Bilstein/ready lift 3" kit angles?

Hello, new Tacoma owner here. I've read a lot of posts, but nothing thus far has answered my questions. I'm looking at a kit on bilsteinlifts.com that advertises 3" front lift. My concern with 3" and only minimal differental correction is CV and ball joint angles. What is everyone's opinion on such a kit, and would upper control arms be required for a proper alignment?

 

With 3in you may want to consider getting aftermarket UCA. But someone with more experience should chime in with better details.

 

Yes to the UCAs. I've read as well as had the Toytec rep tell me that any lift on the 3rd gens 2" or more will need aftermarket UCA to get the caster/camber back where it needs to be. I'd suggest SPC since they have adjustable & replaceable ball joints, that way any competent alignment shop can get it back to 0. I have a measured 1.75" lift and the alignment shop would not have been able to get the alignment perfect had it not been for the SPCs.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/complete-list-of-ucas-for-the-3rd-gen-tacoma.738745/page-2#post-26351783

Get some UCA’s

 

I suggest setting the preload to give 2” of lift and skip the UCAs unless you can’t get the alignment dialed in to your desires.

Note that 3” of lift will leave you with zero or near zero down travel and aftermarket UCAs will not change that fact unless you combine them with extended travel shocks.

 

That ^^

 

Might as well order the ECGS bushing while you are at it. It will start to vibrate after time with that angle. CV will go in time as well but the needle bearing will definitely go quickly.

 

Have you personally had a needle bearing or cv joint fail?

 

Not personally on my truck...I'm only at 2700 miles and at 2.5" of lift. I've changed one that went bad on a 2019 with 30k on it who had a 3" lift. His CV's would slightly pop at full lock and extended so those are on the radar.

 

My needle bearing started having issues as soon as I lifted. I have the Bilstein 6112s up front and about 2.5 inches of lift.

 

I guess a 4" full drop kit would keep everything aside from the driveshaft closer to stock. May go that route.

 

Don’t forget the fact that you have to cut your frame.

 

I did, immediately upon installing my front lift. Did the bearing/bushing replacement and all was right with the world again. In my OPINION, anything more than 2" will result in further necessary modifications.
3" lift and bigger wheels and tires looks fantastic but I personally don't find it worth it unless you want and use the added off-roadness.

 

Yeah. I've cut a lot of frames, but never lowered a truck I lifted before selling it.

 

I had a 3 inch lift on my 2nd Gen 4x4 for over 6 years and had zero axle issues, not sure why everyone jumps to that conclusion. Changed out the ECGS Needle Bearing at time of lift and UCA's. 6 years of 4x4 use in the Northeast Winters at over 90,000 miles and never an axle etc issue.