lift/suspension

Hoping for some help as I am not a highly skilled mechanic. My 2013 tacoma needs new suspension and I am wanting a small lift at the same time. Thoughts on a 2" lift in front with rough country N3 leveling struts and Bilstein 5000 on the rear? If not this, any recommendations?

 

Why not go with 5100 front and rear?
https://www.srqfabrications.com/products/2005-2015-2nd-gen-tacoma-bilstein-ome-5100-3-lift-kit
The 885 springs gets you 2.5 up front.

 

Thanks... Can lift height be adjusted? I do not want anything to tall.

 

Yes, bilsteins 5100s have adjustable height by removing the spring, moving a snap ring, and replacing the sping and top hat. You need a spring compressor to do this though. Most set it once and forget it.

shoot for no more than 2". if you go higher you will have a lot fo CV shaft issues due to the angle.

 

I've ordered a set of 5100s and they are waiting to be installed.

For reference, these are the ones I bought:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145688618883

Also a 2013 Tacoma - DCSB TRD Sport RWD.
I also have a Torch AAL for the rear:

$70 TORCH 1.5"-2" Rear Add A Leaf Lift Kit for 1995-2023 Toyota Tacoma 2WD 4WD TRD SR5

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082VKNYL5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title


Shooting for +2.5 on front and 1.5" at the back which should level it and clear a set of 285/70R17s.

I intend to get some spring compressors on loan from AutoZone, and transfer the springs from the stock coilers.

I'll possibly also a borrow ball-joint puller, but I just used a hammer last time.
I can post back here with updates and photos if that helps.

 

Dangerous game.
The CV angle will likely mess up your diff bearing. Look into the ECGS bushing.

AAL are generally not recommended for a leaf pack with a lot of miles because they end up taking most of the weight then sagging with the rest of the pack (so I hear)

285s look cool but are extremely heavy and you lose a good bit of power and MPG. You also have to cut your frame at the cab mount. Hate to be that guy but have you looked at 255/80r17? Taller and all around a better tire, just an acquired taste looks wise.

and with truck springs they are often very difficult and sometimes dangerous to compress with auto-zone tools, you generally want a wall Mounted compressor.

I’m not here to tell you not to do what you just said, just make sure you do your research and come in prepared, we don’t have those chevys where you can throw a 6 inch lift kit on and have no problems.
Read through this
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-tacoma-lift-guide.509171/

 

Indeed - I've watched my fair share of "Fail Army" youtube videos of guys using sketchy setups to change springs!

My machine is RWD so I get to dodge this bullet. I have heard good things about a diff-drop for 4x4 though. What do you think of these?

My machine came with 285s on from the PO, he seemed to have just put them on before selling it, and was driving around lust avoiding tight turns and/or ignoring the rubbing noise. Shocking stuff, to be honest. I put in a spacer up front and a block in the back as $100 temporary fix while I decided what to do. The tires have plenty of life in them and I like the wheels, so figured I'd keep them and just to a better job on the lift than spacers/blocks. Hence the 5100s and AAL.

Yes, the Wildpeaks look great in 255/80. Actually, if I were to change the tires, I'd be tempted to go to 16" wheels and something even taller, maybe 85%. But I figure I have a lot of wear left in my Nittos before I can justify that purchase.

I haven't taken the measurements yet, but I think I don't need to compress them, rather hold them at their current compression as mounted on the stock struts. But I'm not 100% sure.
I was under the impression that lots of folks swap springs from stock struts to new ones at home. Is this not the case? Any recommended alternative?

Thanks for the link - very interesting stuff!