Opinions on Top Plate Spacer or leveling kit

ok, so I'm super cheap, so I wanted a lift at lowest cost, basically takes out those $1K suspension lifts or billies 5100, and I already have a skyjacker 2'' leveling kit

http://www.topguncustomz.com/p-4482-2-05-09-toyota-tacoma-skyjacker-4x4-leveling-lift-kit-.aspx

question 1: is that the same as a top plate spacer?

question 2: on ebay these leveling kits look the same as coil spacers? how do i tell the difference, if they are different?

I read from chris4x4 that top plate spacers can cause premature wear to ball joints, and how bad would it be to use this, or a 3'' spacer?

I wanted to get a lift as cheap as possible, so I was thinking about 3'' spacer in front, and 1.5'' add a leaf in rear, should I just stick to this leveling kit, to save my suspension?

also they have 2'' leveling kits on ebay for like $50 shipped, how different is this skyjacker one?

thanks in advance, sorry so many newb q's

 

I just installed a 2" top plate spacer on my DC, it gave me the perfect amount of lift for a level truck, i went round and round on what to do but ended up going with the spacer because i dont go offroadin with my truck (if you do id go with the billies) i was able to get a little more lift than with a set of billies because they would have only given me 1.75" (2.5"would be too high) and the top plate spacer doesnt preload the springs, it actually rides better than before. spacers get a bad wrap on this site which i can understand if its an in coil spacer, but the top plate ones are a good option for some, however i wouldnt go over 2.5", then you may run the risk of some premature wear.

 

I was looking at those lifts on eBay too.
Spacer in front for 3" & a 2" block or aal in the rear for $125 shipped.

 

i think i'm most likely going to go with that option, i just started getting some ideas on how i should maximize the install, because another member was going to help me install some used trd billies and i already have the leveling kit, so i figured why not just go 3 inches while we're doing it, and i don't offroad either, but good call on the excess wear, and this way, i don't have to touch the back

yea that was the route i was gonna take, i just can't figure out why it's soo much cheaper

 

Do NOT get a spacer lift of any kind. What youve read about them messing up the rest of your suspension is true. you can go to DSM and get billies (front and rear) for $300. Probably a bit more than you wanted to pay but its better to do it right than have issues down the road.

 

yea man, i know you're right, but it's that upfront cost that deterring me, i appreciate the advice though

 

top spacer or billies, the change in the angle is still the same.....as long as you dont exceed 2.5" itll be ok.

 

after wildcattaco's advice, i was kinda thinking bout just getting the fronts, thanks for ur input as well

i just went outside to look at it, i was thinking the same thing, so i think u just sold me on just using the leveling kit i already have

 

heres the bottom line:



http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/226671-2nd-generation-tacoma-suspension.html

 

thanks again oaker, it really helped clarify things

 

x2