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Would you like to assist me on picking out a lift and tires?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by TheITguy, May 19, 2011.

  1. May 19, 2011 at 7:46 AM
    #1
    TheITguy

    TheITguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Hello All!
    Noob here. Been lurking through the forums for a while now, and I am debating on getting a lift and new tires. I presently am at the end of life on my stock Dunlop Grandtek AT20 265/65/17's.(going on 75k btw!) So I figured if i am going to spend the $$ on new rubber why not go bigger?!

    My problem is I am a computer guy not a gear head so I am just not catching on with all the acronyms and what I could/should do in regards to putting in a lift and matching the correct tire size.

    Basically what I am asking my fellow taco riders is, in general, what would be the best lift and tires for my 08' Double Cab Sport 4x4 Automatic Taco? ( I call her the "Black Pearl")

    Money is an object! I am not cheap, I just want to do it right the 1st time around! But the least expensive "right" way will do me fine........

    I guess your all wondering OK, what do I want from this lift. I am not a big off road guy but that's because i haven't had the equipment to go and do it. I guess i am looking for what everyone terms a 3" lift, which seems to be standard. But I want to purchase the correct equipment that is not going to be an ongoing maintenance issue for the life of the vehicle. It doesnt need to look like a monster truck, but i would like to gain some clearance.

    If i have to add a leaf, new shocks, and springs, fine, but what is the best option for my $$$. I also realize i will need to remove my mud flaps and do some trimming, also not a big deal. Oh, And what brand and size tires should I be looking at, 90% of my driving is highway, i live in New England they should be good in the snow.

    I will be having a garage do the work for me so that they can confirm that the alignment is within specifications.

    Thanks for your assistance in this project, because i am a little clueless when trying to put this whole package together!

    Here she is the day I picked her up:
    [​IMG]

    Here she is the day I had capworld put on ARE Tonneau cover, Westin steps and bull bar with PIAA fog lights.
    [​IMG]

    And here she presently looks, with linexed bull bar, satoshi grill, Leer 180 cap and 4runner Trail edition 17's Painted Black by adio3x.
    [​IMG]
     
  2. May 19, 2011 at 7:50 AM
    #2
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    FlimFlubberJAM
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    best lift for the money is the Old Man Emu shocks and springs. At 3" lift, you are going to want to invest in some Upper Control Arms, if you want teh alignment to be good. You can save a few bucks ny using Bilstien 5100 shocks, if you want.
     
  3. May 19, 2011 at 7:52 AM
    #3
    ffblaze911

    ffblaze911 Well-Known Member

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  4. May 19, 2011 at 7:58 AM
    #4
    ColtsTRD

    ColtsTRD Well-Known Member

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    x3


    thats pretty much what I did :)
     
  5. May 19, 2011 at 8:05 AM
    #5
    WilsonTheDog

    WilsonTheDog Kylie's dad

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    I don't disagree with any if that but Bilstein 5100's @ 2.5" front and a 1.5" AAL rear would run you about $225 in parts plus install (unless you diy). I love my truck now more than ever after doing exactly that.
     
  6. May 19, 2011 at 8:08 AM
    #6
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Right, but the OME set up has a better ride on teh street than the 5100's set at 2.5" on the stock springs.
     
  7. May 19, 2011 at 8:44 AM
    #7
    TheITguy

    TheITguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Since this seems to be the consensus, is there a "kit" or part numbers you can direct me to? I am googling this but not finding anything for 2nd gen tacomas.

    Also can you direct me toward what type of upper control arms i would need or are they also sold by old man emu?

    And if i do this , what size tire can i move up to? suggestions on maker and model?

    Sorry Like i said before, i am a noob and pretty much need my hand held through this process..........
     
  8. May 19, 2011 at 8:48 AM
    #8
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    The parts you would need are:

    Front shocks: OME 90,000
    Front springs: OME 885
    Trim Packer (or 1/4" top plate spacer for driver side)
    Rear shocks: OME N182
    Rear AAL: Either 1.5" or 2" (your choice) avail. from Toytec
    UCA's : Light Racing


    Check out Downsouth Motorsports, and see what parts they have. They have the best prices, shipping, and customer service you can ask for. What they dont have, Toytec or Wheelers off road will have.
    As for tires, Many folks run a 285/75/16, or 285/70/17 with little rubbing, if any. Others run a 265/75/16 or 265/70/17 with no rubbing. As for type of tire, thats a matter of persoanl oppinion.
     
  9. May 19, 2011 at 8:50 AM
    #9
    TheITguy

    TheITguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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  10. May 19, 2011 at 8:53 AM
    #10
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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  11. May 19, 2011 at 8:57 AM
    #11
    EatMyTacomaDust

    EatMyTacomaDust Well-Known Member

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    ICON 3" LIFT, Console Vault, Tailgate Security Clamp MOD, SuperBumper Crash Attenuator, TRD Front Skid Plate, Wet Okoles - 1/2 Piped, Undercover SE Tonneau
    I'm certainly not an expert, but I do plan on getting the OME lift but I am going with OME rear springs, not the AAL.

