Recommendations for a 4" lift on a 2013 Stock Taco TRD Sport.

So I'm trying to figure out what kind of lift I want for my '13 taco. I'm totally brand new to all this mod-ing and such and just wanted some more expert and experienced advice from fellow Taco owners. The thing is is that I live in Hawaii so I don't go off roading at all. I'm mostly looking at a lift for looks. And I've done a meager amount of reaserch into them and it seems that having a 6" susp lift like I originally wanted will require me to cut into the frame and void my warranty which I don't want to do. I've also heard terrible reviews about body lifts and block lifts (I'm guessing they're the same thing), so naturally I'm trying to steer away from those. I've also been told that to do a lift will require more outside work than just the lift itself, requiring like re-gearing, and sometime new axles and so on and so forth. So really what I'm asking is, if I were to go for a lift, what one(s) would you recommend and what all would be required for installing them from start to finish. Any and all advice is appreciated. Mahalo.

 

Welcome to TW. This link is a good starting point for understanding what kinds of lifts are out there and which is recommended:

http://www.tacomahq.com/66/tacoma-leveling-lift-kit/

As far as recommending lifts go, what is your budget? 3" seems to be the route you are looking to go, correct?

 

I can have a pretty big budget if I wanted too. Thanks for the link I'll be sure to check it out and try to understand it all.

 

4x4 or prerunner?

 

Yeah it's just the 4x4, no prerunner.

 

this will be your choice then with a 4x4

 

That's what I've heard for the body lifts, is to not get them. I'm still trying to obtain a good 4" lift though if possible with out the body lift

 

Why is 4" of lift a requirement?

 

You can't get 4" of lift out of the suspension on a Tacoma. If you try you'll end up with a CV angle that'll end up wrecking the CV's fairly quickly. So without a body lift or drop bracket lift there isn't any way to get a 4" lift that will be reliable (the body lift is a terrible idea and the DB lift involves cutting some of the front of the frame cross member as already mentioned).

If money is not a problem why not go for the 3" lift with a Toytec or OME kit and see if you like it? With either you can get 3" of lift with just the suspension and a good ride. If you don't like the look you can sell that kit and get a 6" Pro Comp drop bracket lift that will look the way you want it but require some frame cutting. It's really not a big deal to do a drop bracket kit with a good installer but it is harder to reverse a drop bracket lift if you don't like it.

 

Anything over 3" of only suspension lift is probably going to cost you 1K at the very least if you're a 4x4. Got to cut that crossmember.

 

A 4" lift was a requirement because I didn't know until after reading these posts that only a 4" would mess up the CV joints, and that a standard Tacoma suspension was not possible to accommodate a 4". After reading this I realize I might have to settle for a 3" or upgrade to a 6" with shop installation and warranty void.

 

I hate to break it to you but any lift could potentially void some of your warranty. IF the dealership can reasonably prove that whatever damage you are trying to have warrantied was caused by your lift kit than they can refuse the warranty work. If they can't prove it you can take them to court. Keep in mind going to court can take time and, in general, is no where near as good an option as people make it out to be.

In theory, a Pro Comp lift kit with drop brackets will actually do less to take your CV's out of there proper angles than a suspension lift will... and a lot of dealerships will install either lift but at a much higher cost than an independent shop.

 

Ok, so if I were to do a drop lift on the standard 4x4 TRD sport, I've heard there would be some re-gearing I would need to do, and possibly get stronger axles, with a better Dana(?) rating?

 

Much larger tires? What are we talking? I'd like bigger tires but the size would depend on if I'd need a regear and its cost. Thanks to everyone who have offered their advice thus far.

 

All the research I have done when moving to a bigger tire is you can go up to 33's before you would have to regear. I guess it is personal preference though.