Deciding on a Leveling Kit...

I have been wanting to lift my 3rd gen Tacoma so that it sits slightly higher and to get rid of the forward rake. The lift would be 100% cosmetic as my truck is 2WD and the most "off roading" I would be doing is driving down a dirt road to a fishing spot.
I have been thinking about just getting a 3/1 spacer lift, be people seem to be pretty adamant about how terrible spacer lifts are. So I was just wanting to know what a good, budget friendly option would be for daily driving and not off roading.

 

No help here... but same question.

And as a follow up, what issues might occur? I am only interested in raising the front without worrying about damage to steering parts. I'll do whatever it takes to do it right, but if the consequences are minimal, I can worry about them as they arrive.

Thanks for any help!!

 

A 3/1 is a level and lift. You only need between 1-1/2" and 2" in the front to level.
If you are determined to lift the extra inch everywhere, you will need an aftermarket UCA to go with 3" lift up front.
Bilstein 5100 is the most popular budget friendly non-spacer lift, but it will be difficult to get 3" in the front with them without sacrificing ride quality. Better to stay at 2-1/2" or below to avoid buying a new UCA.

 

• 3" front lift will cause the stock upper control arm to droop down lower at ride height, limiting droop when it hits the coil spring. So the main issue is having to buy and install a $600+ new UCA if you didn't want to.
• 3"+ lift may place the CV axle at an extreme angle, wearing out CV boots.
  
• Lifting can cause vibration at the driver side needle bearing, requiring an ECGS bushing swap.
• Lifting can introduce drive line vibrations, requiring spacers and/or shims to realign.
  
• A front spacer will change the up/down ratio of the shock, vs the factory setup.
• Chicks dig lifted trucks, so if you're married or don't like chicks, that could be an issue.

Unless you have a Prerunner, 3" lift comes with some cost.

 

I am having my front lift installed next Friday by these guys (Westcott designs) in PHX AZ
Here is a good video to under stand how thing work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRzgZQK37_Y

 

I decided on the Eibach ride height adjustment shocks. 2 inch lift up front to level. I'm doing it myself and hear alot about needle bearing vibration or damage. Seems to be a case by case basis, but really leaning towards changing the bearing for the bushing while I have 80 percent of the stuff out of the way. Probably just for piece of mind I guess.

Any thoughts?

 

That setup will be good, and not too hard on your other components. It won't be the end of the world if you need to install a 1/2" spacer in the back to keep you from being nose high. I want to mention that if you tow or haul a bed-load of weight you will end up nose high, but you probably have already considered that.
Regarding the needle bearing, I waited until it happened, which was a couple years after I started lifting the front. It was very easy for me as a stand alone project, aside from getting the CV axle to pop out.

 

I do tow a trailer and already put bags in the back. MFG recommends 5 psi even when not towing. Figure I can bump it a little for some more height/leveling. Probably stiffens the drive... but looks cool LOL.