Want to install a lift, but have some questions / reservations still

I had posted this over in the FAQ thread in the suspension forum, but it hasn't gotten much attention. Mods, please let me know if you'd like me to delete either of these.

Originally I was going to PM this to Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road , but thought it couldn’t hurt to ask everyone here too. I have a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off road DCSB. I would like to add 1.5” or 2” of lift for off-roading purposes. I am not really concerned with looks and while I like the looks of a lifted truck, it isn’t my reason for lifting. I am not looking at spacer lifts and leveling kits. I do not plan on doing much off-roading where that is the sole purpose of the trip, but I’d like to have ability to go a few times a year, and not worry the rest of the time when I am off road during hunting and camping trips. I am still 50/50 if I want to lift, or simply want to go with 255/85s, but the answers to these questions will help me in my decision.

I have never lifted a truck before and I have a lot to learn. I have learned a ton on TW already and have received so much help already, especially from @oscolivar1 ! I am getting closer to a decision, and have a few more clarifying questions. I decided to post this here rather than start a new thread, I hope that is okay. I am hoping that those of you with experience can answer my questions:

• Right now my truck is stock. In the next few months I am going to be adding some skid plates underneath, regardless of any decision on lifting or not lifting. The total weight for these skids would be less than 200 pounds (thinking going with Mobtown skids). Assuming I leave my suspension stock, this added weight doesn’t justify stronger coils, right? It’s not like the weight is up front, and it isn’t any more weight than having another full size man in the passenger seat.
• I have narrowed my search down to the three kits:
  • 5100's
  • 6112s - I seem to be leaning towards this kit
  • 6112s with the Dakar leaf
• My biggest concern is long term reliability, and running into issues later on. In your experiences are there any adverse effects on components such as the CV joints or other related parts? I don’t mind putting work and money into the truck to get it lifted and address any issues ahead of time. But this is my daily driver and I would prefer to not always be diagnosing and fixing problems as they arise.
• Should I replace the CV axle bearing? It’s cheap enough for the part, but labor seems like something I can’t do on my own, while I am confident I can install the other lift components on my own.
• Would it benefit me to install UCAs at the time of my lift?
  • I would like to avoid the cost, but I would like to avoid alignment issues moreso. Also, I do live in NY where there is a lot of salt on the roads in winter. I know some have mentioned some brands don’t hold up well with salt. Could you point me towards a brand that is better suited to this climate should I need to add the UCAs?
• What is the overload leaf? I have heard different opinions about taking it out or leaving it on. I would like to maintain the factory rake.
• Am I going to need longer brake lines with any of these kits?
• What impact does the lift alone with stock tires have on MPG? Obviously it isn’t going to make it any better, but how much of a noticeable impact would it have? I know that most who lift add bigger tires, but I’d like to just know for comparisons sake.
• What is the largest tire size I could reasonably expect to fit without any trimming with any of these lifts? I was looking at 285/75/16 or 255/85/16. I know each case is different but I am looking for generalizations.
  • I don’t want to regear anything. Would I have to with either of these tire sizes?
  • The more I am reading the more I see guys reporting a power loss, big MPG loss with the 285/55, so I am not sure I'd go with them even if they fit with my lift. How stupid would it be to lift the truck 1.5"-2" and then just install 265/75s?

I do realize there are a lot of questions here, and many have been discussed before, but its been hard sifting through various conflicting issues on a lot of things.

Thanks so much to this community for all the help and education so far!

 

I skipped the rest of your post after I read this...

Based on this section alone - skip the lift and just put some better tires on. Or at least drive it a while where you think you’ll go, and see how it does. It doesn’t seem like you’ll wheel hard enough to need a lift, and these trucks are already really capable without one. Doing anything to move away from stock adds a layer of complexity to solving any future issues (usually) that you and/or the dealer will need to solve for. This can be fun for some folks, or a giant headache for others. Buy what experience tells you that you need, not what you think you might need some day.

If you do decide to lift, it sounds like you don’t need anything crazy. OME coils and some OME shocks or Bilstein shocks will suit you just fine. UCA’s will probably be needed unless you stay under 2”. Good luck to you!

 

This right here!!! Adding a lift will add only headaches and hell if it's not something you "need". Warranty issues, fighting with dealers to look at the truck when something comes up, and then the random problems like Vibrations, needle bearings going to shit, boot rubbing on the CV's, the whole Diff Drop Arguments, center bearing shims, etc. I'm currently going through all of this now with my 2" leveling kit. Toyota field tech wouldn't even look at my truck, told me my warranty was void, even though it was dealer purchased/installed leveling kit, and the issue i'm having is 100% not related to my Lift/Leveling. About to toss the Magnuson-Moss at them. It's been an 11 month headache that, if I could do all over again, I'd have just went with bigger tires and called it good. Toyota has been surveying their dealerships on what their thoughts are on allowing Lifts to be covered by warranty, but as of yet, they haven't given the go on it.

Save yourself the headaches, go with larger wheels/tires for now, see if they suit your needs. If later on, you do decide the lift is needed then go for it, but make sure you do your homework with all the issues that will arise beforehand so you're prepared for the task of getting it all straightened out.

 

Dang, you could have had the lift installed while I read that...

 

I have RCI skids and Mobtown sliders. They made my stock front suspension sag about 3/4" and my recovery gear in the bed made the rear sag about 1/2”.

