2.5" Lift

I am currently looking at this ToyTec 2.5" lift, but I have some questions. Before I get too far, I am looking for more ground clearance without completely re-engineering the suspension. I actually like the way the truck handles now. So my questions are:

1) Will this kit require anything beyond an alignment job? If so, what should I look out for?

2) There are two options for the rear lift, 2" and 1.5" AAL. I am not looking at using a block as an option. Other than the 0.5" height difference, is there any real difference?

3) Will this lift require a carrier drop?

Thanks for any responses.

 

I wouldn't go with spacers if I were you

 

I'm looking at a minor lift too and hoping to avoid the UCA purchase if I can. Two questions:

1) What did you find in your research on this toytec lift kit/ or any other potential, low-cost kits?
2) Did you lift your truck?

 

I discovered a lot about lifts.

1) If you asks about lifts on TW all of the answers are a) Spacers suck and b) You need to spend at least $1800 to lift your rig "correctly"

2) #1 is wrong

I did end up getting a spacer lift for the front, for next to nothing actually. I cannot tell any difference in ride quality. Fuel milage "maybe" dropped by 1MPG, but I also do a LOT more city driving now. I do not race Baja, I do not "rock crawl" nor is my rig a parking lot queen. I am just a guy who goes out once or twice a month to find some decent trails and have some fun. Yes, it would be nice to spend the money on a really great suspension setup. Spacers work just fine, and cost me less than many people here spend on a tank of gas. I did the install myself, and I already get free alignments from Firestone for buying a set of tires. I did not go with the ToyTec, deals are out there if you look.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/359482-strut-spacers-who-started-them.html

make sure to join my thread once you ditch the spacers

don't put a $150 lift on a $32,000 truck

 

^^^ see ...

 

I see

 

Had mine for a year, done many trails, not just beach combing ... no issues ... skills maybe? Who knows. Is a "real" suspension lift better than spacers? Of course it is. To say otherwise would be foolish. To say spacers will break your truck just because you installed them is also foolish. If it was as common as people try to claim (I have seen those exact same pics before), either 1) no one would buy them or 2) the makers would be sued enough times stop making them or 3) it would be illegal. And yet ...

 

885's

 

1- if you dont go higher then 2.5in you should be fine for alignement
2- some aal are stiffer then others, look at the reviews for the specific one you want
3-i would suggest to see if you get vibes prior instaling carrier drop

 

Spacers are junk no matter how you try to spin it.

Can they go offroad? Sure. But they wont be anywhere in the realm of a real lift.

 

Apparently you missed the part about me not running Baja ...

 

Dont need to run baja to appreciate suspension.

Why even lift the truck if its not going to improve performance?

 

It does actually. Gives me just enough lift in the front I am no longer banging up my skid plates. And yes, I do appreciate suspension, and all of the benefits that brings to the table. All I said was I go out a couple times a month and runs trails, some them even the dreaded "five star". Honestly most trail ratings are over rated. IF, and I do mean IF I was to get more serious about off-roading, then I would probably spend the money. For light wheeling a couple times a month, spacers are just fine.

 

It has occurred to me there is a vast amount of knowledge on this subject, and a vast amount evidence to say just how bad spacers are. So, when are you filing suit with the NTSB to outlaw spacer lifts? Unless you are doing just that, you running your fingers across a keyboard.

 

Im not in favor of a nanny state.

You dont have to be so defensive over your spacers.

 

How much are you wanting to spend total? And what kind of ride are you wanting? On road, off road, speed, slow?

Edit: I just realized I posted on a really old threat brought back to life...

 

Defensive? Someone asked me a question in a thread I started nearly a year ago. I answered the question. Then come the haters, exactly as I said you would. How did I know? hmmmm ... you guys get really old showing the same four year old pics over and over again. Rehashing the same claims over and over again. Still lacking any real evidence over and over again. Its not a "real lift" unless you spend over $1k so you can sit online and tell other people how you now have a "real lift". You guys get so tiresome to listen to over and over and over again. The fact is I have a had spacer lift for a very long time, and so have many other people. Do people upgrade from there? Sure they do. It is the right thing for them. Throughout this entire thread I have tried to be reasonable, but all you want to do trash talk from behind a keyboard, over and over and over and over ... its old. Grow up.

 

https://www.google.com/search?q=str...a=X&ei=O027VMLwEYKqyATmuoCAAw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ


Damn, some of these were posted this week...

 

From the article, and every single claim of failure...

well no shit ... really?

[edit]
If you hit the front hard enough downwards without a spacer you can crush a shock.
[/edit]