Lift kit help needed…

I want to discuss two different options I am considering for my truck. I need to get advice on both systems from those that have been through this with the type truck I have.



Ok I have a 2009 double cab 4x4 TRD taco with factory 17 inch wheels. I have been reading up on all of the options for lifting my truck so that I could get a little bigger more aggressive mud tire and more clearance for trails. I don’t do any what I would call hard core off roading because I owe a lot still on my truck loan so I don’t want to ruin it in a mud hole. The truck is in immaculate shape (leather and all). This is my first 4x4 vehicle so I am very new to all of this.



I almost decided to go with a leveling kit that would be 3” in front (strut extender) and 2” blocks for the rear. Then I started reading all this bad stuff about how this will hurt the front cv shafts and reduce down travel on the front struts. Also I have read many bad things about the blocks for the rear drive shaft shaking, shock travel, etc. However this seems to be the cheapest way to gain a 3” lift with the best chance or undoing it if I ever wanted to go back factory. http://www.readylift.com/c-241-toyo...st-lift-kit-2005-2012-2wd-4wd-275-30f20r.aspx
Then I saw this truck on tacomaworld.com ( http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/toyota-trucks-suvs/24870-6-inch-lift-2009-toyota-tacoma-4x4.html ) and thought I need to look like this truck (mine is white like this and I was like wow!!!). So I wrote this guy and he told me this has a procomp stage 1 6” lift kit (http://www.procompusa.com/prodDetail.aspx?partNo=EXPK5073B&catID=1&subCat=38&ptID=3533&plID=1808 ) I assume that is the kit he used as there are 2 different 6” kits listed on the procomp site. He said that he had problems out of the factory front cv shafts after the lift and had to change them to procomp cv shafts because of the vibrations during 4 high at 50 mph or above. He ran 20" BMF wheels and 305/55R20 nitto trail grapplers (34.5" tire). This kit is like $1500 for parts and then install im guessing is at least $1000. I read this this kit requires frame cutting (cross members etc.). From what I understand there is no going back to factory once this kit is put on because of the frame cutting. A lot of people say this is way too much lift for these small trucks.



Can anyone tell good advice on which way I should go. I don’t like dash warning lights on (tires, traction, etc.) and it is very, very important the truck is reliable and still able to use 4x4 and hit the trails. I do not want popping, or vibrations. Will lifting affect power of the truck? The motor is a V6. I do not wish to re-gear anything. I thought I had it all figured out but the more I read the more confused I get. So any of you that have been through this it would be very helpful if you can help me out. So what should I do? Thanks!

 

That's pushing it for 4 wheel drive speeds....no matter what lift.

 

If you dont want to regear and you want to have the option of going back to stock then 6 inch with 35s is probably not the way to go. I am assuming you have looked into 3 inch lift with 33s. I went with a full Old man emu kit and 285/70/17 (just under 33") and i am very happy with it. I did have to do some trimming to fit the tires, so there is bo going back to stock for that.

 

I would recommend old man emu too for about a 3" lift. I have 885 coils, and 1.5" aal in the rear, all on old man emu Nitro shocks. I am running 265/75R16. I didn't want to trim anything. I've got pics in my gallery, and my build thread.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2n...oomans-super-lame-slow-build.html#post6077217

 

if you want more info about the 6in...
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/43093-fabtech-procomp-6-lift-more-pictures.html