When the stock components get a little more worn out I am going with 6112/5160 and will just get the front up enough to be level.

 

Based upon your needs, install some rock sliders, a good set of all or mud terrain 265/75R16's and call it good.

Like the others said above, adding a lift and BIG tires are only going to add problems and if long term reliability is your game, forget the lift--it's completely unnecessary with 265/75's. The truck is already incredibly capable right out of the box and adding a more aggressive tire and some protection will get you in and out of places you probably have no business being.

If you find that you need some leveling after installing armor, a set of Bilsteins coilovers in the front with a slightly heavier spring will keep you at stock ride height without needing to modify other components on the truck.

My .02...

 

This. Let experience be your guide.

 

I’d lift it but if I was you I wouldn’t.

 

I decided to hold off on any lift until warranty is up. Decision was pretty easy after dumping the stock trd or wheels for some 17's and beefier 265/70/17 tires. It added about an inch to the overall height and changed the look enough to convince me to hold off. As others have said the truck is very capable stock. If it's your daily and you're not going to do any off roading beyond the stock capabilities I'd throw my vote in the hold off category.

 

Go no further than you have to.

I agree with all of the above. The older I get, the less I "NEED" these excess things, and like having the reliability of just pushing the button, and leaving when I want, and not worrying about what is gonna fail.

I have a long armed, locked jeep sitting next to this, that is a constant reminder for now, that I dont NEED all that.

I had around 600 miles on in, when I took it wheeling the first time. Never needed the crawl control, but, played with it a bit, just because. Definitely have used the locker a couple times...

Based on that, for what MY intended uses are, I'm gonna add some better tires, and call it good. Skids and sliders eventually, and then I'll go the 6110s to compensate for the wieght.

But, I'm planning on being back on the Texas Coast before this is paid off, and I wont need crazy clearance.

My rides seems to get smaller and more sedate the older I get..... but, they seem to get more reliable.....

 

Life is to short to not lift your truck....if you wanna do it! DO IT!! 2” lift is a moderate lift that really doesn’t hurt your vehicle all that much, I went with Bilstein cuz they know what they’re doing, they’re the biggest company and the most R&D compared to other brands and have had a relationship with Tacoma’s for decades.

I’ve answered your questions in previous threads, those answered are still valid.

With an aal or 3 leaf aal the Overload leaf is taken out to have a better ride. Overload kept in will make the ride “harsh” otherwise it helps with towing and prevent sagging when the bed is loaded. If you have the money a full leaf pack like the Icon RXT gives the truck such a better ride on the roads. Icon RXT do not use overload leafs so the ride feels like butter.

Good luck.

 

I was in the same as you were in. Stock with better tires my truck would do what I use it for now but I just wanted to add a little “oomf” to it. I went with 5100’s and a 1” block in the rear. I lifted the whole truck 1” and it gave it a perfect stance that I’m happy with over stock, angles are pretty much stock still due to minimal lift, and it gives the extra clearance for bigger tires and height! I would suggest going 1” all around to keep angles pretty damn close to stock so your potential issues are kept at a minimum.

My .02, something to think about.

 

What setting on the front, tire size. Bad ass looking truck. OP I'm in the same boat. I'm doing a one inch front and rear, 265/70/17 on the TRD pro wheels.

 

This... almost. The overload springs don't make the ride harsh. Still a plush ride. What you gain by leaving it in is the factory rake. Some people like a level truck, but when toy load it or haul with it, it sits butt low.

You don't need stronger springs until you get a bumper. Even moreso... a winch.

 

3rd setting netting 1.1” of lift up front.
275/70/17 tire.

Thank you by the way!

 

If you decide lift and bigger tires are the way to go, then you might want to consider how anal you are about your truck. Bigger tires will throw off your speedometer and odometer. If you have an automatic, you truck wont be shifting optimally any more and your power band will move in a less desirable range. The changes are small, but if you are super anal about everything being correct you're looking at even more money with buying a tuner and possibly new gears. Those two things can easily double your costs.

 

I went with 2.5" ADS reservoirs up front and rear with medium Dakars. The ride is phenomenal. Off road feels like butter. That said for off roading probably the most important thing I did was the tires (I went with 265/75/16 Nitto Ridge Grapplers, which crush it on the trail without being a horrible experience on the highway).

I can't tell you what you should do because the right path for anyone involves some confluence of their resources, needs, priorities and, frankly, personality.

But three pieces of advice I would give based on my journey:

1. Lift it some. If nothing else, you can put on some weight and end up where you started;

2. Try to conserve weight. For instance, I went with aluminum armor for that reason;

3. Definitely get that CV needle bearing replaced. It was easy for me bc I live 20 minutes away from East Coast Gear Supply, but I bet someone near you can do it.

Finally, a piece of philosophy, if you will indulge me. i worried way too much about this (as evidenced by my many many posts on the suspension decision). Then I remembered an old joke of my Dad's (who said "I take great comfort in knowing that, whatever decision I make, it will turn out to be the wrong one") and just did something and enjoyed it.

 

Oh and per the spedometer/odometer thing just get the Hypertech device. And then, ahem, don't procrastinate for weeks about installing it.

 

Why I put it in quotations lol. Everyone has their opinion on the overload leaf. The oem leaf is junk...they ride horrible either way.

My 2cents