What Have You Done To Your 3rd Gen Today?

Seeing some of the responses you have gotten and just wanted to offer some positive feedback. You do you man. If you’ve done your research and are happy with the product you are purchasing for your vehicle, that’s all that matters. Sure there are always other options for a lift, but at the end of the day it’s your vehicle and your happiness. I personally installed this lift on my truck after purchasing it used on fb marketplace, and the ride quality is better than stock. It is a tighter ride and blocks in the rear are always a controversial subject, but it handles well and I love it. Plus it’s a OEM product. I know people will argue that it is no different than aftermarket options, and sure they may be right. But the fact is that this is a Toyota product. Would be interested in your feedback once you have it installed. Best of luck!

 

The ditch lights look great! Of course, we are glad we could help. The picture you have of them turned on shows how bright they are.

 

Disagree. I have an OR and it is an upgrade in ride height and the shocks are beefier and feel beefier. Rides more firm, but never feel like I’m bottoming out and shocks like I was on stock bilstein 4600s.

 

the naysayers disappear when i ask for actual help

 

Never said Bilstein is not quality. Just wouldn’t fork over that much money for a TRD lift. Honestly, like others say it’s up to you since it’s your truck. I have an OR and my first lift was Bilstein 5100 which were an improvement but the more I researched and got into my truck I realized I wanted something long term and more better quality so I finally forked up the cash and got Kings. If I was to do it all again and I was just looking for a decent lift without the off road need, I’d go with 6112/5160

 

the amount of info, products, options is overwhelming for people newer to this stuff, that was another reason i leaned TRD lift at dealer. But i do want to be happy with the result.

 

Honestly it’s your money and it’s your decision in the end, but just wanted to give you more info before you go through with your purchase. $2800 is a lot just for a TRD lift. Toyota charges too much for install too I’m sure. Personally, I’d either go with Bilstein 5100 or 6112/5160 and find a reputable local shop to do the install for you for peace of mind.

 

Yeah, labor is where they get you. I installed my front coil overs, and rear blocks (TRD lift) in probably 6 hours on my own and I was taking my time... I've heard of labor quotes from dealerships that are around $1800 which is absurd. At $80 an hour... that's nearly 24 hours. Granted I didn't install the grill, recalibrate the sensor, or do an alignment. But the labor they charge is robbery.

 

i threw my quote away but i think its 2250 for parts/labor, 150 alignment, 350 for sensor calibrations, and then tax

 

No personal experience with the Eibach lift, but I do not it's a well regarded budget option. I imagine it would handle similar to the TRD lift. Just remember though, that doing the TRD lift through a dealership would mean you get the Toyota warranty and backing. If you did this lift with a friend on your own and any issues arose, you'd have to diagnose and fix on your own or take to an independent shop and pay them to fix it. If this is the Eibach Stage 1 I'm thinking of, I believe it gives 2.5-3inch in the front... I honestly wouldn't go over 2 inches in the front though unless you account for upgraded UCAs. Once you go over 2 inches up front, you starting putting the factory UCAs outside of their intended range which can lead to issues with wear and tear and alignment. With the TRD kit, all you need is what they are selling you.

Another plus of the TRD lift that I didn't mention earlier is that any Toyota Dealership Service Department should be able to align your truck since this is a dealer installed option. If you go aftermarket, you would be stuck going to an independent shop and trusting their expertise. Although there are a lot of good shops that know these trucks well. I don't think you can go wrong either way though. I was concerned about doing it myself as well because I'm still paying off a brand new truck. But I found a deal I couldn't pass up and have experience doing suspension work.

Not necessarily trying to convince you on one or the other, even though I sound biased. Just some things to think about. Lots of good forums on these topics though so I'll stop rambling in this one.

 

5100s all around, block in the rear, front set to whatever minor lift you need.

Cheaper than the toyota branded lift kit and the 5100s up front are beefier still than the toyota branded bilsteins. Might have some $ left over to do the ECGS bushing if you end up getting the front vibration after the lift.

This way you won't overpay for the toyota brand name and will end up with a better yet extremely similar set-up for less $.

Btw nothing wrong with the small spacer lifts and a good reputable 4x4 shop will do just as good a job as the kid at the toyota dealership and they will have a guarantee on their work also.

It's a simple lift, they can't really fk it up and tbh an independent alignment shop will do a better and more thorough job than the dealership.

 

This.

I have the 5100’s all around, Icon AAL in the rear with a 1/2” shim and I recently had the ECGS Bushing done. I’d do it exactly the same if I had to start all over.

 

I have 5100s F+R but never plan on lifting, but if I did I would do the same as you. Best bang for buck and still a big improvement over stock.

 

ive appreciated the comments and thoughts! ive been stuck between the two choices for awhile (trd at dealer vs buy parts and have installed) and its been tough to choose. good to hear both sides.

 

ive been under the impression the TRD/Bilsteins w the TRD kit are essentially the 5100s, not the case?

 

What's cool about sourcing your own parts and choosing your own shop is you get to a) find the best deals on parts and b) find and befriend a good shop who will treat you well and be super transparent about their work.

From my experience it's always been a positive outcome, save a ton of cash and get a quality job done. Win win

 

Warn EVO 10 winch install. Went with the steel cable model because it was on blowout for $500 around the holidays. I have synthetic rope and Hawse fairlead to swap out, but won't be respooling it for a few weeks.



I was just barely able to squeeze the motor body in without removing winch plate.

 

have you, or are you planning to, install that onboard air compressor? If so, where? I have the dual and haven't decided where to put it.

 

Yeah, probably next week. I installed an ARB dual compressor in a '23 4runner a few months ago, and it fit nicely in the opening near the firewall on passenger side with a pre-made MORE mount. Probably fabricate a mount and do the same with this Tacoma.

 

That's a nice setup! What are your thoughts on the Rago bracket? I've been trying to decide on molle panels or the Rago bracket. I don't plan on storing a lot, especially since I just purchased a truck bed tent, which might interfere with molle panels, etc. Thanks