Just got XD spys: should i get a lift?

Ok, so I just purchased a set of XD 797 spy wheels for my 08 longbed. I was about to order some 265/65/17 tires (most likely bfg AT's). but then i started thinking about getting a 3 inch lift so I can fit 285's. Tell me what you think

And in purchasing the lift, what all do I need? just the lift kit and thats it? would 285s fit well?

Lets hear it!

 

In order to fit the 285's, you'll need a 3" lift, which will also likely require new UCA's in order to get the alignment right.

You will also need to trim some fender well plastic and possibly chop the cab mount.

What is the backspacing on the wheels you bought? If they aren't 4.5", you won't be able to run 285's anyway.

 

So if I were to keep the tire at a 265 width but then increase them to 75 instead of 65 would they still fit?

 

If you were to change the tire to a 265/70/17, it would fit without any hassle.

 

Actually I meant 275/75/17. Basically, I"m just trying to find the tallest, widest tire to fit with a 3" lift with no trimming involved.

 

Ok so it is really more about the width than the height when it comes to rubbing issues. Thank you for the reply.

 

Well not necessarily - a 285/70/17 is a 32.7" tire, whereas a 265/70/17 is a 31.6" tire. The combination of the width (285) combined with the aspect ratio (70) makes a difference in the total height of the tire.

In a nutshell, the width plays a big part in the issue of the tire fitting, but the total height also is a big consideration. Any more questions feel free to ask away!

 

Oh alright that makes sense. So how about a 275/70/17? is that pretty good?

 

And while I've got a knowledgeable Tacoma owner here, can you give me some tips on a lift kit? That is something I have very basic knowledge about and definitely need some guidance. Thank you!

 

That would most likely work without much trimming at all. The most you'd probably have to do would be the thin plastic up in the front of the wheel well, but don't quote me on that. It's in the middle between the 285/70/17 and the 265/70/17, but that size tire is very rare. Not many well known tires come in that size to my knowledge.

Stay away from body lifts and spacer lift kits. For an affordable lift that is great for the money, I'd look at Bilstein 5100's. The fronts are adjustable for 0, .85, 1.75, and 2.5" of lift, depending on what you decide to set them at. All 4 can be had for $300 total. That is a good option, but if you are looking to replace your springs also, look at some OME 885 springs. Those will run you $160. For the rear, you're going to want an AAL if you don't want to replace your leaf pack entirely. Stray away from blocks for the rear.

To make it easy, OME offers a complete that is very good quality for the money. Many people on here run the kit and love it. It will run you ~$700 give and take, but it comes with the OME coils, front and rear OME shocks, a rear AAL, and top plate spacers (they're very small, so it's not hurting anything IIRC). You could get away with either the Bilstein 5100's or the OME kit and be happy with your ride. Of course, you can get the top of the line suspension, but it's going to cost you and arm and a leg. Hope this helps.

Also, a problem you might encounter with a 2.5-3" lift would be your alignment. You might have a hard time getting a good alignment due to the change in your suspension geometry. To cure this, you will want to pick up some UCA's. They will help get your alignment into very good spec and will get rid of "wandering" on the road due to mis-alignment. These will run you ~$450 for Light Racing UCA's, which utilize a ball-joint instead of a uniball such as Total Chaos, Camburg, or Built Right among others. The uniball UCA's will generally cost you more (typically a couple hundred more), but you get some advantages, like more travel etc. Pros to a ball joint UCA would be any contaminates (sand, dirt, etc.) will not get into the UCA and cause any damage. Both have their pros/cons. As a weekend warrior like myself, I don't see the need for Uniball UCA's, so when I go to lift I will use Light Racing UCA's.

 

These wheels??

 

Alright thanks very much Colton.

 

Yea man, those wheels, sick truck.

 

What tires do you have Will? and lift?

 

Not a problem, feel free if you have any questions!

Be sure to read the bottom of my post about the UCA's incase you missed it, I forgot to add it.

 

Thanks, I just put them on last week. I did the TT coil over kit and AAL....For tires I picked KM2's (285/70/17) because they look great IMO and only needed minor trimming. My TPMS switched over as well so that was a bonus!

 

It looks great. But at the risk of sounding like a kook (which I kind of am) can you explain the whole AAL thing? And I have no idea what a TT coil over kit is lol.

 

To be honest I don't even know what UCA's are... when it comes to suspensions I don't know much at all.

 

AAL = Add a leaf UCA = Upper Control Arm

 

Of course...Toytec lift is what i basically have (thanks to much input from this forum) Heres the link...
This is what I went with:


Front adjustable coil over kit with Bilstein 5100's
Coil color options: Red
Vehicle model and year: 2005 Up TacomaTCK-4

Rear ToyTec Add-A-Leafs

Rear Bilstein 5100 Shocks 05 & UP Tacoma

Add some u-bolts and shims for the add a leaf and that was about it. If you go to the website you can look at product detail and instructions for install. That should answer most of your questions. Let me know if you need anything else.