New member looking for lift/levelling info

Hi everyone, I am a new member and this is my first post. After much reading in many threads, I feel like a now know a little and am also more confused at the same time.
I have a stock 08 TRD double cab and I am looking to lift/level it to about 2-3". I am looking at new tires to put on my stock wheels that I plan on refinishing in black. Thinking about 235/80/17's? I want a tire that is a little taller but not interest in a real wide tire.
So with that being said, what is my best option for the lift/level? I see a lot of talk about the Bilstein 5100's? My main reasons for the lift/level are some more clearance, a better ride and looks of course. I wont be doing any heavy off-roading.
Your input will be appreciated.
Thanks Fellas!

 

5100's are the best bang for the buck. If you go that route, there are 4 settings 0, .85, 1.75, & 2.5. The 1.75" is about 2" lift. The higher you go, the stiffer the ride will become. Once you get to the 2.5" setting, you will likely need to add aftermarket upper control arms to be able to keep your alignment within spec.

Others will replace the coils, and use them with 5100's set lower, to gain lift, and retain better ride quality. Obviously this will cost more.

 

ok, thanks Fitz235,

So if I went with just the 5100's, it would be like this kit?
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...ht-adjustable-5100-front-and-rear-5100-shock/

And if I wanted to go with the coils it would be like this kit?
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...ilstein-adjustable-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks/

Are there any other parts that would have to be ordered besides what comes with the kits?

Or are there different kits you would recommend?

 

Do yourself a favor and go to Headstrongoffroad.com and talk to Marie. Parts will be cheaper and you will get great Customer Service. I have 5100's up front right now at 1.75 but want to go higher. So now I have to buy new springs and such. Should have just done it in the beginning. So think long term and just get a nice set up up front to start off with, and don't do a single AAL in the back. Do maybe a 1.5 Progressive AAL in the back. These are just thoughts as I am in the middle of doing this right now myself. And remember each truck is different you might need new UCA's at 2.5 inches, but you will need them if you go higher than that to get the alignment to spec.

 

The first kit is what many go with if your just doing 5100's.

The 2nd kit has some options that many here will steer you away from. The differential drop kit is one of those. Many guys say not only is it not needed, but it can actually cause damage. The rear blocks are another one. And many have no love for the single AAL. The main complaint with the single AAL, is the ride quality. I have a 2" single AAL, and the ride is definitely firmer, but not harsh. I actually like the way it rides. The consensus on the single AAL, vs. the multi-leaf AAL, is that the multi has a better ride, and the single has better load handling.

One thing the 2nd kit doesn't have that you will likely need, if you go over 1.5" in the rear, is a carrier bearing drop kit (basically a couple of spacers) (Mine was $12).

A disclaimer for anyone wanting to lift over 1" in the front, is that you may get the front differential vibration due to the increased driveline angles. The cure for this is the ECGS bushing.

Find what you want to go with, and shop around. There are a lot of vendors on this site that are very helpful, and may give discounts for being a member.

I'll give props to Wheeler's. They were a great vendor to deal with.