NEWBIE here looking for lift kit advice

im use to the old school lifts with straight axle 80s model chevys , blocks and ubolts. these newer trucks have to many choices. i think i read 7 options in the front and 4 in the back for the tacoma

 

http://www.tuffcountry.com/suspension-kit/toyota-leveling-kits.html

 

If money isn't an issue stay away from spacers.

 

Ok, here's the skinny, top spacers and body lifts are considered bad, since you don't plan on anything crazy off-road wise, and given the kind of lift you are looking for, front 5100's set at 1.75 should just about level the truck out and will still allow you to get the alignment correct, any higher and you will run into problems. Be sure to have a shop that does 4X4's do the alignment, normal shops or dealers will not be able to make it work. rear 5100's will give you a much better ride than your stock shocks, if you want a little more lift, a AAL is the easiest thing to do and not that expensive. If you want to go a little higher and tougher, OME (Old Man Emu), is considered a pretty popular choice here and can get you 3 inches in the front and a stouter rear set up. Depends on how involved you want to get, IMO, The 5100's all around should do you fine.

 

thanks, sounds like you just nailed it for me. thats what i want a couple inches in the front with a set of 275s tucked in. i need shocks in the rear now trailor and rzr make it squat pretty good. guess i better start ordering stuff next week

 

275/70/17 is what I'm running

You need an AAL , leaf pack or airbags to help support the rear while towing , shocks don't support the weight

 

Thanks Pete, I was just gonna say the same thing

 

ive got a set of bags and on-board compressor that came off my other truck been thinkin about putting them on

 

I'm running Firestone bags, I love em, perfect for hauling and towing

 

i would have to look and see what mine are, i think they are airlifts maybe....double bags double gauges double switches and compressor mounts under hood. i think it will pump up to 100psi

 

Well, the ones that firestone makes are just fopr the Tacomas, IDK if yours would fit right

 

mine are universal havnt tried to see. they are made for 1/2 ton 4x4s. had them on a 2wd 1500 chevy rode alittle stiff

 

If it works then that would be an easy way to go, i have 5100's set at 1.75 in the front, stock sport springs, 5100's in the rear, 2 inch aal from wheeler's and firestone ride rite airbags which i usually run at around 15lbs unloaded. For the stock leafs, this set up is pretty damn tough, i DO NOT recommend this but i have hauled 3500lbs in the bed so you can see how tuff this set up is.

 

the truck is still level

 

but how is the ride unloaded , any stiffness at all with the bags

 

Not if I leave them fully deflated or with only a few pounds