    I want beef in the back and want my maximum payload and towing capacity without sag. I'm just not convinced that the AAL will do that.

    Besides - Stock rear springs on Tacoma's are WIMPY, don't see how an AAL is going to make it all good. . .

    Depends on use though - I'm sure for some the AAL works just fine.
     
  12. May 19, 2011 at 9:02 AM
    #12
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    Ive had 1200# in the bed with my AAL, and it was fine.
     
  13. May 19, 2011 at 9:31 AM
    #13
    viperstd

    viperstd Tacoma convert

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    AllPro Front and Rear trail armor & full skid plates, Demello Hybrid Rock Crushers, Old Man Emu suspension, Warn 8000# winch, PIAA SMR fogs, perforated + heated leather seats, in-dash DVD/NAV/Sound, RE subs
    x7 for the OME setup. I love mine and it hauls 2,000lbs in the bed (not recommended). I don't have UCAs and have no alignment issues. I get very minor rubbing at full lock/stuff with 32.7" tires.

    For tires you should look at 33" tires (285/70R17).

    BFG T/A KOs are a very good bet for New England road conditions and occasional offraoding. Mine are at 28,000 miles and wearing well. Hancooks and Nittos are pretty popular too.

    If you want great offroad performance BFG KM2s LT255/80R17/E (narrow) or LT285/70R17/D (wide) rock!
     
  14. May 19, 2011 at 10:39 AM
    #14
    TheITguy

    TheITguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    @chris 4x4

    Just got off the phone with Marco @ Downsouth Motorsports.

    I am looking at approx. $1481

    That is with what you listed :
    OME 90,000-$300
    OME 885- $189
    OME N182- $170
    Trim packer -$8.00
    UCA's -Either DSM for $569 or Total Chaos for $635
    and he recommended and i know i am going to use the wrong term, an icon mini pack for the 3 progress leaf for around $179. He did mention that this would lower my overall towing weight limits.

    Wow, this is more than expected seeing i havent put in cost of install and alignment and tires.............but i did say i wanted to do it right didnt i??? ;)
     
  15. May 19, 2011 at 10:45 AM
    #15
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    the Icon will probably give the best street ride, and if you dont run alot of weight in the back often, it may be the best way to go. its only a little more $$$ than an AAL from Toytec. Its rated to give 1.5" lift, and if you need more, you can re install teh over load leaf. Keep in mind, the Icon AAL requires cutting of the OEM spring clamps. Not a big deal if you have a grinder. Otherwise, a single leaf AAL may be the way to go. As for teh UCA's, I prefer Total Chaos myself. Light Racing are a good choice for saving some money, and I havent had a chance to try the Downsouth Motorsports UCAs yet.
     
  16. May 19, 2011 at 10:51 AM
    #16
    TacoFMS

    TacoFMS Bubble bubble bubble pop

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    One or two things modded... Check out the build thread
    you can bring your cost down a lil bit by using Light Racing upper control arms like Chris suggested. I dont have them.....yet.... but know people that do and are very happy with them. and also as chris said you can find some bilstein 5100's for both front and rear and maybe shave some dollars off that way as well. i have a dreaded 3" spacer up front on my truck right now with the rear leaf tsb and aal to go with bilstein 5100's in the rear. that is merely a starter until i can gather funds to do the ome springs and billies up front with LR UCA's
     
  17. May 19, 2011 at 1:11 PM
    #17
    TheITguy

    TheITguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok, so I am thinking I may not be able to pursue this route, what is my least expensive alternative? Notice i didnt say cheap?

    So Would Wilsonthedog's lift be adequate? Bilstein 5100's @ 2.5" front and a 1.5" AAL rear? Would i need new ACU's or a trim packer? I guess i am using existing coils and would i still get enough clearance for 33's?

    And i take it spacers are bad and i dont want to utilize them, correct?
     
  18. May 19, 2011 at 1:25 PM
    #18
    TacoFMS

    TacoFMS Bubble bubble bubble pop

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    One or two things modded... Check out the build thread
    if you do much offroading and get aggressive with your driving offroad spacers are not the best way to go. some folks never have problems with running spacers....heck im so far one of those folks, im just saying when the funds come in i would rather be rid of the spacers and go with a more functional lift. you get fit not functions from spacers, coils and new struts gives you fit and function.
     
  19. May 19, 2011 at 1:30 PM
    #19
    TheITguy

    TheITguy [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Ok then, no spacers it is.
     
  20. May 19, 2011 at 2:24 PM
    #20
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine. Moderator

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    His lift is plenty adequate. Idealy, Yes, you would need new UCA's. The truck can still be aligned, but it will be at the outter most extremes of the "good" range.
     

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