Is it a matter of lift?

OK so I’m finally at a point in time that I am ready for a lift. I mean there’s a lot of lifted Tacoma’s out there jacked up and every time I pass one my mouth waters.

Don’t off-road so it’s just for looks and the plan is 3”. Since the ride is important I ordered a spacer kit with diff drop. And since it’s a known fact that most end up installing a ECGS bushing/bearing to replace the crappy needle bearing I see no reason why it shouldn’t be done at the same time the suspension is dismantled. Ordered the ECGS upgrade at the same time as the lift.

‘Don’t plan on messing with the carrier bearing unless I hear something out of the ordinary afterwards. So how many of you Tacoma owners added the ECGS, diff drop, & carrier bearing drop, at the same time as your lift or did you wait for the shakes and rattles before doing so?

I know, I know the wheels and tires weren’t even mentioned. (Yet)

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I did the ECGS at the same time. I wouldn't bother with the diff drop.

 

The diff drop was actually a part of the lift kit. Are you recommending that even though I’ll have it, not to fix it unless it’s broke?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-diff-drop.571070/

 

That is a interesting read. Guess there are no positive answers to this topic. Think I’ll add the lift and look at the angles for myself. If not satisfied I’ll add the included drop and hope for the best. Really don’t put a ton of miles on the Tacoma, don’t off-road, and it’s not a daily driver. It’s advertising and used to pull the bass boat, does both of those things really well.

 

This is the part where you lost me.

 

everything I read indicates ride comfort is minimally affected if a spacer is added above the coil over and under the leaf in the rear. Not actually changing spring rate right?

 

I was about to quote the same thing. I was like, that makes no sense.

 

Maybe I wasn’t clear. I didn’t want a leaf spring pack replacement, I didn’t want a add-a-leaf. I didn’t want beefier shocks front and back and I don’t want beefier coils in the front. I want to raise the truck 3” with minimal change to the ride. Please explain my best option or options for what’s left.

I’m not trying to please or impress anyone else with my ride I only need to make myself happy, should be pretty simple. And if in the end it turns out I’m not happy with what I have invested it’s very easy to go back as I didn’t cut, bend, or make major modification to the suspension.

let’s say I’m willing to gamble $150. bucks one way or the other. Make better sense?

 

I recommend you some (more?) reading regarding lifting your truck. I am not sure you will be happy with a $150 3" lift on your truck.

What you need to know about lifting a 2016 Tacoma - Presented by Toytec Lifts

 

You may find the ride to be harsher at times.

A lot of folks swap to Bilstein 5100, 6112s etc.

It’s an affordable option for lifting your truck.

Some folks run blocks and don’t care others have a lot of issues and/or shock failure.

 

If ride is important to you do it the right way, buy a good lift kit. Spacer lift is not the right way. At least from my experience.

 

Spacer lifts ride fine, better than a pre-load lift at top 2 clips on 5100's.

Do the ECGS bushing, throw out the diff drop spacers. I haven't installed a diff drop spacer from the kits since 2017, when the manufacturers started to advise against it.

If you do a spacer lift, do 3 front 2 rear. Or 2.25 front and 1 rear. The old 3-1 2nd gen lift is raked to the front on the 16+

Also, if you haven't already, throw out the chin spoiler

 

Have done a lot of reading and watched a ton of videos and it’s obvious that everyone has their own opinion. It’s not about the money. When I wanted a new grill I didn’t buy plastic I got away from it. Just know if I buy coil overs, leaf packs, new upper control arms and so on I can’t easily go back. There’s a bunch of videos asking did I wreck my Tacoma by jacking it up and the majority that aren’t happy went the high end for a lift.

 

Happy Thanksgiving. I installed a 2.5 and 1.5 surpreme suspensions lift. 14 k on lift. Alignment in spec. No ecgs’s Camping and light trails.Ride is fine also. If I were to wheel all the time I would’ve spent big money on king etc. I don’t so why spend 4 grand to be cool. Do what you feel is right. Enjoy your truck

 

I say get 37” tires And just trim and tub a little..haha But honestly sounds like you already made up your mind on going with a spacer lift. bolt it up and be happy with it. I sure wasn’t to pleased with my spacer lift.

 

I offroad hard every week for work and I have a 3" spacer lift with a diff drop and aal. On the street its a smooth ride. Off pavement it is really rough. Probably should have spent more on a nicer lift, but im the type to try something for myself before I move on to nicer things. Oh well. 15k miles and no issues. Running 255/85/16 geolanders.

 

https://youtu.be/wnLceDopcyM

Turns out this dude did need the ECGS after his 3” lift, he posted a update after the bearing install and his problem was fixed.

Your results may vary