Questions about leveling kit/lift?

So I've got a 11 Tacoma double cab long bed that I really hate looking at with the low front end. I'd like to raise the front end up even with the back or maybe put a small lift on it. I've done a few mods on this one and my 02 Tacoma but I'm new to lifts as I never had one on my 02. Does anyone have any opinions on lifts vs leveling kit, what brand they used? Thanks!

 

Both lift.... levels lift by spacers, but still lift.

Eitherhow, get some bilstein 5100s if u want middle road lift without going spacers. Set either at .85, 1.75, or 2.5" of front lift

 

What do you mean by middle road lift?

 

Not high end, and not spacers.....happy medium

 

Spacers might look cool but are not effective a "suspension" upgrade!

 

Spend some time searching on here, there is a wealth of information. Probably the best value for money route to level the front is a new set of Bilstein 5100 adjustable 'struts' used in conjunction with the factory coil springs. Set them at the 2nd notch, which is about .85" lift, and you'll be close to level.

You'd have about $200 in the Bilsteins, 1.5 hours labor, and an alignment; you'd get a level truck and better performing front suspension.

For about another $150 in parts you could also do the rears with new factory height Bilsteins (which is the route I would go so you are not mixing new fronts with 6 year old worn out rears).

headstrongoffroad.com has good deals and is a forum supporter.

Toytec and lots of other vendors also sell the 5100s.

 

Ok so how do I tell if I have a lift or level? My truck was bought this way and nobody I know can tell the difference. I'm looking to upgrade as well but have no idea what I'm doing, and not afraid to admit it.

 

We all started off knowing squat. I spent about three months reading the ups and downs of suspension upgrades. It all depends on what you want and are willing to spend. Going higher isn't always an upgrade.

 

Going bigger isn't my deal. I'm wanting to stay about the same height, but just BETTER suspension overall. I bought this truck in 2014, and it's definitely time to get something new on there.

 

Right on...sounds like we are of the same mind on this. Now comes the fun part. Lots of guys and gals here to help out with ideas that know their shit.

 

I have about 2 grand in my upgrade, I mixed and matched Toytec coilovers with Fabtech upper control arms up front and went with the 7 leaf spring pack from Dakar with Bilstein 5100s for the back. Gotta figure in shipping in this. I hear of some offering free shipping. That's a plus.

This all started for me back in 2015 when my truck was 2 years old. I put 600 lbs. in it and it sagged so bad almost to the bumps tops. I knew I had to put better springs in the back which raised it 2.5", and now the front had to come up to match.

 

A quick look will tell where you're starting from. A reputable repair shop should be able to tell you if you are factory or not...
And there are lots of options, you don't have to drop 2 g's into your truck.

 

Price isn't really an issue for me. But I'd like to try and be savvy...

 

Idk what I'm supposed to be taking pictures of really... but here are some

 

Well there are better shocks then the Bilistein 5100s. It really depends on what you're going to do with the truck. I don't wheel that much, I don't race, so I didn't see a need to go high end. I knew I didn't want to screw up the ride by going cheap too. There are lots of opinions though so wade into it and figure out what you want.
Tacomas come from the factory with 550 lb coils. I went with 600 lb and love the ride...

 

Thanks for your help! She's a pavement princess for sure... so that's good to know.

 

Let the fun start! Lol

 

Didn't see your pics earlier...it looks stock to me.

 

I'm in the same boat, we have a 2005 DCSB and went camping up the coast with the wife and had our camping gear and bikes, etc. Truck was sagging and I was knocking bumpstops left and right. Granted this is the wife's truck so I didn't want to go crazy with lifting or dropping 4-6 g's on it. After a bit of research I found that the best "middle of the road" lift for me was to go OME from wheelers. Free shipping and they helped me out a bunch over the phone, so I felt like it was fair to go with them and take advantage of no shipping charges.

When lifting trucks I'm super wary of blocks, as they don't provide you much of an advantage in your suspension, only "lift" so that made me lean away from a lot of the inexpensive lifts and leveling kits. This being the wife's daily I didn't think adjustability was a huge necessity either, again pushing me towards the lower end OME kit. We ordered the nitro chargers that are in wheelers kit and have the option to valve them for a smoother ride. It's what their website was advertising. So we went that route. 886's and OME shocks up front and a spacer on the driver side to account for taco lean. Dakar leafs in back and we went heavy on leafs as we have a shell and load down. Took two mornings to install with minimal previous knowledge of Toyotas.

After installation I had a few things to address, I had a vibe that I first thought was coming from the driveline, Ended up being the needle bearing. That did't stop me from throwing parts at the vibe. So a carrier bearing spacer and 3mm shims for the leafs came first as they were almost $100 cheaper than the ECGS bushing and tools. When that didn't solve my rumble strip problem then came the bushing. All of which are easy diy's with the proper tools.

All in all I'm happy with the OME kit the look and on road feel is great, a bit stiff off-road but we haven't loaded it down and taken it out yet. Front especially but I still don't have a front bumper w winch weighing down the front end, that is in the works but all in due time.

 

I have slight vibes also...might be needle bearings. I have to learn more in this direction...