Advice needed!!

I have a 2WD manual, 2003, Tacoma; its XtraCab model SR5 (It’s clean and in almost mint condition). It’s very low (Car like) to the ground. I want it to be at least the height of a standard PreRunner, but ideally the TRD model. So here’s my question: Should I buy a lift kit for it?!

 

If that's what you want, then go for it! Here's the biggest you can go with our little tacos with standard lifts:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/97-5lug-build.195038/

The standard is Fabtech or Doestch Spindles in front for 3+ inches, and then a Add-a-Leaf and Shackles in back for about 3.5 inches. Add in 30x9.5r15 tires and wheels and you're almost to the average pre-runner's height and look, but with a about an extra inch wider stance on either side.

Here's a pic from that guy's build before he did the body lift and fiberglass fenders:

 

His build helps! Thanks!!

 

So the Fabtech kit will lift it mostly in the front? Is that why I need the rear Shackles?

 

So it depends on what you mean by "kit". I was talking about just the front Fabtech spindles, which obviously only bring up the front by a solid 3". If you get the "full kit" from Fabtech, I believe it also has performance shocks and an Add-a-Leaf (AAL) for the back. Most trucks already sit higher in the back, so AAL may level you out perfectly. Even if not level, you likely don't need shackles if you go the "full kit" route.

Im going with AAL + shackles in back, but I may end up needing new shocks to handle the travel length. Since any lift in back should be able to clear 30x9.5r15 tires, why not try just shackles or AAL and see if you end up wanting to go higher.

EDIT: Btw, my current picture is with just an AAL in back, so you can see the height you get from that. It's a decent lift if your stock leaf springs aren't sagging too much.

 

Here is the Kit I'll be using.

 

I'd like to use 235/75R15 Tires. Would those fit, look small, or be to big for my truck? Sorry for hitting you with so many questions.

 

So that kit is Spindle + AAL. Should be fine. Install it and see if you want to go another 1.5-2" in the back. If you like it, keep it. If not, buy some shackles.

235/75r15 tires are only 28.9" in diameter and 9.3" across. They should fit just fine considering you can suposedly just barely fit 30"x9.5" tires with the spindles, and your ideal tires have .5" less radius. I found these numbers using this tool:

 

Thanks again for all of your help. I'll post the final look in the next 2 months. Wish me luck!!