lift kits. Do it right the first time

I know theres a lot of treads on here regarding lifts and what not. But I'd just like to share with other trigger happy newbies that want a lift, but don't know whether they should buy expensive or cheap. So allow me to be a newbie who will back up the phrase "do it right the first time".

I've always wanted a lift on my truck and lurking around on here didn't help with my craving. I finally gave in one day and did the most basic of searches. Whats the difference between spacer and body lifts. By the power of Google I decided spacer lift was the way to go. Next day I went on line and bought a cheap 3inch levelling kit for about 300-350 shipped. With the help of a buddy we installed it and shortly after the new bigger rubber went on.

I was so stoked it looked bad ass. But then came the rubbing issues. I started to search a bit more deeper on here at other 3inch lifts and mine looked different. It never looked like it was lifted a true 3 inches. I started digging even more and decided that the spacers had to go and saved up for one of the more common mid range priced lifts that I've seen on here. Old Man Emu and billies. I went with OME.

Needless to say this lift was way more money than my super cool spacer lift. But from what I've seen and read on here. Everyone loves them and from the pictures or build threads, I could see why. So I bit the bullet once again and order my OME lift and holy sweet balls of fire. The difference in height is unreal and ride quality improved for me. And that rubbing issue I had, gone.

Now Im not saying spacers are bad and I don't mean to start a debate. The spacers I had worked fine for what I planned on using my truck for. But when a 3inch lift doesn't look like all the other 3 inch lifts out there. What ever it might be. One would start to question whats wrong or why it doesn't look the same. So below are two pictures of my taco. Taken on the same road about a month apart. Both pictures have a 3 inch kit on them. Top pic being spacer and bottom OME. I'd like to point out the height difference, specially by the driver side wheel well. If you can't really see what I mean. In the first picture wheel well is almost level with the top of the center hub. Second picture its almost level with the bead of the rim.

Thats my story, I hope this kinda helps anyone who's trying to decide if they should go cheap or spend a little more. Don't be me and buy the two lift kits with in one year. Do it right the first time if you can.
Cheers

 

Good post Tim. Truck looks great. +1

 

Truck looks great! Big fan of Fuel Rims

 

You spell "tread" wrong, it's "thread"

 

Thanks guys! and apparently my proof reading isn't as great as I'd like.

 

LOL just pulling you're leg

 

Looks good!
did you AAL on the back?
Front end looks a little higher then the back

 

I always tell people in all the suspension threads to do it right the first time. I'll add you to the list of examples I use. Looks good!

 

I did a 2inch aal in the back. front as the 886 spring with 1/4 inch spacer for a plate bumper and winch in the future

 

Thanks, glad my mistakes can help others lol

 

I figured as much

 

YUP

Daystar 2.5" spacers + rear blocks

3 months later

uniballs/887/Dakars

 

Now bite the bullet for some OME dakars. You'll have a whole new truck and get rid of the front high stance.

Nice truck

 

Someone told me "buy once, cry once" that's kinda what I based my decision off of as far as getting a good suspenion. Buy it and spend the extra money and cry a little but then it'll be worth it in the long run for sure!