Questions about lifting a 2nd gen with 3rd gen suspension

Hey TW, im wanting to lift my truck about two inches and im on a college student budget, so from what i could tell, buying takeoff suspension from a third gen TRD OR or TRD Sport would be my best bet in terms of quality for the price. Ive seen people selling their takeoff suspension with around 20k miles for around $200 which seems like a good deal to me. From what ive seen other people do, we can achieve a 1-2 inch lift on the second gen by installing third gen suspension.
My questions are what do i need to consider? Can i simply buy the front coilovers and rear shock to lift the truck? Or would i need the newer leaf springs too? Im assuming i would get more of a lift out of suspension from a larger v6 since they need stiffer springs? My truck is also a V6.
Any input would be appreciated, i would have no problem pulling the trigger on the parts i just want to make sure i get the right stuff the first time. Thanks!

 

Just get the coil overs. The only reason the rear leafs would give a lift, is because your stock leafs are worn. In my opinion, unless you’re going with an after market leaf pack, don’t bother with the OEM leafs.

 

good to know, thanks. So the rear shocks will provide a small lift right?

 

stock 3rd gen front suspension gives maybe 1 inch of lift.

I would go with a set of front and rear bilstein 5100s. Set the front to the 1.85" lift setting and add a 1 inch lift block in the rear. Perfect budget lift.

 

Rear shocks don't give lift.

 

All the info you need is in the main thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/review-3rd-gen-suspension-on-2nd-gen.542843/

For a short period I had the 3rd gen suspension with a 3/8" thick spacer in front and then a 1" block in the rear. It was a great setup for what it was and it was dirt cheap.

 

thanks! i think thats the route ill go maybe with an aal since i dont have the budget for a "proper" lift. very helpful thread as well

 

Depending on your location you may be able to find a used AAL. I found a 3 leaf AAL locally for only $150. I also got my 3rd gen coilovers/shocks for $150 and they also came with stock UCA's and leafs. When I swapped in the suspension I did the UCA too just because they had 15k mi vs the ones on my truck that had 200k. Figured it'd be some nice maintenance to add to the upgrade. I've since upgraded everything but for an initial cost of $150 + an alignment you really can't beat that. Even if you just look at it as replacing old, worn shocks with newer ones.

As long as you're not going crazy there's nothing wrong with what you're planning. A small spacer in front (1/4"-1/2") is perfectly safe and shouldn't be lumped into the same category as the larger spacer lifts. And generally a 1" block in the rear isn't an issue. If you can swing an AAL that would be better though.

 

FYI. I put a single leaf of an AAL in and it gave me 1.5 inches more than I had

 

My truck was lifted with front struts from a 2019 OR and a 3/4 " spacer. Put an AAL in the back. Total was under $200 with an alignment (got the struts free as take offs. Guy gave me two new UCA's and rear shocks as well) Truck has settled almost 3/4". A quick looks puts 5100's all the way around at $500. I would consider the 5100's...

 

This is 3rd gen suspension with 1/4” front spacer and 1.5” progressive AAL. If I were to do it again I’d go with a 1/2” spacer up front

 

5100s would be ideal but I believe a proper setup, which would most likely include UCAs, alignment, shock assembly, aal, etc. would definitely end up costing me well over $1000 from the research I’ve done. I still think the oem+ route would be cheaper, even if it’s not perfect

 

I put 3rd gen off road suspension on my 2nd gen. Gave me 1 3/8" lift in front, I'm guessing my old coilovers had sagged about 3/8".
It leveled the truck, and the OR shocks were a much better ride than the old sport suspension. Spent $180 for the set of takeoffs.

 

You don't need UCAs for a Bilstein set up.

You're going to need an alignment regardless. The 5100 set up is a better option and not really much more money plus you're not putting already used suspension in your truck, but it sounds like you have your mind made up.

I'm right at about $500 bucks with my 5100s, rear lift block and alignment.

 

i wouldnt say i have my mind set already. What kit did you use for the 5100s? just coilovers and shocks? I was also under the impression that 3 inch lifts required aftermarket ucas, but not totally sure.

 

3rd gen low mile front coilovers.

You might decide this is enough.

No shock creates lift. Springs set ride height, shocks control oscillation.

More than 2-2.5" starts to create more expense and potential wear issues.

 

It's just the shocks. You use your stock springs. The front shock has different 4 different height settings. If you google it you will see what I mean.

 

5100s create lift by using the front shocks.

 

This is tough. They aren't wrong about recommending 5100's but it's not necessarily the best route either. I read up on the 5100's before I did my suspension and wasn't convinced. Seemed like a decent, entry-level setup that was really focused on providing lift and new shocks but not actual performance. For a little more you could get something GOOD. I am new to trucks and wasn't really sure what I wanted or needed.

So, I went super cheap with the 3rd gen take offs first. Then, found a good deal on Bilstein TRD Pro suspension (even this setup only cost me $500 used). For me, this was a much better option. I had a hunch that 5100's wouldn't be enough for me and I was right. I'm already looking to when I can take another step up. The fact that I have very little invested and already got to try 3 different setups is super helpful. Plus, almost everything I bought was used and could resell for basically what I paid.

If you can relate to anything above then I'd definitely recommend just keeping it as cheap as you can, go with the 3rd gen take offs and see how you like it. It may be all you want. Or, you may realize you want way more and you'll lose a lot less this way than jumping on the 5100 bandwagon.

 

Bold statement to make on the 5100s if you have never run them. Plus buying suspension is always a gamble. There are guys on the 3rd gen forums that have had their TRD PRO Bilstein's start leaking with relatively low miles.

The OP is a college student trying to make his truck look a bit nicer with a lift. I gather he is not looking to be a hardcore off roader right now. I will agree that for serious wheeling the 5100s arent the best option but they work great for the 90% of people who will never wheel their tacoma hard. Same with TRD pro suspension. Spending an extra $200 dollars to get adjustable lift and fresh suspension compared to something oem and used is a no brainer.