Lift Shopping

Looking for a 3in lift for my 2021 Tacoma Sport. I would like one that has a good balance between on road and off road driving. Preferably one that also doesn’t break the bank. I’ve been doing some research, but would like some first hand advice. Thanks in advance.

 

Bilstein 6112/5160 and an icon AAL. Ran me about $3k and I love it so far

 

Search tool. Welcome to TW

 

Welcome aboard

Shop Lifting...see what I did there?

 

I assume that includes labor for install? That kits runs about $1500

There are too many brands and options to make a blanket recommendation for someone who isnt sure where to start so I'll give some advice on what to consider with your research. Lifts range from a couple hundred bucks to several thousands, breaking the bank is subjective so we really need a dollar amount to work with.

Firstly, you really only want about 2-2.5" of lift, beyond that puts additional strain on the CVs and reduces down travel. The front coilovers only have maybe 5" of shock cycle so you don't have a lot to work with.

When going to 2-2.5" of lift you want to consider aftermarket UCA to help correct your alignment, don't be sold on uniballs and deltajoints. If you pay more for UCA than your suspension then you got screwed. Uniballs were designed for racing and thus designed to be frequently services and replaced. They squeak and can be a pain so I recommend a cheaper, stronger, low maintenance option that uses a moog joint, something like JBA, Camburg SPC, etc

Shocks have 3 primary valvings, progressive, digressive and linear. Digressive is good for street driving but often too harsh for offroad, Progressive is better for offroad but considered by some to be too soft for on road and linear is probably the best all around. Bilstein and Icon are digressive and and Fox, ADS, King etc are Linear.

We see far too many complaints about Icon and whatever you do, don't pay MSRP, call and make a deal.

 

$3k definitely included labor and the Truck Shop in San Diego installed it and did an excellent job and there was no lead time. The AAL has been a bit squeaky but nothing a little grease couldn’t fix. Like I said, no real complaints and the ride is superb.

 

For some reason I was expecting to find Mohawk, Rotary Lift and Bendpaks here.

Good luck with the search though!