1st Lift Kit... what to purchase?

Just paid off my truck and want to 'begin the build' on my...
2nd GEN 2010 TRD OFFROAD DBL CAB.

KEEP in MIND
I'm a weekend driver, camper, and off-road noob.
This is my only vehicle and I do need to 4-6hours highway to get to any trails.
I have done some mild trails but haven't gone the distance because I'm still rocking stock.
All Stock = No Rocks.

I am not looking for a rock crawler, but would love to explore trails without hesitation.
I'd like to have something that would be good on and off the road that doesn't make the street rides stiff. I also want something to last and don't mind paying for it.

DESIRED LIFT - 2.5" lift - 3" lift
Here are three very different priced complete kits that have been recommended to me.
What constitutes the big price jump in ICONs suspension? Does Procomp ride stiff?

Icon Vehicle Dynamics Stage 1 Suspension System $1,519.85
This kit is pricey! But all of you seem to friggin' love it. Why?

or

Blistein 6112 Series Lift Kit $721.40
This seems like a good midrange. Thoughts?

or

Procomp 3 INCH LIFT KIT WITH FRONT ES6000 AND REAR ES9000 SHOCKS $497.99
Pro comp has been recommended to me as a solid contender and in a fair price range.

Any advice/experience would be really appreciated.

TH

 

I found myself in the same situation as you (paid off vehicle, ready for a good lift)

Below is the route that I went, along with Light Racing UCA's, and I'm very satisfied with it!
885x OME Springs on the Bilsteins set at "0", AAL in the rear.
Installed myself (had coils pre-assembled) in one day.
I would consider this a very good option if you are looking to keep cost down.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/headstrong-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

 

My vote is for Old Man Emu... Do a search and you'll reading for days.

I went with 887 coils up front and Dakar leafs in the back for roughly a 3" lift. Cost was $1030 and installed by myself and a buddy in a few hours.

885 coils will yield closer to 2.5" of lift and you can substitute the Daker springs for an add-a-leaf to make the lift less expensive.

There is a great write up on lifting Tacomas... I think it is even a Sticky in the Suspension forum.

 

Thanks for the SUSPENSION STICKY forum, Emu, and Blistein Kit recommends.
Just stumbling into all this information.

This forum is deep and I have much to learn.


TH

 

OME 887s with 5100s and an AAL or new leaf pack if you can afford it along with LR UCAs. That's best bang for your buck! Right around 3" of lift.

 

I think that I'm sold on this with 887s.
I'm throwing on some BFG 285/75/R16 tires on the stock rims and hopefully will have some clearance.
From what I'm reading on here it varies from truck to truck.

How am I doing?
The answer is broke in the best way.

 

What did you end up getting around?
I'm shopping around and keep going back to this setup to keep cost down

 

Your link to the 6112 kit is a 5100 kit, great kit but I'm planning on going 6112, seems more of a mid travel

 

I am going with
-OME suspension with 887s
- Dakar leaf springs
- LR UCA's (still on the fence)

Hoping to get zero rub with some new BFG 285/75/16 on my stock wheels... But realistically I am prepared to lose some plastic; and pray I can stay away from the cab mount.

Unfortunately it all seems to be an expensive experiment initially... But enough people are making it work; inspiring me to find a way to make it happen.

People on this forum have been very helpful despite this is a consistent topic.

If any of you have a word of advice on your 285/75/16 or 17 fitting with no rub... Chime in prease.

TH

 

For 285s on stock wheels you will need some wheel spacers otherwise you will rub on the UCA. Id recommend getting wheels with the correct back spacing of 4.5, unless you are prepared to check the wheel spacers all the time. I'd also get the LR UCAs, I didn't with that kit and kinda wish I did. Other than that, great setup!

Another note on the 285s, don't be surprised if you have to trim. Mine had to be trimmed a bit with 285/75/16s but not too much. It's not a big deal, can't even tell unless you really look at it. Very few people are able to run 285s with no rub. They look badass though...WORTH IT!!!

 

Don't be cheap. Your truck is paid for save a couple months and get the Icon it is twice the suspension of what you are looking at.

 

This is the exact setup I ended up going with.
This exact configuration along with the LR UCA's. No regrets at all

 

Icon is twice my setup, but the lift I got from headstrong is 10x better than a spacer lift... Without the Icon price.

I would have loved to do an Icon lift. But with a life that includes diapers and trying to maintain happy wife considerations , this was the lift for me:
Bang for the buck and wallet friendlier.

 

I agree with the last couple posts...bang for the buck, go with bilstein/OME, if you have the budget/need/desire go with the icon setup. Although, for me, I do not "wheel" I just wanted a capable truck for hunting/fishing that has a decent ride on pavement and looks badass. I'm happy with my decision, and was able to afford new wheels and tires because I got the cheaper lift.

 

Wahhhhhh! The stock wheels need spacers!? You sure? That's an expensive oversight on my end. Thanks for the heads up.

+ OME Suspension Kit w/leaf spring $1100
+ LR UCA $450
+ BFG 285/75/16 $900
+ TRD Beadlock Wheels (10 offset) $900
+ shipping and asshole tax $????
= $3500-4000 (realistically overshooting ).

Icon seems to have some serious clout with you guys. It's a slippery 'stage' slope...

Thanks for chiming in.

TH

 

I'm 98% sure you will rub the UCAs with 285s on stock wheels. Maybe somebody will back me up here.......

 

Josh,
The 6112 kit we have is just below the 5100 kit on the same page, not sure if you saw it.

Oh and a mid-travel set-up would incorporate the use of after market UCAs and extended travel COs.

Let us know if you have any questions

 

Your cutting yourself short. Go with a little better components. I will research that tire size it sure seems like you will end up with some rubbing. I would get wheels and tires too!

 

I ended up completely going for it.


-BFG 285 75 16 KO2
-TRD Bronze Beadlock Wheels
-Icon Stage 3 Lift Kit w/Billet UCA

I'm getting just a little rub (1cm) on the inner front side fender when backing up fully turned... but about to take a dremel/jigsaw to it today.
I seriously can't stop looking at my truck. So broke and happy.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

How's the ride?

AE