to me like the right lift might be no lift. You don't have a lot of cash, and a lift, like many automotive modifications, can result in a cascade of unforseen issues, nickles, and dimes. If the vehicle is going to be used primarily on-road, and if you only have a few years' driving experience, you're likely to have a more useful, more reliable, safer ride by keeping you're truck's center of gravity low.

Spend some of that money keeping your truck very clean and in good working order. Then spend the hundreds you've got left taking girls to the soda fountain or the roller rink or whatever you kids are doing these days.

 

A shitload.

I was at 20-1/2” before and 26-1/2” after. My stocks leafs/shocks were pretty tired though. I load the shit out of them all the time, and the constant weight of the topper probably didn’t help.

This is Icon RXT on 3rd setting with Bilstein Pro shocks. Weight of topper is on there. I haven’t measured again to see if it’s settled any.

 

Nah man, local scrap yard, you can get like $2.40 for them!

 

Sold mine locally with an AAL. I was happy

 

I had to cut my leafs off. The eye bolts were seized in there. So scrap is all they were good for

 

My buddy picked them out of the scrap pile because he wanted to try and forge a couple knives out of them

I’m sure they’ll make better knives than leaf springs lol

 

I took my leafs, front springs, and old u-bolts to the yard. They gave me $12.07 for 114 pounds of metal... luckily, it was like a mile away from home

 

Anyone add Icon Stage 1 Suspension System to a 1st gen? Thinking about replacing my rancho quick lift "junk" shocks that are 10 + years old. Thanks!