Help me pick a lift kit

I purchased an 05 double cab 4x4 trd OR about 2 months ago and have been researching lifts for the past two months and have narrowed it down to two options at the moment.

Before I go any further I should probably mention how I will be using the truck. The truck is my dd, will not be off roaded often, and when it is I don't beat the balls off of it. Also ride quality is important to me.I would also like to achieve as close to 3+ inches as I can.

Option 1:
Complete ome kit from headstrong offroad with 887 coils and 90021 struts and NO UCA'S (comes to about $1225)

Option 2:
Billies with 887 coils and AAL with a diff drop and some LR UCA's ($1062)

So of this two options which is my best bet. I know having the UCA's is huge but the Dakar springs seem nice also.

 

I may be a 5 lug but I can tell you upgraded UCA's give you more travel which is worth more in the end run.

 

If you really want the 887 coils with no skids or extra weight you are more than likely going to need the Uca's. You can always. Get the leafs later. Do it once right.

 

I chose the 887 coils because I was under the impression they are the same spring rate as the 885s just longer, so they would give me a little more lift. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong

 

At that height I'd say get UCAs. Even at 2" I can't get my caster up where I want it and will be adding UCAs soon. I have been very pleased with my 5100s. If you find you want more rear lift and/or load carrying ability you can upgrade to dakars later.

 

That is correct

 

Go with option 2 if you are anal about proper alignment at all. I went option 2 but without UCAs and I wish I had done the UCAs. Alignment isn't terrible by any means but it does still pull slightly and there is some steering wheel shakiness. If I could do it over again I definitely would have gotten the UCAs with my lift.

Aside from that, the billies with 887s ride great and I'm very happy with the stance.

 

I just installed a 3" lift kit (http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/3-lift-kit-with-Bilstein-5100-Front-Coilovers_p_364.html) , a set of 275/70R17 BFG KO2's on SCS SR8s and also did the LR UCA's. My comment is less about which kit (I think either of those will get what you're after) but more on the choice of UCA or no UCA.

I highly encourage getting the UCAs, particularly a design that has camber and caster adjustment like the LR UCA's do. With a 2005 you stand a chance that the adjustment bolts on the lower control arms are frozen and after the lift you wont be able to recover on caster (or camber) angle (you will hate your truck if lifted and driving with a too small / steep a caster angle... think about a bicycle with little fork rake... at highway speed.) Also I'd highly encourage asking around and finding an alignment shop willing to work outside of factory ranges for alignment before you switch out parts (hint: lots of good reports going with 3* caster / 0 camber / 0 toe after a lift kit... these aren't factory specs and not every shop is willing to or even knows how to work with aftermarket parts.)

Plus I'd be sure you ask your vendor of choice about rear axle degree shims and also a carrier bearing drop if a two piece drive shaft. Heck even getting tire pressure wrong (as in stupid high) after a lift and on new tires can "ruin" the experience for some guys (get to know the chalk test if you don't already and are going the bigger tire route.)

I can tell you at least for me going the route of not trying to cheap out has paid off. Between aftermarket UCA's and going in assuming I needed to be prepared to adjust drive line / u-joint angles the extra money and work has been worth it. I don't have steering or vibe issues and the truck rides better than stock.

FWIW I use my truck much as you described.