Lifts and Road Trips

Long time owner, first time poster.

I've owned a stock `03 since 2004. My new 2016 just arrived and I want to customize it. I've never had a lifted truck. I want a 3" lift with complimenting wheels and tires, but we go on about 3 road trips (average 700 miles each trip) a year and I don't want any surprises...

What can I expect as far as wear and tear on the lift/tires/suspension/etc, mpg's, handling, high speeds, etc...??

Got me thinking that while on these road trips, it's rare to see lifted Tacomas/Trucks on the highway... Either there's a good reason for it, or I just haven't really noticed...

 

You probably just haven't noticed, lifted Tacomas are everywhere here in SoCal.

I have about a 2" lift on my '04 and it drives just fine on the highway, maybe some slight wandering but that's because I chose not to upgrade my upper control arms when I bought my lift kit. Just be sure to buy a quality suspension lift (no body lifts or drop bracket lifts) and you'll be fine.

For 1"- 3" of lift, Bilstein 5100s with OME coils and AALs (add a leafs) for the rear are a very popular choice around here, that's what I have on my truck. They make kits for all generations of Tacomas.

I'm running 5100s all around (set to 0"), OME 881 coils up front (giving me about 1.5" of lift) and 3 leaf AALs in the rear (giving me about 2.5" lift in the rear).

Ordered the complete kit through Headstrong Offroad for under $900 if I recall correctly, that included having them assemble the shocks/coils for me. Another $400 to get it installed at a local shop with an alignment.

Again, no issues with driving at highway speeds and I think the ride quality overall is greatly improved.

Hope this helps!

 

Awesome. That makes me feel a bit better. Thanks. SoCal is one of our destinations every year, and yes, I do see them on the freeways in cities, but not so much on the desert highway going 80mph for 5 hours between Arizona and Cali was more of what I was referring to.

Also, thanks for te recommendations on the setup. I will bookmark this for when I'm ready to buy.

 

@eon_blue ,

Hows the ride feel on the 881 for ur truck ima about to pull the trigger on ome springs but not sure which one 881 or 882 not planning to put weight out front . just pick up a toytec 2" aal for the rear .

Any advice would be a preciated

 

The ride is great, feels like stock in my opinion. My only regret with the 881s is that I barely got an inch of lift when I was looking for 2. If you have the v6 and 4wd you'll probably get the same

 

Thnks for the reply i got v6 2wd u think ill can get the 2" lift

 

Congrats. Eon_blue said it well. We like Icon suspensions, as that's what we run, but sounds like you're on your way.