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What’s the best and cost friendly lift to get for a first gen Tacoma? Upper control arms?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Nick Neagu, Nov 23, 2022.

  1. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:19 PM
    #1
    Nick Neagu

    Nick Neagu [OP] Member

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    Hi my names nick! I have a very bone stock 1st gen Tacoma 96 blue 5spd manual 4x4 3.4L with 122,000 miles and I want to lift it. I either want to get spacers for a level kit only 2 inches or should I get the whole shock and spring assembly? Should I upgrade upper and lower control arms? Anything will help thank!
     
    Last edited: Nov 23, 2022
    Yota X likes this.
  2. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:23 PM
    #2
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    Get a set of coilovers. It’s an old truck probably could use new rear leaf springs. With a 2” lift you may not need UCA.

    How are your ball joints? If bad then you might want to consider new upper and lower control arms w/ball joints.
     
  3. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:24 PM
    #3
    noodles93

    noodles93 Well-Known Member

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    I'm sure we can all agree 2 inches is a lot...

    Is your current suspension worn? If so, pay once cry once you'll be glad you did. I replaced my worn suspension with OME kit from Wheeler's and it was great. Put JBA uppers on not sure if I really needed those but figured might as well. As for lower, at least do the ball joints. If the bushings are toast go ahead and throw new lowers on otherwise just leave them. Mine had spacers when I bought it and they sucked. Go the whole suspension.
     
  4. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:31 PM
    #4
    Nick Neagu

    Nick Neagu [OP] Member

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    My ball joints upper and lower are great. I inspected them and also had my mechanic as well he says my whole front end is mint. I replaced my suspension 2 years ago with some cheap replacement suspension all for 400$ and it rides pretty decent. What type of suspension should I get I’m 16 almost 17 I’ve got some cash on me but not too much to spend any options?
     
  5. Nov 23, 2022 at 5:35 PM
    #5
    rnish

    rnish Well-Known Member

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    .

    Bilstein 5100’s pay/have the vendor set the coils on the perch. Tight budget. You can get away with a 1 inch block in the rear.
     
    TACOTU3 likes this.
  6. Nov 23, 2022 at 7:20 PM
    #6
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    All this was $1,000.

    6117FB49-8498-4715-83A7-C24EF5D6034D.jpg
     
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  7. Nov 23, 2022 at 7:25 PM
    #7
    Nick Neagu

    Nick Neagu [OP] Member

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    Do you have a link to all that stuff?
     
  8. Nov 23, 2022 at 8:18 PM
    #8
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    I got everything from Wheelers Offroad.

    I bought everything months ago and it’s still sitting on a shelf :rofl::frusty:
     
  9. Nov 23, 2022 at 9:23 PM
    #9
    treyus30

    treyus30 70% complete 70% of the time

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    BILSTEIN 5100s + OME coils. Do not do blocks or spacers.
     
  10. Nov 24, 2022 at 5:48 PM
    #10
    DemApples

    DemApples Kainoa HI

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    Supercharged w/ 7th injector 97 ECU swap 2001 front end swap TRD e-locker rear end swap 6 inch crossmember lift stretched to 11.5” 3 inch body lift 14.5” total lift
    If you want to lift on a budget most people out here just throw a leveling kit. Easy 3 inches. If you want to piss more people off throw a 3” body lift on top of all that. 6” lift for $100
     
  11. Nov 24, 2022 at 6:06 PM
    #11
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Well-Known Member Vendor

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