Need advice on a lift for my Taco...

Need some assistance...I am looking to get a 3" suspension lift on my 13' Taco. I'm a chick with no experience in this field but want to surprise my husband when he returns from deployment. Any suggestions/pics? Talked to dealership looks like a near 5k investment which I'm ok with. Thanks y'all!

 

Important part here will be the budget. You stated that you're okay with 5K. You could get a higher end lift kit for that price. Is the lift going to be geared for looks, function, or both? Also, does the truck have upgraded bumpers, sliders, or skid plates? Most people will tell you to stay away from spacer lifts (cheapest option). Mid level cost would be the 5100 or OME route ($1000-$1600 range(includes UCA's)). Upper end would be Icon, Fox, King ($2000+).

Does the 5K also include wheels and tires?

Personally I'm doing an full OME lift and its going to be roughly $2000 in parts and installation. Tires and wheels another $2100.

 

First, welcome Lucy.

^This is a good idea.

Yea $5k (just for suspension) is alot unless you are going to do serious offroading. However, this will buy pretty much the top of the line suspension like King/Icon/Fox.

There is a lot of info here, and will give you a pretty good idea of what you want. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html

 

Great insight! Thank you. I'll def do my homework. I am looking at about an 8K investment total but am willing to pay more for the best don't want mediocre work. It will be both for looks and function after my military service is up we are planning on moving to the hill country side of Texas so need something tough. We haven't upgraded anything on her since we bought her.

 

Glad I signed up here I would of been taken for an expensive ride if I didn't come across this forum!

 

I suspect that you want it to look good and ride great. Do it once.... do it right.

ICON Vehicle Dynamics

http://iconvehicledynamics.com/shop/405-2005-Tacoma

Look at what you want, what you're comfortable with doing, the purpose of the lift, and the money you can spend, (Don't forget install costs.)

Then phone:

Marie at Headstrong: http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/

and then:

Toyota Dan at Wheelers: http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/

They'll both steer you in the right direction and give you the best deal.

If you have that kind of money to spend, do it right the first time.

ICON is the best for all round performance IMHO.


Street ride - check
Off road for you (light to medium) - check
Gravel roads - check
Wash board roads - check
Logging roads - check
Blacktop - check
Highway - check
Mall crawling - check
Hauling - check
Looks - check
Quality - check
Durability - check
Support - check
Warranty - check
Coolness- double check

Street, light to medium off road on an un-butchered Tacoma gives maximum comfort.

(I learned my lesson. Shoulda, woulda, coulda done it the first time)

 

Ask an off road shop about install in your area or convince your friends to help. Stay away from dealerships$$$
For a fairly simple install with good performance and won't break the bank Old Man Emu is great. Have had mine on 5 years with 0 problems. Icon, Total chaos, ect wasn't in my budget at the time.

 

1) Yup, that'll work. I'll take your money.... I happen to have this on sale.... "BTW, what color is your truck, Miss?"

2) It's in her budget to do it right.

 

Welcome Lucy, to give you an idea I am at about $5800 overall total cost including ICON remote reservoir front and rear, Camburg upper control arms, Wheelers HD 3 leaf progressive add a leaf, wheels and tires. this includes doing the work myself. I am not sure what labor would cost. I am getting the tires mounted and balanced to the new rims and an alignment done hopefully this Friday. Overall with the additional cost of the ECGS bushing (on order) and the M&B with alignment I am at close to $6500. I went through YotaDan at wheelers and he really helped me out and gave me the best deal. He is very helpful if you PM him and let him know what you are looking for. here is a link to my install with PICS http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/362591-icon-going.html Have fun reading about the many options and good luck with your decision, It took me like 8 months to decide...

 

Wife of the year award! Congrats and make sure to keep us posted as you go along with the process.

 

^^^ X2

 

Thank you! I was overwhelmed when I first started researching now I think I can make this happen between work, school, son's T-Ball. I'll keep y'all posted!

 

Fox would be your best bet from the research that I've done. Do to the difference in how they're valved.

Hit up all pro so they can set you up with fox DSC shocks and their lead spring pack.

 

It is true that FOX's as well as KING's are very good shocks. ICON/ADS/CAMBURG are very good as well. ICON's are digressive and FOX/KING are valved progressive. Each have their own positives and negatives based off of everyone's personal preference. OP, it is not an easy choice and the best thing to do in my opinion would be to talk to the sales reps at Wheelers, Downsouth Motorsport, etc. they sell multiple different products and may not be as biased as people who have spent their hard earned money on X brand. As an example I was sure that I wanted KING brand shocks, after talking to a couple of different venders I was sure that I wanted a full (stage 4) ICON kit. Then after much more discussion with YOTA Dan we worked together to build a kit from various manufacturers that I am very happy with.

 

****UPDATE****
Well after being extremely busy with my two kids, two dogs, school and full time job I went with a local lift shop and I must say I am thrilled that hubby loved the end result! (I'm still not too savvy with all the specifics.) 6" BDS suspension, 35s Mickey Thompson, Fuel Beast wheels

 

Looks really good!!!!