Is this a good lift Kit?

Hi everyone reading, I'm new to TW. I recently bought a bone stock '98 extended cab with a V6 and a 5spd. I absolutely LOVE my truck so far and have been looking into a possible suspension lift. I have basic hand tools, however I'm 16 and don't have a bunch of money.... is this a reasonable lift for the price? http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...with-5100-shocks-for-95-04-Tacoma_p_1137.html
I'm trying to figure out what I will need in terms of suspension parts in order to get a good 2-3 inches of lift. If anyone can give me thoughts on this lift kit, or if they know of something better and could let me know that would be awesome.

Also, are AAL's better/ easier to install than adjustable shackles?

Thanks!

 

Since you are 16 and on a budget, I highly suggest trying to stay a hair under 3" of lift. A lot of times (not always), 3" lifts need UCAs. You can also save a few bucks using the same stock coils. A 2.5" lift typically won't need UCAs.

You could go with aftermarket coils such as the Toytech you listed. HOWEVER pay attention to the Spring Rate. I've heard that Toytech rides a little on the stiff side. A lot of members recommend Old Man Emu coils.

Not sure on AAL vs Shackles. Hopefully another member will chime in.

@HeadStrong Off-Road will generously answer any questions with suspension and have a good amount of suspension choices on their website that I suggest checking out.
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/c46/Tacoma_First_Gen_Product_.html

 

The Bilsteins are a cost effective and good entry level kit. With limited tools or capacity the shackles may be easier to install for you. As @DustStorm4x4 suggested the OME coils may be a little better ride.
Are the condition of the current leafs? If they need to be replaced anyways I'd also consider Old Man Emu. We'd be happy to help you finding a good suspension kit for your application. We sell all major brands, shoot me a PM and we can get you set up.

 

I just orders bilstein 5100 adjustables up front and am wondering if replacing springs is necessary. I also have a 98, so would it be worth it to get new springs as well. Seems as though we are in similar situations OP. Any advice is good advice.

 

New springs can provide a better ride quality especially if you are maxing out the lift in the shocks. The OEM springs can have a rough ride when you compress the spring and add preload.

 

I have the bilsteins in the front and had a local outfit redo the rear springs to match the front lift, I used the stock front springs and I don't notice any real difference in the ride.

 

I had this as my first lift. Its not bad for a starter kit. If you could wait a bit and save some more I would go OME. After adding weight, it wasn't as good as it originally was.

 

I just got done installing the adjustable Ultimate lift with the silver Eibach #620 springs. You can not sub with any other spring in the kit you're looking at. Much stiffer than stock springs but that also eliminated body roll. Only had it off road once so far and it was terrific. My truck is a dbl cab so i think your truck would be a lil stiffer. Its a superb lift. I would spring for longer u bolts if you go with aal. I also put braided brake lines on front and back and that was a huge upgrade for my 32" red letter grabbers. I would think these shocks on stock springs would give a plush ride as well. I was told by Toytec OME is best if you're adding weight like bumpers or wench

 

I went with 883 OME springs and Bilsteins up front- if you're not planning on a winch and bumper then either 881, or 882 coils would work, Check with Dan @ Wheelers which one does what again. For the rear I went with the OME heavy exp/AAL leaf springs since I haul weight. So far so good, nice ride. Will know more when I go out wheeling this fall.
I tried Daystar AAL and they lasted about 2 yrs before they both broke in 2 places each. I think if you want to go with an AAl for interim use till you can afford to upgrade, go with as long a leaf as possible. Or you could track down somebodies old set and cut the eyes of the main springs and use that, may not give giant lift but it can help out some and is a lot cheaper. If you cut off the eyes, use a cut off wheel on a grinder and diamond cut the ends, as well as taper the edges.

