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Small Lift Options??

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by dza1284, Mar 16, 2011.

  1. Mar 16, 2011 at 9:37 AM
    #1
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I would like to lift my 2008 4x4 Tacoma 2-3". At first I was just going to put a 2.5" leveling kit on the front until I came across add a leaf. What would people who have done this before reccommend? Just leveling kit? Leveling kit and add a leaf?

    If option two, is the following link a good deal/quality product?
    http://store.fatbobsgarage.com/_toy...add-a-leafs-4wd2wd-2005-2011-6-lug-p2147.aspx

    Also, is this something that I can do myself without a lot of experience in auto work?
     
  2. Mar 16, 2011 at 9:46 AM
    #2
    krimson

    krimson Nothin

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    Stay.... Away... from.... leveling kits... You will hate it as soon as it's installed and on the road, the ride will go to shit. Get 5100s adjust them to 2.5" with an AAL from downsouthmotorsports.com
    What do plan on running Tire/Wheel?
     
  3. Mar 16, 2011 at 9:55 AM
    #3
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Honestly, I am really just focusing on the lift at the moment. I know it will probably look awkard for a bit but I have about 31k miles and want to wait until my tires need replacing before buying new ones.
     
  4. Mar 16, 2011 at 9:56 AM
    #4
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Are the leveling kits really that bad? I really just want to get a few inches of left without drastically altering the vehicle or spending too much money.
     
  5. Mar 16, 2011 at 9:59 AM
    #5
    CrazyCooter

    CrazyCooter Hold My Beer!

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    my leveling kit wasnt bad at all actually i got the readylift lift and level kit. I like it but over all i think i would have done a toytec lift if i had to do it all over again
     
  6. Mar 16, 2011 at 10:02 AM
    #6
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

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    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.

    Just get the 5100's and you can set them to level the truck you will be much happier and it's not that much more money and the install will be the same process and the leveling kit (removing the shock, compressing the spring, braking down the shock and putting it all back together)
     
  7. Mar 16, 2011 at 10:53 AM
    #7
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    What toytec lift are you speaking of? The spacer and add a leaf (seems like it should be pretty much the same product no matter where you get it from) or a shock?
     
  8. Mar 16, 2011 at 12:10 PM
    #8
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    It depends on HOW or WHAT they use ...... in paticular, you want to avoid TOP PLATE SPACERS.

    Just do some research on this forum. 2-3" lift is standard for most folks on this forum. In fact, 2-3" is the most you can get out of IFS (without changing the current suspension configuration).

    There are 3 ways you can lift your vehicle:
    FRONT:
    Stock shocks + new coil springs
    Stock shocks + stock coils + coil spacer (internal)
    Adjustable front shock + stock coil springs

    REAR:
    Add-a-leaf to your original leaf pak
    New leaf pak
    Lift Blocks (I wouldn't recommend)
     
    Amrob13 likes this.
  9. Mar 16, 2011 at 12:14 PM
    #9
    802YOTA

    802YOTA Well-Known Member

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  10. Mar 16, 2011 at 12:33 PM
    #10
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Well I think I am going to add a leaf to the rear. The question which of those three options to do to the front. I was orginally just going to go with a spacer which some people dont mind, but then you go the suspension enthusiasts who say its terrrible and you have to buy a $2000 suspension.

    So I am basically looking at:
    1) Front Spacer, Rear add a leaf
    $169.99
    http://store.fatbobsgarage.com/_toy...add-a-leafs-4wd2wd-2005-2011-6-lug-p2147.aspx
    or
    $229.99 (toytec was recommended, not sure if the brand matters when purchasing a leaf and spacer)
    2)Front Bilstein Shock, Rear add a leaf
    $225-$280 depending on the leaf
    http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...pre-runner-4wd-front-pre-load-adjustable.html
    Leafs(not sure of the difference between the leafs):
    http://store.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-tacoma-long-add-a-leaf-spring-lift-kit-1995-2009-p2126.aspx
    http://store.fatbobsgarage.com/toyota-add-a-leaf-spring-lift-kit-1963-2010-p2096.aspx
    http://store.fatbobsgarage.com/_toy...wrear-tsb-springs-2wd4wd-1995-2011-p8024.aspx

    3)Front Coils, Rear add a leaf
    $299
    So I am looking for recommendations from someone who is not biased towards buying the expensive suspension.
     
  11. Mar 16, 2011 at 12:43 PM
    #11
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Also I was just reading if you add a leaf then "Because you’re changing the stiffness of the spring, new shocks are recommended."

    Is that needed?
     
  12. Mar 16, 2011 at 1:13 PM
    #12
    802YOTA

    802YOTA Well-Known Member

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    new shocks in the back would be needed i do believe.
     
  13. Mar 16, 2011 at 1:28 PM
    #13
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

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    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.

    you don't need to buy a $2000 suspension my first setup was around 750 here is a link to the thread i posted when I bought it. now it will be a little more for a 2nd Gen but well under $1000 http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/112771-just-bought-my-lift.html
     
  14. Mar 16, 2011 at 1:35 PM
    #14
    Janster

    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    They recommend them, but new shocks are not needed. You can get shocks later.....

    The only real concern about shocks, is the length. Once you lift the truck - it will extend your shocks further than previously. You wanna make sure you're not over extending them.
     
  15. Mar 16, 2011 at 1:41 PM
    #15
    K3KamilK3

    K3KamilK3 Well-Known Member

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    I went with 5100s all the way around. Front set at 2.5 leveled out the back with a 2" Toyo Tec AAL. I got the 5100s from downsports for like 283 with the tacomaworld discount. Then the AAL was about 100 shipped from toyotec. That will give you a small lift for under 400 if you do it yourself. I took the advantage of the group buy and bought the LR UCA s. You don't need them. But it might be a good idea to get them if you want your aligement perfect.
     
  16. Mar 16, 2011 at 2:19 PM
    #16
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is getting expensive quick.

    If I just put a spacer on the front, an add a leaf in the back and the differential drop, will I be on my way?

    I don't do any hardcore offroading. If I do, i am not hauling a$$ and bottoming out the suspension. I don't want to get this if its going to really f up my ride, and I dont want to spend a lot on a really nice suspension if I don't need it.
     
  17. Mar 16, 2011 at 2:45 PM
    #17
    Steezyskis

    Steezyskis I ski I work I'm rad

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    The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten.
     
  18. Mar 16, 2011 at 2:47 PM
    #18
    JLee

    JLee The Man! Vendor

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    I lost track thousands of dollars ago.
    X1,000,000 [​IMG]
     
  19. Mar 16, 2011 at 2:58 PM
    #19
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yes I am aware, but is putting a spacer really that bad for limited off roading?
     
  20. Mar 16, 2011 at 3:10 PM
    #20
    dza1284

    dza1284 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    OKK so after reading a bit I am thinking about the Bilstein in the front. Toytec doesnt seem to sell just the front shock. Where is a good place to get this? Say I do that, would the front be taken care of or would I need to get anything else?

    Also what AAL (size/brand/where to buy) would you recommend for the rear? Is that all i need in the rear?
     

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