Which Kit to buy

I know this question has probably been asked about 1000 times already on this forum but upon reading post for several hrs I'm still not confident in what I want/need.

I have a 2018 4x4 Taco that I am wanting to level out since its a mall crawler basically. From what I have been reading I do not want a simple spacer as it will make the ride rougher and is potentially less durable. So I think I have found two kits that should work but I'm not sure how different they really are and could use some help.

Wants:
1-2" front lift
decently leveled out Taco (no more than 0.5" rake)
I might want to add the 1" rear block because why not.
Might go out on trails to find a fishing spot but no real off-roading
plan to put 265/75/16 Falken Wildpeaks AT3W on stock rims if that matters

First: How does using the standard stock coil effect the lift and/or the ride? Any issues or concerns I should be aware of? I read where you need a differential drop kit for anything over 1.5" - is this true and does it apply here? will a 2" front lift and a 1" rear block make this fairly level?

Second: Are the coils going to mean a better ride compared to my current stock setup? I've only heard everyone talk about the Bilstein 5100's and have no idea how good these shocks are and if it even makes a difference. Is the extra price worth it as far as ride quality and durability is concerned? Any issues or concerns I should be aware of?

Is there any other kits around the same price points that I should look at? (not just from another seller as I'm going to be buying from local seller anyway)

Thanks in advanced

 

Study and study hard and don't let Mall Crawler make you not buy quality stuff.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...2016-tacoma-presented-by-toytec-lifts.395798/

 

That link has some good information but from what I got out of is yes there will be difference but for what I want to do with it I may not notice any difference. In fact, if I wanted to keep a more street ride I should use the stock coils which I thought would give a rougher ride. Maybe I am overthinking things.

 

I have a spacer lift... and ride quality didn't change much if any. Is it the best no, but I bought mine on Amazon open box and got it for less than $80. That being said, next year sometime I will be changing my shocks because I do want to do it right. Mine is 99% mall crawler but I have taken it off road and I do hit construction sites with work on regular basis. I'm starting to notice more brake dive in the front which either its between my ears (quite possible) or the spacer kit might be helping my OEM shocks come to their demise a bit premature. I have the 3/1 lift from readylift, and it performed well off road, it is allowing me to run the 285's without rubbing the cab mount (I did have to add spidertrax to avoid UCA). For the look with near OEM ride this is the least expensive way. If you want improved performance then definitely not the way to go. I guess my point is don't rule out a spacer kit.. some people bag on them but they serve their purpose. Just make sure its quality built so it doesn't snap on you and I don't think you'll regret it, as long as you know what you're getting and are happy with a largely cosmetic upgrade with very little other benefit.

 

I'm a driveway crawler currently with OME 887's on 5100's up front with ICON 2.0 Shocks in the back with an ICON 3 Leaf Progressive AAL in the back. Rides like a Cadillac but I just bought front and rear extended travel Kings not in yet. Need no, wanted yes. Do whatcha want but most will say "Buy Once Cry Once" it's all a matter of opinion man.