Lift kit Installation Question

Hey folks, I lurk around here a lot, especially since I am getting ready to put new tires on my taco. It's a 2012 AC 4WD base model. I'd like to lift it, and from searching here on the forums, I've decided to not go the spacer lift route and instead go with Bilstein's all the way around with an AAL in the rear for extra load capacity. My questions are, should I buy a 1.5 or 2" AAL? I'm looking for around 2.5 to no more than 3" of lift. Am I correct in assuming that you can get 2-2.5" of lift with the 5100's in the front? Also, what's the going rate to bring your coil assembly to a shop and have them remove the old strut and put in the 5100? I'm a do-it-yourself kind of guy, but having never done this before, I'm not interested in injuring myself with a coil spring. I plan on putting a set of Toyo Open Country AT2's on in a 265/75/16.


Thanks in advance. I called up one place, who tried to tell me that the Ruff Country lifts that he had are far better than the above. He wanted to do a 3" ruff country spacer lift for $500! I told him no way. That's why I do my research!


Jason

 

Do you currently have a 3 or 4 leaf pack in rear? Toytec told me when I ordered my lift the 1.5" was for the 4 leaf and the 2" was for the 3 leaf pack. Also I'm a huge sissy when it comes to those spring compressors, so good call having a shop at least assemble your coils. Good luck!

 

I have 3 springs. Two long springs and the overload spring. I was surprised to learn just how soft they are from the factory. And I wouldn't call you a sissy either. I saw one vid on the net where a guy nearly had his finger taken off by a coil when it shot out of the front end. My body parts are worth at least what it will cost to have them done in a shop.