How to do 3-6in lift under 900?

I have 900 as a max budget inc labor for front struts installation. 2008 TRD Sport with 241,000 miles, shocks and struts were replaced at like 115,000 with cheap ones. I want a good ride for road and slight off road every once in a while. I was thinking about getting a rough country strut assembly with coilovers only 1 month old for 200 then 70 for new N3’s in back plus front spacers for like 4in in front and 2.5in in rear. Then getting cheap upper control arms. Let me know what you think or have any ideas. Thanks! I’d like to be less than 900 but I will get used.

 

I would go with 2.5” or less in front. Anything more than that and you’re asking for trouble. Get a good suspension lift (don’t use spacers). You could likely find a good set of Bilstein 5100s that someone is taking off to upgrade their rig. Just my 2¢

 

I hate to be a nay sayer, but you're going to have to get lucky with used stuff. Anything over 3" will be a lot of money and include messing up your frame for a drop bracket. If you're 2wd you can look into spindle lifts, that would probably be your best bet. Even 3" is pushing it with these trucks before you start blowing CVs, plus you lose all your downtravel, making the ride worse. I can guarantee massive spacers will also give you a horrific ride, and tall spacers in the rear can lead to axle wrap. I would say keep an eye out for used adjustable coilovers and lifted leaf packs, and do the labor yourself. It's really not that bad, especially if you leave the stock control arms.

 

Pretty much what I said, as well. The setup he is considering would likely be a nightmare.

 

Yeah, you must have hit post about 10 seconds before I finished typing. I just hope he doesn't drop $1k on spacers and labor to blow the truck up

 

I think your idea is not a good idea.
I also think you need to do some research.

Control arms
Spacers
ECGS Bushing
CMC
Driveline Vibs

Research those terms above

 

Okay, thanks guys! I think I’m just going to get the strut assemblies and rear shocks. But not add a spacer. I’ll do some research if they are adjustable. I’ve seen people selling TRD off-road struts and shocks too, that are basically new (might do that) like you guys mentioned I probably don’t have a budget to do a larger lift correctly. Thanks

 

Just FYI rear shocks will do nothing for a lift. You'll need to look into rear blocks or an add-a-leaf to get a more height in the rear on a budget.

 

Recommend lots more study.

Your Tacoma doesn't even have struts.

Post 8 in this thread might help

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/m1-leveling-strut-vs-bilstein-5100-shock.820362/

 

Okay that clears some stuff up. I’m a newbie. My truck needs new suspension anyways considering the last ones were cheap with 2.5 times the lifespan on them. It’s sagging a lot in the front because no way the rake is that much. I’ll probably just get some bilsteins from someone doing a lift. My friend had some coilovers I can have from his 3rd gen. Thanks again, if you have any other ideas or input feel free to say.

 

I think you've got a good plan to go with some relatively low-miles 3rd gen take-offs. Any 3rd gen fronts will give you an inch of lift right off the bat. Could probably do a 1/2" spacer with the 3rd gen coilovers for an additional inch of lift in the front without killing the ride quality. Pair that with some $100 blocks in the rear and you should be good to go with a reasonable lift on a tight budget.

 

Sounds good! Should I do an add-a-leaf considering my leaf springs have 240k plus miles?

 

If your leafs are toasts, the add a leaf won't be able to do it's job. It'll just sag with everything else. Either get another full leaf pack or stick with smaller spacers.

 

Yeah I think Joe is correct, your leafs are likely toast. Best case you can find some low mileage take-offs on here. When I upgraded to Deavers a few years ago I sold my OEM leaf pack with an add-a-leaf already installed for $150. Hopefully you're in a position to be patient and wait for a good deal.

 

Sounds good! I’ll update yall with what I decide to get.