Lift kit vs. Level kit

Hello Everyone,


I am new to the trucking scene, I have just recently acquired a 2009 Tacoma access cab 4x4. I am in need of advice regarding raising the truck by adding a lift kit or a leveling kit. I know nothing about trucks and the majority of the research that I have done, the terminology is lost on me and is overwhelming with all the thing to consider. I am looking to raise it by 2 - 3 inches (enough to eventually add bigger tires, like 32 or 33). I do not plan on going off-roading (maybe a couple times to see how it is). Honestly, I am doing it for the looks (I know it sounds dumb, but ive always loved how lifted trucks looked and wanted to do it to mine).


I'm more concerned about if I do add either one, how would that affect other components? Would I need additional parts aside from the kit? Would it cause things to wear quicker? Fuel economy? I really don't want to mess up my first truck. But also, pricing is a factor because I really do not want to drop a lot of money (like 2k or more) might consider not doing it if it's too expensive.


I have seen that there have been past threads regarding this topic, but I wanted to make a new one since all those were from 2010ish and would like it if anyone who has done either to weigh in and tell me their experience with them over the years.


The only kit/ installation video I've seen is the Rough Country 3" lift kit. But I'm not sure if it's considered good. The price seems good though and doable to install myself.

 

In before all the snarky heard of the search bar, here we go again comments begin.

Start where we all started and buy these:

$480 Bilstein 2 5100 Series Struts and 2 5100 Series Shock Package - SHOCKINGBIL5100W-FRTSTRUT

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/bilst...w-frtstrut/_/R-BBGL-SHOCKINGBIL5100W-FRTSTRUT

If you just want to level the truck this will do it. Welcome to TacomaWorld.

 

^YUP, can't go wrong with that setup to start

What’s your budget? I feel like that might help get some good answers for you on here

 

I’d start here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/suspension-lift-info-includes-pics.142677/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read-this.11282/

And then here is all kinds of good information.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/suspension.18/

 

Agree with all the above, for the most part. If you want to go any further you better get your life together

 

I was hoping to not spend more than 1,200.

 

This is very helpfull. Thank you.

 

OME front spring such as 883, 884, etc.
AAL in rear
5100 shocks all around

Done

 

Do NOT buy a spacer lift kit, they are hot garbage.
I started off with Bilstien 5100s on the stock coil at the highest setting in the front and an 2" AAL in the back.
Did it work fine?Sure
If I had to do it all over again I would just spend a little more rand do it right from the start as I have it now.
OME 887 coils on 5100s (rides much better than max preloaded) with Freedom Offroad UCAs.
As soon as I get my FN FX Pros I'm ordering a Dakar leaf pack and some longer Bilstien 5125s to accommodate them.
So for about $1400 in parts you can have a sweet "budget" setup with a quality 3" lift.

Front Bilstien 5100s about $220
OME 887 coils $200
Freedom Offroad UCAs $330
Dakar EL095R $450
Rear Bilstien 5125s $200

Not absolutely necessary but I'd also go ahead replace your body mount bushings(energy suspension) along with new bumpstops and a Ubolt flip.

 

This. ^ For $1200, you should be able to accomplish all of this and then some.