Lifting my 2018 TRD Off-Road Suggestions

FINALLY getting around to doing a lift and tire/wheel combo on my 2018 TRD Off-Road. This is the third Tacoma I've owned and ever since I was a teenager I've always been in love with the Tacoma's look and Off-Road capabilities. This is the first Taco that I am (personally) taking from stock to lifted with tires and I am still weighing my options. For Tire / Wheel combo I've settled on 285 / 75 / R16 with a 16x8 wheel so I am pretty set in that department, but the lift is where I am looking for some recommendations.

The shop that I am getting the work done is recommending the READYLIFT 3" LIFT KIT WITH BILSTEIN 6122 that would give me 3" in the front and 2" in the rear. Now, most of the research I have done on lift kits led me to believe a true full suspension lift should cost me near $3000, which is why I am also looking at the FOX 3" ULTIMATE SUSPENSION LIFT KIT.

What do I stand to lose in terms of ride comfort and offroad capabilities by going with the lift kit with the rear on blocks like the Readylift 3" Kit vs and all-out full suspension lift like the Fox? I also notice that the Readylfit 3" Kit has the option to throw in Bilstien 5100 for rear shock options, which is making me lean towards the Readylift 3" Kit with rear Bilstein shocks for the lift. For some context, I am not out to build the ultimate offroad Tacoma but would like to maintain or even improve its stock offroad capabilities.

So I guess long story short, what do I stand to lose by going with the 3" lift kit and what is there to gain by going with a full suspension lift kit? Also, I am by no means attached to the brands of lifts that I listed and would love any suggestions in that regard.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

I just put in Bilstein 6112s in the front and 5160s in the back along with a Dakar medium leaf pack. It is actually getting an alignment right now. First, I wouldn't add the block in back, at least go AAL if not leaf pack. Also, add rear shocks if you are lifting. Your stock rear shocks won't handle that well and you will probably be sorry. I REALLY liked the way the new shocks rode in the short drive I have had it on. They are WAY better over bumps. The Dakar leaf pack seems ok too, but there are issues with them hitting the rear shackle. I knew that going in and trimmed the offending leaf before installing. I would highly recommend getting SPC Light Racing UCA (or brand of your choice). I just got a call about my alignment and as I feared, I cannot get it near where I want it. I will have add UCAs shortly and then pay for another alignment. Caster cannot be where I wanted it without camber being crazy high. I knew the risk and should have been smart. I can get pics and measurements when I get it back today. I am also in an '18 off-road. Headstrong Offroad has that kit - 6112 up front with 5160 rears, Dakar leaf pack, and SPC LR UCAs for like $2100 (and if you call or PM you may even get that a little lower). Just be aware of the shackle issue with the Dakars, you can search it here. Also, the 6112s come with coils that are 600lbs if I remember right. You can get the optional 700lb coils instead if you will be running a steel winch bumper or something heavy up front and Dakars can be had in an HD option for added weight support in the rear. There are other full leaf options that are probably better, but there is obviously cost to them.

 

Welcome from SE VA......

 

Pretty damn good deal at Wheeler's right now too with the same shocks. They include All Pro leaf packs and UCAs and I don't have any personal experience with them. Their kit also includes rear U bolt flip kit and bump stops which is cool. I added 2.5 degree shims when I did mine and did not have any vibes. Would recommend some so you don't have to chase vibes later. I did not do a carrier bearing drop. My driveshaft is fairly aligned, but that's an easy add later if you need it and I think both those kits include it. The Wheeler's kit also includes extended rear brake lines. I bought some, but found that I didn't need them. There is still plenty of slack at full extension and the 5160s include a spacer for the brake line bracket.