what's the best lift?

Alright. So I put Bilstein 4600's to replace my stock shocks. "But they're already Bilstein's!"
Not really. 4600's are thicker and ride better. And by better I mean still rides like shit.
"But it's a truck, they ride like that!"
No they don't. It's just shitty $300 shocks. You get what you pay for.

Bilstein has higher models. As does King, Fox, ADS, and more.
Same goes for any other car. You put $3k KW coilovers on a sedan, it's gonna be better than $400 shocks.

That being said, with trucks, a lift seems best. The suspension can articulate more, and you can clear higher obstacles. Drive through rivers/streams on rocks, and so on.

So, what is the best lift? 5100's and some different leafs and front coils?
Or more than that?
Curious to know what everyone thinks.

I'm not sure if weight gets taken into account. For example, picking different models of leaf and coil based on what weight the truck is running, such as steel armor, so that it isn't crooked.
Or if that is simply adjusted with spacers or threads on the coilovers.

Hopefully I don't get flamed for such a basic common question, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. Might be worth it in the end to learn new info.
I know it's already been talked about to some extent in the past and I will definitely be researching those threads to build a more full knowledge of what options are out there, to hopefully pick something good and find a balance between performance and price.

I have to say, the 2nd gen 4x4 on stock suspension looks more like a base model RWD delivery truck. Does not look like much of a truck, nor aggressive or capable.

 

The deciding factor for me was maintenance. How often do you want to yank your existing suspension parts out for rebuild/replacement?

Some folks are okay with doing this every 60k miles, or less. Coilovers are the way to go if that's the case, since they provide a high quality ride.

My truck is my daily driver, so I didn't do much research into coilovers. I'd rather have an *okay* quality ride that lasts a long, long time. Twin tube nitrocharger shocks (like Old Man Emu or Dobinsons) will last 100k+ miles, so that's what I chose.

You are correct in your assumption that spring rate and length is meant to match the base weight of the truck, whether that's in bone stock configuration or up-armored.

 

I went with a local company that can service my truck if I have problems that I cant fix. Toytec is Denver based & so am I. Easy in that regard for me

 

I too want longevity out of my suspension and haven’t upgraded yet for this reason. Stock suspension has gotten me to 40,000 miles just fine. Abit soft and all
Over the place loaded up but nothing I can’t handle. I too am looking at going with OLd man emu or dobinsons.
Seems like they have a gnarly track record for durability and longevity and overall better handling off-road and on and with heavy loads

 

Well everything gets fatigued sooner or later, maybe just a new add a leaf, coils and shocks every 70k.

 

@TacoTuesday1 and @Amanhowzit taco: if longevity is one of your goals, this thread might be of some use.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/looking-for-aftermarket-suspension-with-oem-longevity.665998/

 

This is kind of a loaded question, better yet, what are you looking to do? There is literally volumes written about suspension components, the best answer is spend some ( a lot ) of time researching the subject so that you are educated about the suspensions .Go to YouTube and look up filthy motor sports videos, he explains the differences very well, and you can actually call him and ask stuff.I'm sure there are other guru's out there but unfortunately there are no simple answers. One thing is for sure, your not getting a really well performing suspension for a couple of hundred bucks but that may not matter to you. Good luck on your quest

 

holy shit those options look expensive
(OME, Toytec, Dobinson, etc.)

I'm seeing what appears to be prices of $3k for a kit

Cost me only $300 for Bilstein 4600's,
but I regret not getting 5100's to allow for a lift later on, because then I could piece it together individually over time
maybe front coils ($200?) then rear leaf work (~$100 minimum)
way cheaper than $3k
Still wouldn't have the best ride but would at least sit higher and even/more level

 

You can get a full dobinson kit (twin tube not monotube coilover) for $1300
OME is similarly priced

 

y'know this whole thing is reminding me
there was an ad I saw claiming to have lightly used "TRD Pro OEM coilovers from 2nd gen Tacoma"
that seemed like some higher end adjustable Bilstein's (I forget it had external reservoir or not)
for $1k

which at the time seemed expensive
but now looking back on it, doesn't seem like a bad deal...

 

Lift kits themselves are kinda pricey, right around $1300-1600 for OME and Dobinsons. You should really save up twice that amount to fix stuff that has a significant likelihood of failure post-lift.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stuff-that-breaks-after-installing-a-lift.667252/

It’s the single most expensive item on my mod sheet, coming in at $3400 total with the lift kit, pre-emptive part replacements, shipping, tax, and labor. That doesn’t include low-likelihood parts failures like the LCAs or driveshaft.

 

I have had everything from Stock, FOX, and now KINGS in less then 50K miles. All comes down to how much you want to spend and what are you going to do with your truck.

I tow an expiditon trailer and wheel in different states, so I wanted something smooth riding and built solid.

There's alot more to lifting these trucks than just installing a set of coilovers or spacers. Do lots of research before you buy anything.

Here is my current setup up front. Good luck with your truck.

 

That being said....do you need more articulation, are you planning on driving over higher obstacles and driving through rivers and streams and over big rocks??? If so you may need to lift your truck. If you are just a poser and want to change the "look" of your truck, you definitely need to lift it. It sounds like your more concerned about aesthetics and how much it costs to change the looks of your truck, so it looks more like a truck than a delivery vehicle. ps - stone stock Tacoma 4x4's are quite capable in the hands of an experienced driver.

 

I had to hijack a thread ... but lol ... could share your reasons from going from fox to kings in that 50k timeframe? Was there something about the foxes didn't work for you that pushed you to the kings? I also see the DK LCA and TC UCA -- is this simply a 'best (preferred) part for each job, personal preference, or did something sway you towards the DK LCA? I ask b/c I think I'm adding UCAs and figure I'd stick with the same vendor for the LCA (if I ever move away from stock) unless I found something I didn't like with the UCA ... THANKS!

 

Nothing wrong with FOX COs, just decided to do a complete suspension upgrade, had SPC UCA. Went with TC Uniball because I welded on a set of TC spindle gussets. Got DK LCAs because there was a Groupbuy going on and have DK UCAs on order. When Marlin Crawler releases there suspension setup, I plan on moving forward with there RCLT kit.
I am also on my 3rd suspension setup for the rear. 3" lift, KINGS, airbags, BAMF hangers with a custom x-brace. Good luck with your truck.

 

Thanks ... looks like your miles ahead of me -- one heck of a setup. I definitely have the tinkering bug, and have those DK box UCAs on order and am really excited to get those added.

 

I don't give two shits about how the truck looks and enjoy low ride height to corner better and not flip over
It is not "aesthetic" to lift a truck; it provides more ground clearance off road

It sounds like you heavily believe I live in Riverside, CA or something and drive around paved parking lots
Even though I don't
The parking lot is the last place a lift would matter
but thanks for the "insight"

you are asking about rivers and streams
quoting an original post that literally mentions that

my bad I thought this was a Tacoma forum where people try to upgrade their vehicle