Leveling spacers vs shocks

hey I come on here because I've been looking constantly online for for an answer to my question.

I have a 2010 tacoma prerunner 2wd that is my daily driver. I drive 98% on road with some light off roading. I'm looking to change the look of my truck by leveling it out. as I don't have the money for a full blown suspension lift I know that I have two options, either purchase leveling spacers or extended travel shocks that will achieve the same thing. I want to keep the ride as smooth as possible, along with trying to keep from damaging the suspension as much as possible. I am wanting yall's feedback on what experience y'all have with these two options and which one might better meet my needs?

 

If you’re just gonna level. The front probably only needs to come up about 1” put a 1/2” spacer on top of the coil over and call it day. Won’t make a difference in ride quality. You’ll be fine.

 

I put a set of Bilstein 5100's on the front and set them to .85. It gives my truck a slight rake and a more aggressive stance.

 

with the 5100 should I get a new spring or use the stock spring?

 

Use the stock springs. You should be fine.
I wouldn’t do any more lift than you need, unless you are planning on doing the ECGS Bushing.
I wouldn’t do any more than 1.5” with out the bushing.
I’m stock, With no lift and I should do the bushing.

If you do new springs, most go with OME, and set to 5100 to “0” lift.
The spring do the lift in that setup.

 

Install 3rd gen suspension. They're cheap and it'll give you a 1in lift in the front and keep rear the same. If you also have 2+1 leaf and want to swap it out for a newer 3+1 leaf, that'll give your rear a 0.5in lift.

 

OP said they have a Prerunner. Does the ECGS even apply?

 

Good call! I don't think it does... but mines a 4x4

 

No, it doesn’t. Missed that.Sorry

 

This is a good way forward, lots of take offs on Craigslist, gives 1 inch lift. Only buy a complete/assembled set as shops will charge you $60ish to reassemble with your existing springs/tophats.

 

Nothing to be sorry for.

 

Always go with the shocks.