$1500 limit but so confused...

I have been looking at lifts and trying to understand them but I just can't... I'm hoping someone can just help me out. First by getting a lift am I going to lose anything I have stock right now? As in comfort of ride, gas milage, ect...

I'm pretty set on a 3 inch lift but I don't know where to begin looking... And I have read about the leaf or something... All I want to do is make my Tacoma higher without having any problems after the lift...

If I got a 3inch lift are my stock tires and wheels good?

What actullaly gives it the lift? The shocks...?

In need of serious help.

Thank you very much

 

I also wanted too add this... What would be the best lift I can get and if anyone can link me to the right place

Thank you

 

This is in the 2nd gen fourm bu it applies for both 1st and 2nd.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/40469-lifting-your-truck-things-you-need-know.html

 

Start out by reading this. It's a good explanation of the lifts out there and how they work.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html
At 3" you might lose a little with your gas mileage and anytime you modify the driveline of a vehicle you run the risk of introducing vibrations from the change in geometry. Some have lifted without any issues, some spend a lot of time chasing out vibrations.

Don't rush your lift, do your homework and it'll pay off. Do the lift right the first time, it's too expensive to do twice.

 

You will gain ground clearance at the expense of gas mileage.

The ride will be entirely dependent on how you lift the truck.

 

Thank you for the replies greatly appreciated..

To pugga: "Don't rush your lift, do your homework and it'll pay off. Do the lift right the first time, it's too expensive to do twice."

What would you consider doing it the right way? That's what I want too do.

I know I want a 3" but I feel like theirs things you have to buy sepertely...

Any opinions on the toytec ultimate lift and the 3" lift kit with Bilstein 5100 Height adjustable Coilovers...

If I went with the second one does that lift my whole truck..? Cause it says adjustable front shocks... Does the rear not use shocks...

I'm so sorry for the silly questions but I don't want to mess up on this buy and I read that sticky about the suspension yet still lost


Thank you very much

 

"Doing it right the first time" means different things to different people. For example, my truck stays mostly on pavement and I did not want much of a lift so I went with Eibach coils and 5100's all around and a 1.5" AAL for the rear. It's perfect for me and my type of driving but maybe not for you.

Here are a few decent options for a 3" lift that would keep you within your budget. Keep in mind with each option would have to add upper control arms and these can be pricey. There are a few options, each with their pros and cons. Check out Total Chaos, Light Racing, Downsouth Motorsports, Camburg (I'm sure I'm forgetting a couple).

Here's a 3" lift accomplished by Eibach coils and a custom built spacer and an AAL for the rear. Toytec Ultimate lift kit - popular for other TW members, has a decent reputation. I'd avoid the block option for the rear and either go with an AAL or the Dakar leaf pack (depending on your budget or usage). Old Man Emu lift kit - another popular option although not adjustable like the Toytec kit. You have to choose the correct coil to get the right amount of lift. For a second gen you'd be most likely looking at 885 coils and the top plate spacer to get you to 3" of lift. Again, I'd avoid the block for the rear and go with the AAL or Dakar leaf pack.
If you spend a lot of time loaded, you might want to look at a replacement leaf pack instead of just an AAL (That would be the dakar option I mentioned above and is an option to choose in each of the links). I'm not an expert and only relaying information about these kits I've read through other's reviews and lurking on this site. One of those 3 options would be your best bet if you want to stay under $1,500 and still have a decent 3" lift though. If you call the vendors I mentioned earlier, they are very knowledgable and willing to work with you. I've dealt with all 3 of them at one time or another and they're quick to answer questions and help you put your lift together. After you start leaning toward a specific lift kit, I'd give them a call and tell them what you're thinking, they may have some valuable input to help you with your decision.

 

Thank You very much for your help.. I really appreciate your input.

So I think the ultimate lift kit is out cause I do want to spend a but less money but I was looking at the
3" lift kit with Bilstein 5100 Height adjustable Coilovers


If I were to go with this would this be what I should do...

Rear Lift Options: Dakar rear leaf springs
Front diff drop kit: 4x4 only

Would I need to purchase anything else or is this all I would need to get my 3" lift?

Thank You

I do plan on reading up on it first and seeing what people have to say about it before any purchase is made...

Thank You

 

You forgot Upper Control Arms! Big expense and definitely needed with a 3" lift to get your alignment within spec.

With the Dakars, there are a couple small items that you should consider, extended centering pins in case you need axle shims later on, axle shims and a carrier bearing drop kit. These are fairly inexpensive parts and you can buy them with your kit to save shipping costs. The CB drop kit and shims can help eliminate driveline vibrations post install but not everyone uses them or needs them. It seems to be sort of case by case unfortunately.

 

Their is no option for UCA on the one I listed... ?

This one right here

 

im running 5100 front and rear with them set at 2.5 in of lift...i did not need a diff drop or carrier bearing drop nor did i need new upper control arms...alignment is good and ride is great...i have rear blocks for now but i recomend a 1.5in add-a-leaf or full leaf packs...

 

UCA's aren't part of Toytec's lift kits. You'd have to go through one of the companies I listed above (Camburg, Total Chaos, Downsouth Motorsports, Icon, Light Racing and I'm sure there are others I'm forgetting).

At a true 3" lift you'd be very lucky to get your alignment within spec without new upper control arms. You can put a 3" lift on without new upper control arms but it'll mostly likely handle like crap since you can't get the caster within spec. You might be able to sacrifice some camber to get caster within spec but that means your front tires will sit like this \/ and you'll wear down your tires quicker.

 

I put the downsouth motorsports UCAs on mine. Quality product and couldnt be happier w/ my lift choice (same as pugga). Dont forget installation costs, alignment cost, etc...(eventual tire upsize). It adds up quick, but SOOO worth it! You'll be very happy w/ the lifted truck