Help! Questions about 3inch lift

What’s up guys , I’ll make it straight to the point. I have a 2015 Tacoma TRD Pro and the suspension took a dump. It’s causing my tires to cup super bad. Already checked , axles , upper , lower , etc. with that being said. I am fairly new to Tacoma world and learning as I go with working on my truck. Since I’m going to upgrade the suspension , what is better than the TRD Pro suspension? I was looking at the 3” Toytec/bilstein 5100 for the front. But I’m confused for the rear. It says 5100 for the rear adds only 2.5” and that I need to add a leaf? I was looking at the Dakar(I believe the name is) for the rear and it says add extra. If I do lift it 3” , can the mount to upper and lower control arms and would I have to do anything with the diff or anything of that nature? All help is appreciated. I’ve been looking through TW for all the answers. If I posted in the wrong area, I apologize! Thanks

 

The 5100’s are a downgrade from what your truck came with. Your fronts are reportedly 9100’s and rears 5160’s. If you want it close, you should go with 6112 front and 5160 rear.

Regarding height, your Pro has about a 1.75” lift up front. I believe Headstrong has a chart of the different settings for the 6112. Keep in mind that the higher height settings increase preload and affects the ride. Using a higher spring rate would be the better option to gain height and utilize the shocks’ travel, but expect a little stiffer ride. Additional weight helps soften it up. Your Pro comes with a 600lb spring rate fyi. Now for the rears, a new leaf pack would be ideal as an AAL(add a leaf) only bandaids your saggy OEM leaf pack. So the Dakar’s that you mentioned is an option. Also check out Icon RXT leaf packs as they have 3 different options to your liking.

If you’re asking if the stock upper and lower control arms can handle the 3” lift, the uppers should be replaced and the lowers would be fine. Aftermarket uppers will help prevent bind upon articulation since they commonly use uniballs, but I would biasly recommend the Icon Delta Joints. Also brands such as JBA and SPC offer ball joint style. SPC will give you better alignment numbers due to their adjustability, providing you find an alignment tech that knows how.

If you’re accustomed to the soft ride of the Pro, progressive shocks would be the way to go. If you have money to spare, you could look into Kings or Fox for example. I have a Baja that uses digressive shocks, which the next aftermarket step would be Icon. All of that is typically off the shelf, valved that way. I’ve personally tried a few different suspension setups and admittedly enjoyed the stock Baja Bilstein’s the most

 

Calling Headstrong Offroad would be the best place to start. They can recommend a kit that fits your needs. Going big will always cost more whether it's lift or tires. Going close to 3" will get you in the territory of aftermarket UCAs and 33's will have you venture into possible cab mount chop and regear.

 

Wow thanks for the input , I didn’t know that at all. As I go through Bilstein 6112 it only says 2.5 lift. I would love to get 3” just because why not, yano? Also I’ve been looking at the icon lift as well. Just don’t want to get a downgrade from where I’m already at.

 

The higher you go, the more components you start to wear prematurely. Such as cv axle(especially the inner boots). The needle bearing can and will become damaged due to the uncomfortable angles. That needs to be replaced with the ECGS bushing. You also might experience driveline vibes when lifting the rear. This can be combated by using axle shims under the leaf packs, a carrier bearing drop kit or a 1-piece driveshaft. Going back to mentioning the preload needed to achieve 3”, you’ll feel every bump in the road, encounter more bump steer due to the rod angles and lose shock travel. But they do look sweet though.

The Icon’s would be quite the change for you as you’re going from progressive to digressive along with a spring rate from 600lb to 700lb. I did like the Icon ride because it cornered hella well due to how stiff the suspension was. The suspension shines when you’re going fast so it can be jarring when driving slow especially if there’s shitty roads where you live.

If this helps any, here is a pic of my Baja with the 1” Toytec spring seat spacer(specifically made for our Baja and Pro Bilstein models), Icon RXT leaf packs on Option 1 and 295/75R16 BFG KO2’s. My measurements from center of hub to bottom of fender:
DF: 23 1/4”
PF: 23 3/4”
DR: 23 3/4”
PR: 24 1/2”






I don’t have any armor and the only additional weight I have constantly besides the step bars is my full-size spare in the bed. Other modifications were done of course but just to paint the picture for you on a 2.75ish” lift up front and a 1.5ish” lift in the rear.