Lift Advice

I know there's a ton of information on the site about lifting and lift kits. I've searched and read, but it's almost too much information to sort through. So, I've got some questions for the experts.

I've got Bilstein 5100 shocks front & rear on my '02 Xtra cab TRD, but everything else in the suspension is completely stock. I would like to do a slight lift to my truck, just to raise it up a couple of inches or so and maybe put on some 285/70R16 tires. I don't do any serious off-roading, but would just like a little more aggressive look and some extra clearance.

Can you give me some suggestions on low cost options? I've seen some out there from various companies like BDS or Toytec.

I know this is probably a stupid question, but I recall the Bilsteins having adjustable retaining rings that ranged something like 1.75". What exactly would/could I accomplish by moving the the rings on all four shocks to the top positions?

 

Only your front Bilsteins have the rings, I have mine set at the middle setting which levels my truck with the stock rear suspension, roughly 1.25 inches in additional height. At the top setting, the height would be about 2-2.25 inches, to balance your truck in height you would need about an 1 1/2 block. Use only cast iron blocks, readi lift sells a nice block with ubolts for about $150. When I had a spacer lift in the front I tried a 285/75/16 which fit fine. The rear with the 1.5 lift will be fine with that tire as well. That would be the cheapest and easiest way to lift to fit that tire. Add a leafs are better than blocks but not as easy.

 

Only the fronts are height adjustable.
Probably the best bet would be bumping the fronts up a notch or two and getting an Add-A-Leaf.
Cheap and effective

EDIT: you beat me to it

 

^^ I would say that this would be your best bet since you don't do much offroading, there is no point in putting a lot of money into the suspension if you don't need it.

I think you can find lift blocks on ebay for even less money. You also have 2 more options; Lift shackles (which you can also find on ebay), or an add-a-leaf like someone has already said.

 

you may have some rubbing in the front if you want to put 285s on stock rims.

 

See, I wouldnt suggest blocks or shakles because neither of those help the notorious Toyota leaf sag. When your leafs sag the lift gained by blocks/shackles will be negated.

 

So I may get rubbing with 285s even after some lift? Is that only alleviated with different size rims? I'm tentatively planing on switching to black steelies when I do the lift. What size rim should I get to go along with a small lift and slightly larger tires in order to get a good look and avoid rubbing?

 

you will have enough clearance, the problem will be that they will most likely rub on the upper control arm and also a little bit on the frame.

If you get rims with the correct backspacing you should be fine, you may just have to do some minor inner fender trimming (it is not noticeable don't worry). Get at least a 4.5 in backspacing, a 4.00 or 3.75 inch would be even better though.

 

I almost forgot that you will also need longer travel shock absorbers too.

 

Thanks for the advice fellas. I guess I've got a few decisions to make now...

 

Well, doing a little more searching and reading, and considering what you guys helped me with I think I know my direction for now. Since I don't currently do any serious off-roading, and I'm not in a hurry to replace any of my virtually brand new Bilstein 5100's I think I'll take the cheap route. At least that way I can see how I like it, and make any additional changes in the future.

From what I can tell the fronts are adjustable so that I could raise it up about 1.5" by moving the rings all the way up. Then, I could put in 1.5" blocks in the rear without doing anything else since I read the rear 5100's can suit up to a 3" lift.

I found sets with steel blocks on ebay for about $70. Is it really that easy to take the quick & cheap lift route?

 

That sounds like a great plan to me. you shouldn't have any problems that I can see.

 

How did adjusting that front bilstein and adding a rear spacer work out for you?
I'm looking at doing the same possibly, idk if the front will lift enough but i was either going to do the same as you or throw an AAL in the rear.

 

I hate to admit it, but I haven't done it yet. After taking off the front assemblies to adjust them the truck will need a front-end alignment. Just having gotten that done when I put the Bilsteins on I don't want to pay for that again right away. So, I'm going to wait until I need an alignment, then make all the adjustments. If you end up giving this a shot, please let me know how it works out. If I get around to it I'll post as well.

 

sounds good, im almost sold on the 5100s, probably wont be for a while yet tho.. i'll let ya know