Lift/tires

So I’m wanting to lift my 2nd gen pre runner. What are my best options as far as what type of lift and size of tires while keeping my factory rims, and staying at a fairly lower price range? thanks y’all

 

This is a giant rabbit hole, but here's my attempt to help. As long as your lift doesn't require new UCAs you'll be able to keep the stock rims. Any lift greater than 2.5 inches and you'll need new UCAs IMHO. Many in your position just go with new Bilstein shocks up front and an add a leaf in the back. Try checking out @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc and @Toytec Lifts.

 

This definitely is a rabbit hole....

my experience. I have a similar truck as yours, and have been wanting a lift for years now, researching daily and watching YouTube videos, how partS interact and what should and should not be done. My truck has been relatively problem-free (knock on wood) the past 10 years and I’ve come to the conclusion that I didn’t want to mess with a lift when none of the current parts needed repair. Maybe later on if my leaf springs go bad or my LCA go bad, etc etc, but for now I’m staying out. I came to this conclusion a year ago and haven’t had the urge for a lift since. One thing I would say though, you get what you pay for.....

Don’t get me wrong, a lift would be look awesome, but I was worried about choosing the wrong approach, causing unneeded issues/damage, and from what I’ve read, lifts lower the value of the truck when selling (although not sure about this one though).

 

If your gonna lift do it right but its gonna cost you more money. I wanted to level my truck so I swapped out my suspensions for 3rd gen suspensions including my 2+1 leafs to a 3+1 leaf. Fronts gave me 1in lift and rear gave me 0.5in lift. That cost me under $200. I'm also running slightly taller wheels 265/75/16 from stock wheels 265/70 so that gave it a little lift as well. Overall very happy with the look and ride quality.

 

2007 Prerunner

Front: Bilstein 5100, OME 885 springs, SPC UCA's

Rear: Bilstein 5160, Dakar Medium Duty leafs

Price: just under $2k (I did in stages wuth blocks in back originally)

Tires: Falken Wildpeak AT3w 265/75/16

I like these tires so much I just bought another set of 4 from Discount Tire Direct for $525 shipped to my door.

I second the recommendation for Wheelers Off Road. I got great customer service from them when they accidentally sent me an incorrect part.

 

Toytec is another great option. Bought all my stuff from there. Keeping the factory wheel will dictate what size tire you can run also due to the factory offset.

 

Not to hijack this thread, but I'm doing this exact swap on my truck in a week or two... Did you have to use extended U bolts in the rear, or were stock length fine? I measured the new springs versus my old springs and there's less than a 1/4" of difference, so I figured stock length would be fine, but I wanted to double check. I haven't messed with leaf springs before, so this is a new challenge for me.

For the OP, after doing a bit of research on my end, I came to the conclusion that running 3rd gen suspension on my 08 TRDOR is going to be the best option for me. I wanted a small amount of lift to clear the slightly taller 265/75/16 tires without messing with UCA's or any other part of the suspension. From what I've read, people say the 3rd gen suspension rides smoother and their trucks feel better planted on the road. Also, my current leafs are flat and riding on the airbags, so I'm overdue for new suspension anyways. I can post up in a few weeks with how my swap goes if you're interested.

 

3” ome/Bilstien lift. 265s on 17x9 wheels. Looks going in my opinion and rides good

 

You can also look into spindle lifts. Great affordable way to lift the prerunners.

 

OP, what are you goals and what is your budget? Answer those first and you will likely be better off. a shitty 3" lift < a proper 1" lift

 

As a newer member... I appreciate the responses that have been given here vs. "use the search bar".. Often times when searching, the responses that pop up are simply that.

I too have been researching for about a month and this is what I've learned..

The type of lift depends on your intended use. If you plan on going over 2.5", you'll want new UCA's. Bilstein 5100s w/aal seems to be a very common set up as well as the 3rd gen to 2nd gen swap (approximately 1" 'lift').

Most seem to agree spacers are cheap and not a very effective way to lift the truck.. likely cause more issues down the road.

If you plan on doing a lot of offroading, Fox and Kings may be the better route however not always budget friendly.

I'd like to see some pics of setups under 3" with details about what they have done and cost?

And for sure the largest size tire w/o doing any modifications is 265 70 17 or 265 75 16

Threw some tint on "Black Betty" earlier this week, picked up some TRD sema wheels, and ordered some Falken Wildpeaks (265 70 17). Should have it put together Thursday. Now I need to figure out the lift set up.

 

I used the 3rd gen ubolts as well since they came with the suspension I purchased. They were a lot longer than my old ones. Only thing I didn't change was my uca's. Hope this helps.

 

Since you have a Pre-Runner, you could do a spindle lift. This will give you 4 inches without having to change your UCAs. Headstrong sells a complete kit (front spindles, extended front brake lines, rear blocks, rear shocks) for about $700. The only caveat is that the new, bigger spindles require 17" rims, as per Maxtrac. Not sure what size your stock wheels are.

I just completed this lift in my truck. See my build thread in my signature for more info.

 

I really like the wheel choice. Which Wildpeaks did you get? SL or E? AT3W or MT? I recently researched and purchased AT3W SL rated and have been VERY pleased with them in every way(replaced Toyo AT2). Awesome tire with awesome wet weather traction.

As far as lift goes, this is different for different people. My truck is 1st gen so I cannot offer specific component advise, but IMO 1-2" of lift makes a substantial difference. Since you referenced low price range, I'd say 5100's up front and AAL. I used Dodge Dakota rear leafs for my AAL and they work fantastic($40) from junk yard(you'll have to research when will work for your truck). I did have to pull the leaf packs myself.

Good luck, be safe. I'm looking forward to seeing those wheels on there.

 

I am going with AT3W SL rated. I don't have any added weight right now and from what I've read the E rated are a bit overkill. I'll only do light offroading from time to time.

Top I want to spend on a lift is about $1,000. About a month ago someone on CL some recall leads for sell (the replacenents).. wish I had known they'd swap in to mine.

I'll get a pic up as soon as the wheels/tires are swapped. I'm definitely excited and also plan to remove badges. I know black everything has been done but she looks damn good cleaned up.

 

Yes, IMO the SL's are the way to go if you don't tow. Lighter, even better wet road traction, better ride, cheaper.