1st gen Tacoma lift help

Hello everyone, first time poster here! Just got a 02 DC Tacoma a few months ago that I’m trying to start ordering parts for and installing. I have an idea of what I need/ want, and have tried to do extensive research but I’m definitely drowning in information. So sorry in advance for any repetitive topics and questions!


That being said im looking to lift my truck 3” but I really want it to sit level since I don’t like the look of any rake. So I’m assuming I’d need to do 1.5-2” in the rear to achieve that goal? I’m also looking to run 285/75 tires with either 16 or 17 inch wheels. Don’t plan on adding and crazy weighted bumpers or loading the bed very often although I’ll definitely utilize my bed as needed from time to time.

Now as far as the parts I have in mind, I was looking at the bilstein 6112 in the front with JBA UCAs but it says those only achieve 2.8” of lift, which is obviously close to 3” but I’m open to other suggestions. As far as the rear goes is where I’m kinda hung up on what to get, my truck has 140k miles so idk if should do an icon AAL or just get a whole new Dakar leaf pack to freshen it all up! As far as the rear struts I was looking at the 5100s, 5160s or maybe the 5125s I guess depending which leaf pack I choose will affect that decision.

Sorry for the long write up, just want to make sure I get all the right stuff the first time around to achieve the look I want! I attached a photo of my truck in its current configuration, and another truck that I saw on Instagram which I’m trying to resemble (im on mobile so really hope I added the images right lol). I tried messaging the owner to get a build list but didn’t get a reply so really hoping y’all can lead me in the right direction!

Thanks to everyone in advance who will try and provide info and guidance to me on my build journey!

 

Gorgeous truck! Too bad nobody responded, I'm in the same boat so not much help here. Hopefully things are working out with your build. Kind regards.

 

Short answer is don't lift your front end more than 2-2.5", unless changing/rebooting CVs frequently is fun for you.

For the rear, generally a new leaf pack will yield better results than an AAL, assuming it fits your budget. And for the front, find some kind of adjustable coilovers, so you can adjust the front to achieve the stance relative to the fixed height of the rear.

All that being said, you should also rethink the totally leveled look for multiple reasons. A slight rake looks very natural on these trucks, and serves a very functional purpose

 

I noticed you mentioned upgrading your UCAs, but if you stick with a 2" lift, you may not need that, from what I understand. Another thing I was wondering is if dropping your transfer case relieves stress on your CVs? That said, dropping the transfer case undoes any ground clearance gains you may have achieved.

With all of that said, I am coming to understand that unless you are increasing your travel, a lift is really more cosmetic than functional. I have off-roaded a lot with a stock setup and want more clearance to get over obstacles. Initially, I thought of getting a 2.5-inch lift and 32+ inch tires for an additional 3.5 inches of clearance, but the more I read, the more I am coming to the conclusion that that setup only makes the truck look 3.5 inches taller. In reality, you are only getting the extra clearance that the tires give you with respect to where the transfer case and diffs sit. The frame does sit higher, which may help some with uneven terrain. Plus, lifting for the sake of lifting affects your center of balance ever so slightly.

My goal may be a little different than yours, though; pure off-roading functionality with less focus on aesthetics. That said I don't mind the aesthetic of a lift .

 

The diff drop will ultimately not really spare the CVs from the boot fins rubbing due to excessive lift, because it only tilts the diff forward vs. truly dropping it.

On another note, I ran stock UCAs with a lift for a couple years, and now have Icon UCAs, and it's really a night and day difference in how much better handling (out of a higher + caster alignment) the truck is with the aftermarket UCAs.

 

Oh the days of having ripped CV boots all of the time.
I was running 3” Eibach coils on the bottom setting of 5100’s.
Then even when I got some Icons. I always had to crank them to 3”!
When I bought my Kings. I left them at the out of the box setting. Haven’t had to replace a CV boot since! So nice!

 

I agree with everything said here. He did mentioned running 285/75's though and I will say from personal experience you do want a lift for that. Might require some pinch weld trimming as well