Elka level 1 w/AAL vs OME w/Leaf

Hey all you cool kats.

I've ran this question by several people locally, but want the general consensus. Here is the deal, I got about $2k absolutely tops to spend on a kit and would like to achieve as close to 3'' of lift as I can within my budget.

I have a 3rd gen 4x4 Off-Road and do a fair amount of wheeling, but don't plan on carrying an excessive load (500lbs tops) or doing any serious crawling. Dont use the vehicle as a daily driver but would like to maintain some on-road performance for road trips that will potentially call for towing a pretty light camper, jet-ski, etc.

I originally started this search a few months ago where I was first considering just spacers (lol). Since then, I have been back and forth between the Bilstein 6112/5160 w/AAL the OME w/dakar leaf pack, and most recently I've been turned onto the elka level one also w/AAL.

The AZ Taco forum had me set on the Bilstein setup, but after speaking w/ my local shop they really had me leaning towards the OME for various reasons. I like the OME kit bc 1.) it comes with the leaf pack and 2.) it sounds like I can get closer to the height I want without seriously messing things up.

On the other hand, when I went to put the order into Headstrong last week, the rep I spoke with forrrrevvver made a really compelling case for going with the Elka kit over the others for my price point. Although relatively new to Tacomas I know Elka has a super-strong name in the ATV world and sounds like they are cutting some great deals now to get the name out there.

So here I am.... Confused more than ever. One of my bigger dilemmas is with all these options I was going to opt out of UCAs due to cost, but the verdict seems to be split straight down the middle. Realize if I want to go over 2.5'' that I should bite the bullet and get them perhaps with the exception of the OME kit bc I've been told its just naturally a better fit. Idk...

So all this being said, I think I am currently leaning towards the Elka kit w/AAL + UCAs and eventually getting the leaf pack when I can afford it, but cant help to keep the OME kit in the back of my mind.

I had a tire blow last weekend and need to pull the trigger asap so I can get a set of beefier tires.

Any insight would be most appreciated!


Also... again my budget is $2k so kings, ads, fox, etc are all out of the picture, unfortunately.

Thanks!

 

Interested to hear about their kit as well. Strong name in ATVs. Was about to pull the trigger on 6112/5160 combo and then came across the Elka set up. Would love to see some reviews on it.

 

Stay tuned... I just pulled the trigger on the elka level one w/dirtking uca and hs-3 leaf

 

Nice! Did you go with the 2.0 or 2.5?

 

2.0... 2.5 was $1000 more and I was already maxed out after adding the ucas. Thinking if/when these go out I’ll upgrade to the 2.5 w/resis. Those are badass...

 

Oh yeah, big price jump. I would be looking at the 2.0 version as well. Can’t wait to hear what you think after you get them on.

 

Reviving this thread because I’m seriously considering the elka stage 1. To pair with my Dakars and JBA UCAs.

OP - Have you installed your kit yet? If so, how’s the ride?

 

Yes I sure have... Didn’t have much of a baseline, but I’m content with the purchase. Very smooth on and off-road.
Glad I got the UCAs...

 

nice! Did you go with 650# or 700#? How much lift did you end up with?

 

I'm currently torn between the Elka 2.5s with no reservoir or the ADS 2.5s and Deaver leafs. I'm planning on completely replacing my suspension in the next year hopefully

 

Good call on UCAs OP, you could have gone without but wouldn't have had much downtravel left (the shocks will go that high but then the UCA is the limiting factor, from what my local shop has told me).

 

Any more information as to ride quality or lift height? I am currently looking to do the same set up. However, I got 265/70r17 tires and dont really want to get anything bigger. What size tires do you run? I'm curious if I went with a 2 inch lift if everything would look okay without going with 285 tires

 

I’m currently running a 2-2.5” OME lift. Swapping out to Elkas once they get to me. I’ve run 305/70r16, 295/70r17, and 285/75r16. Don’t think I would go any smaller, but that’s just me. If I were going to run 265s, I’d get a wheel with a pretty aggressive offset at least.

 

I just saw a Tacoma with the 2.5 Elkas with Reservoirs here in Kamloops, it looked really good. I’d love to get them for my next suspension.

 

I just ordered the 2.5s extended 2-3 inch no resivors from headstrong. Ill let u know how they are.

 

Let me know as well..I’m leaning on getting these as well.

 

My stage 1’s should be ready in the next couple of weeks. Would love the 2.5s it’s a bit steep for me. Just a heads up, they take about 4-6 weeks to build.

 

I'm running 2 inch now with 265s. Looks good. I'll take pics tomorrow

 

Let’s see those pics when you get a chance...I’ve been on the fence about this same setup! Thanks!

 

5100 with 2887s in front and 5160s with 2 inch aal rear