Help on lifting my new tuck

Just bought a 03 Tacoma 2.4l RWD w/ 45k miles for under 10k! And now with being under nearly 5k on my budget I'd really like to lift it a few inches to eventually get larger tiers. Looking around all day it seems that most of the kits will not fit the 5 lug bolt pattern on my rims, which I think is an indicator of the shock tower location/style (my front shock towers end inside the wheel well and do not extend through the engine bay like on other models). I'm open to both options (either a body lift kit or a suspension lift kit). Is this an option? From my research so far it doesn't seem like lifting this truck will be easy. Any recommendations?

 

Since you have a 5 lug, there isn't nearly as much of a following for lifting those unless you're going to make a Baja style pre-runner and spend some serious time on fabrication.

IIRC there are some "kits" by Total Chaos, but those are fairly expensive (and not really complete kits, either), as they are geared towards extreme off-road/long travel.

I'm sure there's plenty of lowering kits for those things, but as you've found out, there isn't much for lifts.

How "big" of tires are you looking to get? If you want the off-road "look", you'll need a 4x4, or at least a Pre-runner (a 6 lug 2wd that's basically a 4x4 without a transfer case).

 

Thank you for the reply jbrandt.

Yea I was wanting to go for the "off-road" look. As far as tire size I didn't really have anything specific in mind. If anything, with this new purchase I guess I just want to gear it out and make it a little more custom.

So far this is what I'm working with.

 

I've wanted a reg cab 2wd 5spd for awhile now. don't get me wrong, I love my ext cab 4wd but for just running around and summer I'd love to get one of these. good gas mileage too.

 

definitely possible, not sure if i'd spend the time/money though.

this build for inspiration? https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/97-5lug-build.195038/

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-5-lug-build-thread.337250/#post-9144255

 

Looks like you scored on that Tacoma! Make sure you check out and/or post it in the Poverty Spec and lowest mileage 1st Gen threads.

 

Awesome thanks for those links. What do you guys thing about this? 2003-2004 Toyota Tacoma 2wd & 4x4 & TRD Pre-Runner - 3" Body Lift Kit

 

That kit is for 6 lug Tacomas (4x4s and Prerunners). Not very many options out there for lifting 5 lug Tacos. I think there's a brand of lifts called 'Fat Bob' that makes kits for the 5 luggers

*edit never mind I misread the description, looks like it might work. I'd still look into Fat Bobs as well because I think those kits lift the suspension and don't rely on body lifts, body lifts are generally frowned upon because they're unsafe (and ugly)

 

Dont care if its possible and that many people have done it. I still recommend getting a 6 lugger right from the start if you wana lift. Youl get an overall more beefy, capable truck with better engines and many times more aftermarket support.


Only thing id do with a 5lugger would be lower it or just go all out with long travel.

 

@eon_blue I looked into "Fat Bob's" and that looks promising. I don't mind spending a little more to get a "safer" product. Thanks for the input!

 

I think fabtec makes a 3 inch spindle lift. I used to have the same truck

 

It's a nice truck that actually gets good gas mileage and would prob. last forever.
Are you trying to ruin it's best attributes? Buy a beater 4Runner for offroad with the 5K.

 

In a word (or 3):

Body Lifts SUCK.

You run into all sorts of alignment issues that kit won't address that end up (IMO) looking terrible. Bumpers, shifter, steering, and now you'll have a massive gap between the frame and body that you could fly through. I generally don't recommend even a 1" body lift.

Not to mention that kit is for a 6 lug truck, and very likely won't fit your 5 lug.


This kit (below) will get you a 3" lift, and while more expensive, you get what you pay for. But that's not the end of it. As you'll see from the above build thread, you'll need fiberglass fenders (also not really cheap) no matter what kind of lift you get to clear your off-road sized tires. Your other option is a cutting wheel and a grinder...

http://www.sdtrucksprings.com/index..._vEXwLYajoAF-k0k4xH_ps2816saSlHcCJBoCzs7w_wcB

 

Thank you to all who had shared their wisdom. I think I'm just going to use that extra 5k to look for another truck but in a 4x4. I really cant justify putting around 3k into lifting (new wheels tires fenders plus the kit itself) just for "looks". I think at this point if I lift it its got to already be a 4x4.

 

Good call

A man can never have enough trucks

 

unlike Tacomas, you can find a deal on 4R's easier.
Or (shutters) a Nissan. I se pathfinders everywhere and while I haven't seen one that I'd say "Too cheap to pass on" I'm waiting for one.

 

You could probably score a 4 cylinder Jeep TJ for $5,000 or less.

 

Or hell, lots of '03 Ford F150's out there that still run great.

 

Or a Suzuki Samurai. I should have suggested that first.