Coils or spacer?

I’m looking to get 3” of lift in the front to match the back. Would eibach 3” lift coils or a 3” spacer give me the best ride? Plan on setting my 5100’s to 0. I also drive 85% on the road so not really worried about how it would ride off road. Thanks for any input!

 

Pretty sure you won't find many people here that will suggest spacers. Most seem to suggest 5100's as the entry lift. However, I did spacers and the ride is identical, like you wouldn't have a clue it's in there. There are cons of course and the "best ride" is a subjective thing. My friend has 5100's with 887 (I think) at 0 and I thought the ride was too harsh for the money. It's OK, but IMO really the only advantage he has over me is the whole spacer lift bottoming out thing.

 

That’s what I was thinking, I’ve ridden in trucks with spacer lifts and it seem to ride fine. I have 5100s right now set to 2.5” but I’d like to get the full 3. Appreciate your input!

 

This is my setup right now. Rear blocks are 2” and front 5100’s set to 2.5”. Measure out to be about an inch higher in the back, all I wanna do is make it level. If anyone has suggestions on how to do this please let me know.

 

There's more to it than just throwing more spacers on there.

First, DON'T STACK LIFTS.

Since you're a pre-runner, you can get away with a little more lift than if you had CVs to worry about, but you will still have the same suspension geometry issues to deal with. You may end up needing upper control arms to correct for the lifted geometry.

I also notice your rear brake proportioning valve is still in the stock location. That needs to move up the same amount you lifted it. 2" and you need a 2" long bracket. This is easy and cheap to make (just some 1" flat steel bar with some holes drilled in it) or you can buy one. This controls how your rear brakes function, and the way it is now, this makes the truck think there is less weight than there really is, so the brakes don't have as much power.

I would get a smaller block for the rear. That's likely your cheapest option.

But really, trucks usually sit a little high in the back, so when you load weight back there it doesn't look like a dog scooting on the carpet.

 

I think that’s what I’m gonna do, appreciate it!

 

Go coils

 

Always lift via the coils/springs if your budget allows

Adjustable shocks like 5100s are ok but the preload will hurt the ride (keep them at 0 and you'll be fine)

Spacers are the least desirable option IMO

 

3” lift coils will require new ucas, correct?

 

3" of lift you will want new UCAs yes...that will put way too high an angle on your stock ones and they won't last very long, not to mention your alignment will be out of whack

 

Alright I think I’m just gonna lower the back for now and when the budget is right I’ll get coils and ucas, I appreciate the help!

 

Ditch the lift blocks and go with a set of 8 pack Deavers or comparable... then go with a pair of ICON 2.5 CO's and you'll be good to go.
It's easy for me to spend your cash but, I went this route while I was IFS and it worked very well.

I hope this helps you.

 

From my experience , if your going up to 3”, coils with bilsteins and uca’s is probably best. If you stay at 2”, spacers are not that big of a deal . I put a Daystar 2.5” lift on my 02 back when she was new . It was spacers up front and single add a leaf’s In the rear. This setup still works great to this day. (16 yrs and only 250,000 miles) Never had any vibrations or any problems what so ever with it . It hauled tons of weight and lots of 4x4in

 

I’m new to the forum and was reading through the threads. I just picked up my 96 two owner 100,000 mile xtra cab, 2.7, 5 speed manual and I went with the lift above. My truck is my everyday commuter that I also use to go to the golf course and it will also haul my mountain sled all winter. I like the lift so far, the only reason I decided to do one was aesthetics, didn’t like the stock stance. Also I run 31 10.50s

 

I like the way my 5100 and 888s ride. I have them on the second setting. I do however, dont have a full 3" lift because: 1. They're pretty worn out. 2. I have a lot of weight on em. Also, I have an AAL in the rear.