Getting Started with a Lift

Hello TW - before I start, I realize there are a host of forums regarding lift kits. However, I couldn’t find anything that was non-technical or specific to types of lifts already on.

I own a 2012 DCSB TRD Off-road and want to add a bit of height. I’ve never Installed a lift kit and I am hesitant about putting a complete kit on. Basically, I am wanting to lift it 2-3” and want to know what the best option with a $500-$800 budget for the kit is without completely compromising how the vehicle rides/ adding other issues.

What is the best option/front back combination for this? I have considered 2” add-a-leaf springs and then 1.5” spacers in the front. Bad idea?

Thank you all in advance and for your patience with my rookie question! Please attach links if possible.

 

You're running 33's with no cab chop and no lift? Interesting.

As for the lift, Bilstein 5100's are the way to go. You could run the shock on the 2nd notch on stock front springs and an add a leaf in the back. Or you can get new front springs from ome. This is my plan in the future.

 

People here will tell you otherwise, but, there's nothing inherently wrong with a spacer lift, and an above-strut spacer + AAL will not change your ride quality whatsoever.

I've been running a 3" above-spacer lift for years and my truck stays in fields / mud / offroad conditions more often than most of the people here, and I've had no problem. You're about to be bombarded by people telling you to spend more money on it, and start detailing why spacer lifts were designed by satan, but it isn't the case.

 

for your budget, Bilstein 5100's set at 0, OME 885 springs, Wheelers rear add a leaf.
Shocks $365
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bilstein-B8-5100-Adjustable-Front-Shocks-w-Rear-Set-For-2005-2015-Toyota-Tacoma/262593968210?fits=Model%3ATacoma&epid=1730714049&_trkparms=ispr%3D1
Springs $181
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Old-Man-Emu-by-ARB-2885-Coil-Spring-Fits-03-19-4Runner-FJ-Cruiser-Tacoma/274152375617?_trkparms=ispr%3D1
add a leaf $78 $624 all in.
Edit: the wheeler add a leaf isn't $78 shipped, so factor in shipping for that, or contact the wheeler rep on the site to see what he could get it for you shipped.
all other links I provided are priced shipped.

 

Thank you for the input! I've considered this option, but i've heard a lot of nightmares about tire rub with this option. Have you had this? What size of tires are you running?

 

Awesome! Thank you for providing links. A couple questions: Are new springs required for the 5100's? And why set to zero instead of the 2 or 3" notch?

 

No you can use stock springs with the 5100's but you will need to set them on the higher settings to achieve the lift. If you set them at zero, to get lift you will need a lift spring like the one I linked or similar to gain lift. This in my opinion is a better way to lift for not much more added cost. But to save money, you can get a similar amount of lift by putting the 5100's on the highest setting with stock springs.

 

Got it - thank you, sir. Makes perfect sense!

 

How do know he's running 33's? I do not see that information posted. From another post?

 

My OP said 33"s - I mistyped as this is what I wanted to have on post-lift. It currently has 30.5" tires.

 

I am running 285x75x17 Yokohama Geolandar M/T, 10 ply, The only time I have tire rub is with the wheel turned 80% of the way either direction, and hit a bump. The tread would contact the fender. A dremel and 5 minutes cured that issue, you'll have that with 285s and a 3" lift regardless of the method of lifting though.

Tires did contact the UCA due to their size, but that's also an issue independent of the lift type - I was running stock wheels and big ass tires. My options were to go with wheel spacers or get new wheels with a different offset.

 

can you fit 33s on this lift option?

 

I plan to move from my 265 70 r17 to 285 70 r17 when my tires need to be replaced. You may need a cab mount chop and some fender pinch weld trimming. Not sure. I fully support you doing it though and then post pics so I can see what it looks like

 

haha I’ll keep ya posted! Ordering the lift today and tires probably won’t be for another 4 months down the road.

 

Stumbled on a thread that talks ad nauseum about fitting on 33"s with the 5100/885 set up ...looks like one guy was able to make 33s fit without cutting by going with a more narrow tire (255/85/16). This may be the option!

Bilstein 5100 w/ OME 885

 

Yeah before I bought all my parts I read through that thread. I may have even posted in it at some point after my install. I'll look though it again. Thanks!

 

It has been done! 2” lift installed this summer and last week got 255/85R16 Maxxis Bighorns. Photo pre lift and old tires (265/75R16) vs now.

 

Wheelers progressive AAL are out of stock.. I’m on the waiting list- I’ll update when they finally send them my way.

 

Posted before my info

OME 886 w/5100's @ -0-

AAL in the rear & 5100's

I do have an ARB bumper & Smitty 9500 winch/steel rope

Heavy front skid plate......pics..clean & dirty

 

285's?