Tucson Tacoma owner needs advice w/lift

I'm hoping I get some feedback from some local Tacoma owners in Tucson or Phoenix. I would like to lift my Tacoma about 2''. Nothing extreme nor do I intend to upgrade to larger tires.
My current set-up : '08 TRD 4x4 off road. Tires: 265/75/16 BFG AT 10 ply
Bilstein 5100's front set at 1.75''
Rear TSB leaf spring upgrade
I've read suspension threads extensively about lifts and there are so many pros and cons....I'm thoroughly confused and somewhat frustrated.
I'm willing to spend close to a grand but obviously would like to go cheaper - but not sacrifice the integrity of my trucks drive-train or other suspension components (cv boots, watcha-macall-its and thing-a-ma-jigs) or impact riding behavior significantly.
My off road use is primarily dirt, rutted, rocky roads. Some low 4 engagement in rough washed out roads, mud and sand. No rock crawling or Moab, Utah touring. Primarily because I don't have a lot of experience off roading.
90% of my travel is pavement, remainder is hunting excursions or Redington Pass type drives (for those of you in Tucson) Reason for lift: It looks good and a little more clearance - mainly for looks though!
I would be grateful for any suggestions or recommendations , in simple terms, (my mechanical knowledge is limited) to maybe lead me in the right direction.
Sorry it's so damm long.....I'm at my wits end. Thanks, Rocky

 

I just put a OME kit on my father inlaw's truck. I put 885 coils and OME struts with the Dakar leaf pack and new OME nito shocks. His use of the truck closely resembles what you stated. He loves it so far and it has been about 4 months. He said It rides smoother than it did stock. He is still running on stock tires right now and the truck in my opinion does not look miss proportioned. He bought everything from Will at Sierra Expeditions in Tempe.

 

Redington pass is really rutted. My friend had a 4runner that had Icon coilovers in the front and OME out back. That was by far the best ride I had on that trail, and even then on the way back the Icons got heated and ride quality started to suffer. I have em on my Truck and rutted roads they are amazing. A little rough on the street but I have em cranked to about 2.75"- 3" of lift.

 

I'm sure I will get flamed for this but here goes anyway.

Just get an Add a Leaf and front spacers w/diff drop. I wheel the shit out my AAL and front spacers and no problems yet. And its hella cheap. Besides you going mainly for looks anyway so this would be your best bet. $40 for front spacers and $40 for AAL and your done.

One day I will upgrade to a real suspension but I have put my current setup through its paces and and no problems at all. Front still rides like stock and the back is a little stiffer but still not bad at all.

 

I say Old Man Emu. Rides better then stock.


BTW: Us Tucson members aRe having a meet Thursday.

 

Thanks! So I would remove/sell my current Bilstein 5100's. Is the lift 3"? If so, is there drive-line vibrations at certain speeds? Also, are the cv boots angled too much?
Do I research OME kit or are the components purchased separately? Finally - ballpark cost estimate...I know, I'm a P.I.T.A. Sorry man....but do appreciate your input.

 

Check out our 426A kit @ www.revtek.com

 

That was my original plan but the responses were pretty negative in the suspension threads. I may still do what you did - need opinions from co-workers....THANKS!

 

Because this form and others like it are people that are more hard-core. They will always push you towards a full suspension. But in many cases that's not always necessary.

However I have had spacer lifts on both my previous Xterra and now my Tacoma and have never had a problem with them.

I have wheeled this Tacoma pretty hard I don't do crazy rock crawling or 80 mile an hour pre-running but the 4x4ing that I have done - I would consider at least moderate maybe even hard, and still never had any problems.

 

I believe you could set your bilsteins to 0 lift and add the OME 885 coils. Then you would need to purchase the Dakar leaf packs. We installed a carrier bearing spacer but never noticed a vibration before or after. If I were you I would give Will at Sierra Expeditions a call and tell him exactly what you are looking for, your intended uses,expectations and price range.He will steer you in the right direction. He test everything he sells and has to back the product before he sells it.

 

Depends on the spacer placement. If you install the spacer on the top of the coilovers it does not affect spring rate and will ride close to factory. It does however push the coil over down technically making it longer. Therefore unless you extend your bump stops you will bottom out the shock before reaching the bumps. If you extend the bump stops to prevent this you will loose up travel. Now if you install the spacer on the coil under the coil over mount you will compress the spring more to install them. That adds preload to the spring causing a stiffer spring and a harsher ride. So you have to decide what you are willing to sacrifice when going spacer lift.

 

OK, I have wheeled everywhere around Tucson as I am there. I had Eibach springs, Bilstien 5100's and Toytec AAL in back. If you want 2" that can do anything around tucson, go that route. Its quick, easy, cheap, and will ride better than stock. I can easily help you install it as I did it in mine before I went crazy with my truck.


Lizard, check your PM.

 

X2 Will is good people!

 

Pretty much what everyone said. At that pricepoint there isn't too much you can do, general consensus from what I've gathered is OME seems to be the best way to go.

That said, I can fly down Reddington like, well almost butter doing 70+ in spots with my Fox setup... muahaha.

 

I can have a lift :/

 

All good stuff!! All that info/feedback is what I was looking for. I plan on meeting other Tacoma owners Thursday at 7pm - in Tucson. Am hoping to pick some brains for additional knowledge.

All replys I received have been helpful and I'm grateful...THANKS MUCHO!

 

Well If you go with a spacer lift I have a full setup from daystar you can have including rear shocks and what not, i really just want it out of the garage