Newbie needs some help

Hey guys, I'm new to the site and the Tacoma realm. I got into a 07 AC 4WD SR5 this previous July and it has remained stock. I'm going to need some new tires pretty soon and with just getting my taxes back I figure I might as well lift it while I'm at it.

Before I start I just want to put it out there that I know NOTHING about suspension. I have a couple of buddies that have lifted jeeps and what not but my experience with them is NONE. That being said I have done my due diligence on here, trying to dig around as to not piss anybody off, but the reality is that I need more help than I am finding.

So here’s what I want. 2.5"-3" of lift and 33" tires. I will not be off roading, it will be mainly for looks. I also am fresh out of college and don't have the kind of cash to be going all in on a lift.

I have pretty much narrowed it down between the Pro Comp and the Bilstein 5100s. The reviews on here for the Pro Comp pretty much reiterate that it is very stiff but good on the wallet. I am leaning more towards the 5100s but I do have some questions.

1) Would I only have to purchase the 4 shocks? That’s it? Bolt em' on and go?
2) If not what else would I need to by? (remember this is just a daily driver)

I apologize in advance to the people that this post is going to piss off. I don't mean to be the typical "newb," I'm just looking for some help and you guys are the best. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

welcome first and foremost haha. I have the 5100's and i really like them because they give you multiple options with just one shock (for the front). But as far as the just bolt on and go theory, its a little more complicated that that. If you buy the 5100 adjustable ride height with coils then yes you can just bolt them in and go. But that comes with options too, like the Old Man Emu (OME) coils or Eibach, or whatever else, then just make sure you set the shocks at 0 (zero) height. The coils themselves will provide the lift. If your just buying the shock with out the coils then you will have to place your stock coils to your new shocks and since they are used you might not get the full capacity out of your lift. As for the rear, Personally I like the Add-a-leaf set up. Some will say just go with a 1' block, its up to you, both are fairly simple to install. Or you might not want to even lift the back and just throw some 5100's in the rear for what i think is a better ride over stock. But for the money either lift will suffice at a decent price that wont kill your wallet. I got my front 5100's for $210 and the rears for $170 so for that price there's not a whole lot to complain about.

I apologize if my response seems a bit lengthy haha.

 

Could you point me in the direction on where I can find these. I tried doing a search for 5100s with eibachs but it might as well be in a different language.

 

Have you read this?

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html

 

I have but it just doesn't register with me. I'm trying to get as much information on the 5100s in the most dumbed down way that I can. The problem is that I know nothing about suspensions.

 

http://www.bilsteinus.com/fileadmin/user_upload/user_upload_us/pdfs/Bil_LevShks_WebArticle.pdf

I found this to be helpful, along with the endless threads on here. I am going w/ the 5100s all around, fronts set at 1.75". I will change that to a 2.5" and do an AAL when I need new tires, but right now, with the tires I'm running, I don't want a huge lift -- my tires right now are 265/65/17. Check out Down South Motorsports.

 

Hows the M.P.H.?? Is yours the 4.0 six speed man. Do u like the sound system in yours? Mine doesnt even have 10,000 on it yet I think the gas milesage will get better after that. I still use regular 10-30 oil how-bout u?? Thanks

 

toyteclifts.com is a good place to start. Where are you from, Its always good to check with your local 4x4 shop they always have the best info and can help you get set up for what your looking for at the right price range.

 

Mine is the 4.0 6speed with 285/75/16 and I'm averaging about 23ish miles/gallon... better measured at 350 miles per tank.

 

REALLY???? 23 mpg with 285/75/16 holy shit im lucky if i get 17 mpg

 

http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-1...stein-5100-series-ride-height-adjustable.html

Is this all I would need? I'm confused as to if I need to buy new springs for the front and AAL for the back to get the full 2.5"...

 

You can set the front at 2.5 with your stock coil . Most people don't like the ride . Or you can get the 5100s and new coils for a better ride . To lift the rear you need a aal or block or new leaf pack . The rear 5100 is just a shock no adjustment . Try the search button theres a million of these threads to read

 

Thanks guys. I checked out your build thread. Nice rig. I'm from Mass too. 20 mins south of Worcester.

 

Nice check this out .
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/no...24-25-anyone-interested-light-wheeling-4.html
It's stock friendly . Join if you want .

 

Quick ? If I get two 5100 for the front and a rear aal that's all I will need for a 3" lift?

 

the best thing about a manual transmission is being able to drive it easy for the better gas mileage haha. Plus I drive a lot of high way so that helps too.

 

Well in my personal experience it wasn't a full 3" lift but close enough.

 

Yeah I know not exactly 3" but I didn't want to put 3 in "" and confuse people w the in and two "" marks lol

 

Would this be enough to tuck 285s in there?

 

That's great for you . I do all hwy during the week but I'm around 16 or so.

You will still need to trim some of the fender walls. Possibly cab mount chop