 

I agree with dust storm, either save or don't hit 3" of lift because UCAs arent cheap. Personally I have an OME lift with 881s, a toytec aal, total chaos UCAs and the top plate spacer in the front. The ride isn't fantastic but I don't have much to compare it to. I spent $1700 for everything and Im pretty happy with it (looking back I would've gotten the 883's however). You could probably get some used stuff for a decent price too, so look around..

 

I have this lift and feel it's pretty good. However, understanding you don't have a lot of $$, go a little extra and get the leaf packs. I have aal and just bought ome leaf packs which will go on this weekend. This aal is ok but won't give any real support when you put a lot of crap in the bed or ride quality. Go 883 in the front. It be a little stiffer but, if you plan on a winch/bumper in the (nearish) future it'll work out well for you.
I'd say don't get in a rush, do your homework and $ave for quality. There are lots of good opinions on this site.

 

I put on this lift about a year ago when I was 17 and I love it. I have it set at the max 3 inches and have not had any issues except for a bit stiffer of a ride due to the stiff 620lb spring rate.
@willie64 is right though, I also went with the AAL and a full truck bed of camping gear maxes out the leafs.
Its pretty easy to install and will give you plenty of room for some 33's
Would highly recommend for a first lift

 

Whhhaaaaaaat? I was right? I'm telling my wife! According to her, I'm never right.

 

I beleive we should ask what you intend to do with your truck? If you're looking at minimal light offroad action, this should be good enough for you. Like a few others have mentioned, be mindful of how high you set this up.I was lucky enough to get my piece of shit spacer lift with aal for free. My truck sits at 3" and broke the inner cv boots within a month and my factory upper ball joints went shortly after. Since then i've spent extra money for Total Chaos uca's, new boots with boot slide mod and i'm currently indecisive on what lift I will be upgrading to. Been thinking of Toytec "Ultimate" kit or the OME's just doing alot of research before i spend anymore coin

 

I have 5100s all around, fronts set to 0 with OME 881 coils and 3 leaf AAL's in the rear.

I love the setup, however I might have to pre-load the front 5100s to the first setting as the rear sits almost 2 inches higher than the back. Not sure what kind of the lift those Eibach coils provide but you might want to look into before you set it all up and realize it's either not enough or too much, depending on what you do with the front 5100s. It's recommended to leave them set to 0 for the best ride, once you start pre-loading them the ride gets really stiff.

And if you go 3" high in the front then you're going to want to get new UCA's as well

 

Thanks for the replies. After a lot of research, I've decided to go with the OME lift kit from wheelers offroad with the full Dakar leaf pack and everything. I think I want to try to hit 2.5 inches of lift, so I won't have to buy new UCA's right away. If I do this, should I go with the 881,882 or 883 coils? I plan on adding a bumper eventually, maybe for xmas. Also, will I be able to fit 285/75r16s with a little rub? Thanks!
Also sorry for the inactivity, been busy with school, lol.

 

For 2.5 inches you have 2 options. 882's or 883's. The 882's are the stock spring rate but just taller. With only having an extended cab you will likely be sitting at 3 inches maybe a hair over until they break in or you get your bumper and they should settle at about 2.5 inches after sag with a bumper. The 883 is a higher spring rate and will give you a stiffer ride. They won't sag as much if at all though. They will start out a touch over 2.5 inches but will stay at 2.5 or so with sag and a bumper. I went with the 882's on my double cab and love them.

 

Are you getting the AAL for the leaf pack?

 

I think it's a great lift kit. I bought it after I searched the web and found a 10 percent off coupon. It ended up being more work than I thought it would because my truck is rusty and I replaced control arm bushings and power steering rack bushings also. The add-a-leaf probably stiffened the rear but I was hoping to get more suspension travel compared to a rear block lift. With this lift, wheels and 32" tires I spent way more than I wanted to but I am very happy with the look and ride. I also added the daystar super shackle which gave me more lift in the rear.



This was right after the lift and before a buddy gave me a killer deal on some 32" MTR's

 

those struts are setup wrong in the picture.