New Here. Suspension Kit Help

Hello,
I am new to this forum so I apologize if I am posting in the wrong category. Also, I am just getting into installing upgrades to my truck, so I don't know all the lingo that comes with it.

I am currently driving a 2018 TRD Offroad and am looking to get a 3" lift with the intention of going for 33" KO2's. My main focus would be some drive in camping sites, snowy mountains, and to be honest, aesthetics.

I've been told that going for the "puck lifts" is a bad idea. That they ride terribly and wear out pretty quick, so I should go for something with new control arms, coil overs, leaf suspension, etc., and that this would be a more comfortable and long lasting option.

The advise I am looking for are:
1. Should I go for the cheaper "pucks lifts" and will it still wear on my truck, even though the offroad came with a slightly upgraded suspension system?
2. Should I pay more for a suspension system and what should I go for that wouldn't completely break the bank?

Appreciate any advice/tips you can give.
Thanks,
Corey

 

Imo I’d go with less lift and a smaller tire. There a whole lot more to lifting 3” and 33s. It’s probably more than you need for the way it seems like you’ll be using your truck.

 

For sure. My initial thoughts on the 3" was to slowly build up to more aggressive trails in the future, so by going 3"/33's I wouldn't really have to worry about changing anything when the time comes.
What other things would go into lifting 3" and 33's?

 

Potentially cutting your cab mount on your frame and welding in a patch

 

2" of lift on a third gen with 265/75r16 will handle most things and be essentially problem free in regards to install

If you're going for a weekend warrior kind of ride you'd handle this stuff no problem with that set up.

 

Super helpful. I am definitely reconsidering then. Then any tips, going back to my original question, but instead with a 2" lift?

 

All about the budget. High end shocks really only help with faster speeds and really specific characteristics.

More affordable lifts like bilstien 5100, old man emu, dobson, all do the trick for Offroad and give a good lift.

The 3" lift was based on the 2nd gen truck geometry and what was an OK height to lift the truck and not have the cv boots rub and tear.

The third gen already comes an inch higher from the factory. You can go more or less, just know what the shock mfg specifies for allowance on their product and keep an eye on your truck to make sure you're not doing any damage.

 

Welcome to The Forum!

 

Thanks! You've been super helpful and have given me a baseline to go off of. I really appreciate the info.

 

Thanks!

 

No problem. Vendors on here such as Headstrong and downsouth motors could help you with ordering too and can get you some good prices.

Personally I run JBA upper control arms and I really like them. They were a good investment for me.


Also as a note, you can up your tire size to 265/75r16 even before you lift, and that'll help you on the trails a good amount. Just start shopping around for an All terrain tire you'd like.

 

I'll definitely look into those vendors. I was thinking about looking into some local shops here in CA.

I see the Bilstein 5100 are going for $475 on Toytec, or $570 if I add a rear 1" block kit? It sounds like that should be good enough for what I'm looking for. But, should I look into getting a set that comes with upper control arms?
I don't have a set budget, but I was ready to spend up to $2k-ish, depending on what I needed.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

There are blocks kits. I think the more preferred route is to go with an add-a-leaf. Just builds up your current leaf pack up a bit. The next step up after that would a full leaf pack.

On headstrong you could do a full shock set up, uca, and an add a leaf for around $1,300. But I'd call first and see if they could give you a deal of some sort.


https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p401/Coil/Bilstein_5100_Kit_(HS16BK-1).html


And then there's other shocks too. I'd just read around on the site and see what speaks to you

 

Thanks! Its been super helpful so far

 

For sure. On the site right now seeing what they offer.

 

I was looking at that kit and thinking: uca, 3AAL, strut assembly. I'm curious between the 887 and 888 coils (2" and 2.5"). Does the .5" really make that much of a difference? Which would you recommend I go for?

 

Here's a thread on it. My fear is always to have too stiff if a coil. But I've never ran them on my own daily so I don't have any concrete input

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ome-887-vs-888-input-requested.659871/

 

I agree with beefing up leafs vs blocks!

 

So I went into my local 4 Wheel Parts store, and after talking with the guy, I ended up with Icon Coil Overs and CAM UCA. Also, he recommended I get the 275/70R17LR KO2's. I ordered all those parts through them, but I have the option of changing/returning. I just wanted to get the ball rolling on something. Thoughts? I was thinking that starting off with the coilovers and uca would give me a good start towards what I want, and I could always add on AAL's later. The Icons I guess are supposed to be adjustable 0"-2.75" lift, but I would keep them at 2" out of the box.