3 vs. 6

So I am wondering what is really the difference on a 3in. vs. 6in. for off roading. I know that with a 6in. you can run 35s, which would give you more ground clearance right? But I have been hearing that 3in. lifts are better for off roading. Why is that? Also do you have to trim if you run 35s on a 6in. lift?

 

Okay thanks. Yeah I had a feeling about the top heavy part too. Will with a lift, what is special about Total Chaos UCA's? The Icon lift I looked at has UCA's, but why does Total Chaos seem more popular?

 

I think because Total Chaos is a slight bit cheaper than most uca's but built very well. The reviews go around.

 

idk if you 4x4 but if you are NOT then there is a 4" lift option, Camburg spindles! You'll love em!

 

yeah i have a 4x4..... well would a 3in. icon with 33's give me a good amount of clearance and articulation?

 

3 inch front and 33's is the ideal IFS taco lift for off road. or I should say 3 inch lift is ideal. You can always throw some 35's on with a wee bit of cutting and welding.

3 inch is better cause you have the same amount of travel in the front as a 6 inch but your center of gravity is lower which is much better for offroading

 

i got my ICON Tubular UCAs cheaper than the total chaos. reason TC is more popular is becuase they have been out way longer than the ICON Tubular UCAs

 

You can still have 4 inches of lift if you have 4x4. 3 inch suspension and a 1 inch body lift

 

6" lifts ride like shit, I know the ones that I've been in were... 3" lifts don't require you to cut the cross member off... 3" lifts are better Off Road vs 6" lifts.

 

i disagree on that one. I know I had 3" lift before, and with the 6" it rides better than it did with the 3. I think it just depends on what parts you are going to use.

 

What kind of 3in. did you have?

 

But they're both made with the same type of material?

 

If you like monster and flat bill hats a 6 inch lift and 20 inch rims will do you well. If you're just a normal guy looking for off road capability and good road manners a 3 inch lift is the way to go.

Some ext. travel coilovers and uniball UCA's up front will give you a good ride and decent off road capability (it's only an IFS suspension) and in the back a good flexy leaf pack and ext. travel shocks and longer brake lines is all you need.

I went with an OME lift with Light Racing UCA's and an AAL in the rear. Rides great, better than stock off road, and no monster or flat bill hats have been found in the truck. Oh and all together I only spent about 1100 bucks. (group buys on this site really helped out)

As for fitting tires trimming and a cab mount chop may be required depending on tire size, wheel backspacing ect. Just read around and you'll keep learning.

 

Thanks Tacomalex, that helped a lot.

With coil overs, if you got a set in the front, for a 3in. lift, and cranked them up, do they ride worse? I've heard that if you max out your C/O's its not a pleasant ride, is it true? If so where is a good meeting ground to put your C/O's?

 

I have the exact same question, this thread has been helpful. Just looking for a little more clearance and a nice off road ride.

 

You crank up your coilovers and it will be stiff. I run my coilovers around 2.5" with 600 pound springs and its a tad stiff, but realllllly rides nice offroad. On the flip side, I have a friend who bought 700 pound springs, and is cranked for 3" and there is absolutely no give in his front suspension... he bought it in anticipation of getting a bumper, since they are quite heavy... just hasn't gotten that far yet.

Honestly, if you're gonna go without a bumper I would almost suggest a 550 pound spring or maybe even less to maintain a nice ride and full travel. Get a really nice shock and you'll be set for offroad. My quarrel with my setup is with the preload, I don't have very much up travel when I go over obstactles. I'm not complaining too much yet since I haven't done a cab mount chop, I don't really want to stuff them and rub em.

Its a personal preference to me, if I didn't have the idea of getting a bumper in the future, then I might have gone with lighter coils.


My setup. Foxes.

 

Even though I have 3" via ICON's and not a 6" I would agree with you.

With 3" 'depending on what arms you use', you're never going to get 100% back to stock alignment settings and if you're turning up coilovers, you get a stiffer ride than stock.

With 6" you maintain 100% factory alignment specs, using stock arms as well as stock ride characteristics, assuming you're using the spacer junk. If you're running aftermarket coilovers with the 6", then the ride should be even better than stock, assuming you don't crank them for more lift (over 6").

With all the said I hate the 3" and 6" lifts LOL.

 

So is there a good meeting ground then for the coils? like 2-2.5in.? I would like to still fit 33's without it rubbing, and I plan on getting an All Pro front bumper and winch.

 

You are going to rub with 33's on a 3 inch lift.

 

Hmmm okay. Yeah I don't want to do a cab chop or trimming or anything. Well whats the biggest you can go without rubbing with a 3in. Lift? And would you set the coils to 2-2.5 or where is good?