Need some guidance

Recently got a 2013 V6 Tacoma with 100,000 for 20,000.

Wanted to do a 3 in lift but I was looking at the Bilstein 8112 set up and I’ve seen in a bunch of places that I shouldn’t go above 2 in on them because it makes the ride feel aweful.

If you have any advice or any other suggestions for suspension lmk

 

That’s a solid truck — the 2013 V6 Tacoma is known for reliability, and 100k miles isn’t bad if it’s been maintained well. At $20,000, it’s a decent price depending on the trim, condition, and region.

On the Suspension & Lift:
You’re absolutely right to be cautious with how much lift you pair with high-end coilovers like the Bilstein 8112s. Let’s break this down:

Bilstein 8112 Overview
The Bilstein 8112 ZoneControl CR shocks are premium coilovers with internal bypass and active compression/rebound zones. They’re designed for high-speed off-road performance — not primarily for max lift height.

• Max Recommended Lift: ~2” (maybe 2.25”) safely
• Why not 3” lift with 8112?
  • The shocks are tuned around ride zone control, not just height.
  • Cranking them up to 3” preloads the coil too much and eats up down travel — leading to a stiff, harsh ride and less articulation.
  • It can also reduce shock life and put unnecessary stress on suspension geometry (e.g., upper control arms).
  
  
  Better Options If You Want 3” of Lift
  If you’re dead set on 3” of lift, here are some more balanced options:
  
  1. Bilstein 6112 + SPC or Camburg UCAs
  • Affordable and still high-quality.
  • Up to 2.5-3” of lift with proper UCA.
  • Ride quality is good on-road and decent off-road.
  • Rear: Pair with Bilstein 5160 + add-a-leaf or Deaver pack.
  
  2. Old Man Emu BP-51
  • High-end remote reservoir bypass coilovers.
  • Adjustable compression and rebound.
  • Smooth ride on-road, strong off-road.
  • Capable of 2.5-3” lift when paired with proper UCAs.
  
  3. King or Fox 2.5 Coilovers with Adjusters
  • Kings or Fox 2.5 DSC with reservoirs give great off-road control.
  • Tunable and can support 2.5-3” lift easily.
  • Need upper control arms for alignment.
  
  Suggested Build Paths
  
  Premium 2” Lift / Performance-Focused
  • Bilstein 8112 Front + 8100 Rear
  • Total Chaos / Camburg / SPC UCAs
  • Stock or Deaver Expedition Leaf Pack
  • Benefits: Best ride and control; mild lift; true performance setup.
  
  Balanced 3” Lift / Trail-Focused
  • Bilstein 6112 or OME BP-51 or King 2.5
  • Camburg / SPC UCAs
  • Deaver Stage II Leaf Pack or Icon RXT Leaf
  • Bilstein 5160 or Fox 2.0 rear shocks
  • Benefits: More clearance, aggressive stance, still comfy
  
  Final Notes
  • Don’t forget alignment after any lift.
  • At 3” front lift, upper control arms (UCAs) become necessary for proper caster/camber.
  • Re-gear if you go bigger tires (33s+), especially with the 5-speed auto.
  • If mostly daily driving and light off-road, keep it 2-2.5” — it’ll handle better and feel more OEM-plus.
  
  

 

So we're just posting ChatGPT answers here now?

 

OP. Is there a reason you need 3" lift instead of 2"?

The Previous Owner lifted mine 2". I kind of like the look. Obviously there are situations where 1" more lift would make all the difference....but that hasn't happened to me yet.

 

Sounds like you're after a decent amount of lift...
Unfortunately (as you're finding out) anything between 3" & 4" (more like 2.5 - 4") lift is like a no-man's land that you do not want to put your Tacoma's lift at. At 4" though, additional options such as spindle kits and drop-down crossmember kits become viable, which these keep your suspension's geometry more factory-like (thereby preserving your ride quality & handling).

You didn't state whether your truck is 2WD or 4WD...
If 2WD, put your 8112s (or any other shock of your choosing) together with this kit. Whatever lift you set your shocks to will then be in addition to what this kit provides (so 5" lift if you set the 8112 for 1")
MaxTrac 4" Spindle Lift

If 4WD, put your 8112s (or any other shock of your choosing) together with this kit. Same thing, whatever lift you set your shocks at will be in addition to what this kit provides.
BDS 4" Suspension Lift (base kit)

 

Sounds like my well researched suggestion matches your build, so what’s the problem?