Need help deciding on a lift 3", 4" or 6" for a Gen 3 2018 TRD 4 door

Hello all,

Let me start by saying this. I did a search and found so much info that I want to scoop out my eyes. I'm trying to cut through the endless banter to get what I need to make a decision. There is info overload...

I will be putting on a lift kit for my daughter's 2018 TRD. Yes, Dad is going to trick out her ride.

My goal is to spend 8-12k on the lift, bumper, lights, and wheels/tires. She like Kings - 'cause I've run them on all of my Sandrails but Fox, Icon, etc... all make good shocks. I am not going with anything RC...

I would like to know what you guys think is the best lift for going offroad - easy/medium stuff, typical desert trails, and maybe a trip to Moab doing easy stuff per her skill set. No big rock crawling... I am looking for the best ride possible on the streets but something that will take offroading that she will throw at it (her skill set). As she gets better at offroading, she will have to pay for the other items she wants to add...

I'm either going to go with a 3" or 6" based on how the truck will perform with 33" or 35" tires. I currently run BDS lift with Cognito steering components on my GMC and my truck rides perfect with good offroad manors. It's a Diesel so I only go on easy stuff to get to get where I need to go. I have toys to do the harder stuff.


There are so many lift kits available and because I have only done full-size truck lifts, I don't know what I don't know about Tacoma's and a good lift for this platform. Yes I know the major players but I don't know much about Tacoma-specific lifts, that's where you come in. What I would like to avoid is someone telling me how I"m wrong for doing this. This is not a civics class or am I trying to Flex on anyone. I have one kid and she gets what she wants. Trust me, she is a great person with a huge heart that thinks of others. SO don't come at me..


Do I want to go with a Long Travel kit, standard lift? Again I'm open for anything. Mild to wild.


My last question is, what I worry about is that putting on 35s will make this truck a pig.

Thanks for looking and helping.

Chop.

 

3” just incase she ever wants to go back to stock. 6” if you never plan on going back. Can’t compare the ride of a 6000lb diesel to a 3500lb Tacoma all that extra weight helps. These trucks are plenty capable stock and with 3” kit. Imo I see no need for a 6” kit and 35s. Also 3” kit Will imo garner the best road manners. Post up pics once done.

 

That is good info right there. Thanks my man.

 

I believe that I have narrowed it down to several kits.

1. Dirt King Long Travel coupled with Kings shocks and Deaver springs.
2. Total Chaos Fab +2 long travel with Kings and Deaver Springs.
3. JD Fab long travel.

Anyone have experience with these and any negatives?

Thanks again for looking.

 

Rough Country front suspension with 3” coil spring spacers…4” Blocks in the back under the stock springs, clearance the wheel arc via 2” wheel spacers. It’s gonna roll smooth, and you’re gonna look like a SCORE truck. What could go wrong?

 

8”

 

I think his budget allows for something more performant.

 

I forgot to mention red and black Rockstar wheels, with premium spike lug nuts (anodized red) and ensure the rims are really deep dish …12” wide

 

No wheel lights?

Unbelievable.

 

4" and 6" would generally be a drop bracket lift. You don't want that for off-roading bc it cuts the frame up and reduces ground clearance anyway.

35"s will make it a pig and you would want to regear to 5.29 for it. Plus 35's will be harder on your rack. 35's likely need a body mount relocation and other trimming too.

33's and you can likely squeak by without a body mount chop but still might need it depending on the wheel offset, and width of the wheel. 34"s is also another option too but would need a body mount chop. Every vehicle is a little different.

3" front is generally the max lift that you want. But 2.5" front will perform better with the cv axles and boots. Keep in mind that the 3rd gen tacoma is already 1" taller than the 2nd gen, or the 5th gen 4runner.

If your dead set on 4" then a 3" suspension lift plus a 1" body lift wouldn't be bad, but the body lift really should have a longer steering coupler for it.

Gotta keep in mind the extra weight that you are adding to the truck prior to picking out the front springs and leaf packs.

If you are planning on spending the loot on it then: King, Fox Elites, and Dobinson MMR are my top 3.

Do lots and lots of reading and research before you pull the trigger. Once you start modifying, it can be a rabbit hole.