Should I lift or keep the same

hey I just recently bought a 2002 Toyota Tacoma automatic 4 cylinder and I was thinking about lifting it and getting some slightly bigger tires since from where I live is usually all desert terrain, if I do lift the truck what should i look out for when doing so?

 

Just max out your tire size on stock. IMHO its tall enough for basic offroad work and maybe im short but i already need to hop a little to get onto the seat.

 

Is it 4x4,how deep are your pockets?Like stated above just max out tire size,that should fill up the wheel well nicely and get you over just about anything average.

 

The question you should be asking yourself here is, "Do I want to be a bad motherfucker?"

If the answer is yes, you install a lift.

 

Lifting your truck will make it use more gas and negatively affect on-road ride quality and cornering. Oh, and the big meaty tires that go with a lift cost more to replace when it's time (plus they're hella loud on the freeway), and lifted trucks tend to increase maintenance cost. All of which can be worth it if you want/need the additional clearance for serious off-roading and/or like the looks of a lifted truck so much that you don't care about the drawbacks. But if it's about off-road performance, ask yourself how much you're really going to use that. A stock 4x4 Taco of any generation is a pretty capable vehicle - unless you go rock crawling, you'd probably be fine just putting some big off-road tires on and calling it a day.

 

Fuck it, lift it... you hate money anyways right!??

 

Unless I want to change spring rates I'm not lifting again. Just my opinion. Vibes, loss of MPG, harder to climb into. increased wear on CV boots.

I'm not poo-poo'ing lifts. Lots of people like the look. Just remember all the parts were designed for stock ride height and these trucks can't run too much bigger of a tire w/o other mods also. Then comes re-gearing.

 

There's no reason to lift it for mild off-roading. These trucks are perfectly capable off-road without much (if any) modification. Just run what you brung for a while.

If, down the road you find yourself wanting more traction, then get some bigger all-terrain tires. I'm running 265/75r16's BFG's, and at stock height they rubbed a bit at full lock (on the frame behind the front wheels), but nothing some Bilstien 5100's couldn't take care of.

I just went wheelin' with by buddy who's got a bone stock '03 TRD doublecab with pizza-cutter road tires. While the trail wasn't all that hard, there were some steep/tight sections, and he didn't struggle for traction (not even aired down) and never worried much about ground clearance. I'm a little taller with (now running ext travel Kings in front) and shackles in the rear, and I'm only maybe 1.5-2" above stock.

If you have a rear locker (TRD), then your truck is (IMO) more capable than a lifted truck with bigger tires in most situations. If you don't have a locker, consider getting one...

Even without a locker, though, concentrate on your driver skills first. Don't just throw a bunch of money at your truck and expect it to wheel *for* you.

Start on the easier trails and work your way up. Find a nearby club or something and head out with them. There's nothing like being with other more experienced drivers to help your skills increase. There are driver clinics and skills days that a lot of clubs/organizations hold around the country at OHV parks, look for something like that in your area, too!

 

Oh and automatic? 4 cyl.? Nah, you'll be happier overall w/o lift.
Unless you just want to start a money pit.....which is of course, your prerogative.

 

Yes, this is true. Back in the day, I test drove a 4cyl auto prerunner regular cab. That was a big fat nope for me. I had a '97 4cyl 5 speed before that and that was fine, but something about the auto trany just robs what little power they have left.

You'll surely notice putting bigger tires on a 4cyl than you would a 6cyl, even if you re-gear. They're just bigger, heavier tires to lug around.

As others said, with a 4cyl, wanting bigger tires, lifts, etc... you are treading dangerously close to a money pit from whence your wallet will never return.