5 lug noob, overwhelmed, need some help

I've already gone into a little detail on a couple of other threads about my preferred build, but I'm still stumped as to how to proceed.

I bought this 2009 Tacoma SR5 with under 80,000 miles. It had one previous owner who was disabled, who only used it for running errands and picking up groceries. I'd always wanted a 3rd gen Tacoma, but I also liked the contour lines of the 2nd gen, and between the price and condition, I just couldn’t pass it up.



This is not only the first Tacoma I've ever owned, but also the first truck I've owned in roughly 20 years. I was unaware that there were different model types (5 lug vs 6 lug), and didn't find out until I took it to a custom shop for an estimate, only to have the mechanics there look at me as if I had steaming turds hanging out of my mouth when I told them I wanted to install a lift kit.

As it turns out, I've now been to or talked to 4-5 different shops, all of which are unfamiliar the process of lifting a 5 lug truck.

I've seen multiple 5 lug builds here that I really like, but needless to say I'm not a DIY guy when it comes to working on cars. I've changed my oil and brake pads and performed regular maintenance on all the cars I've owned, but getting into control arms, springs, shocks and what not is out of my wheelhouse, nor do I have the tools or the workspace. The intro/FAQ page had alot of great information, but alot of the build and part descriptions are abbreviated or parsed in a way that assumes the reader is a licensed mechanic that knows the lingo, and sadly, I do not, but that's on me.

I'm trying to do research using information on this thread as well as others in order to communicate to a shop exactly what it is I want to accomplish, but I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with information.

Simply put, I want the biggest tires I can put on the truck with the least bit of hassle. The initial goal was to install a lift to accommodate 285 size tires, but that was before I realized that doing so would be stretching the limits of both the 5 ug vehicle itself, and whatever lift I decide to use.

I don't plan on doing any off-roading, but I'd like to hop the curb to get to my fishing spot on occasion. I just want a truck that will look bad ass without alot of headache, but no idea what to tell the mechanics who will be installing it. I dunno where most of yall live, but the custom shops or offroad shops here in Little Rock are few and far between, and if it's not a damn dually F-350 or whatever, they aren't very knowledgeable.

While the looks are important, I am also concerned about the ride being smooth. I've seen alot of people say that after installing their lift, the ride was rough. Is that due to shocks? Alignment? Problems with the lift? Obviously in lifting these trucks, we're trying to get the truck to do something it wasn't designed to do, but I don't want to do more harm than good by attempting to lift it. I want to add aftermarket shocks, regardless of the lift and tires, and I want to be able to turn my wheels at full lock both forward and in reverse without rubbing.

So my question is, where is the sweet spot? I want to beef the look of this truck up without extensive modification or extreme wear on the truck. What's the proper lift and biggest tire size I can put on this truck that won't require any more modification aside from removing the black boxes?

I apologize for the lack of knowledge on my part, but you may have to explain it like I'm 5. I promise I won't be offended, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Theres a couple after market options for lifting a 2nd gen 5 lug that doesn’t involve any crazy modifications but they will all yield you about stock ride height and tire size of a 6lug.

 

Beautiful truck! I’m rooting for you!

 

Not trying to sound like a wet blanket here, but honestly if you want the look of a lifted Tacoma you should sell it and get a 6-lug. In the long run it'll drive better and perform better.

The 5-lug platform is more like a Camry than an actual truck. The control arms, brakes, suspension angles and everything is much smaller and "weaker".

Not to mention much more options for wheels and tires with a 6-lug platform

 

235 75 15 on those wheels is as big as you can go and not have to do any other work. Or some 16" equivalent diameter with something like Highlander wheels. The Tire calculator will help you compare.

The tire change alone gives 1/2" of real ground clearing lift. Suspension lifts don't raise the axle lines, the low point of the truck

I run Michelins from Costco. Smooth, quiet and great in rain and mild unpaved roads. I used wheels from spare tires to create a different look.

 

Yeah, if I could afford a newer model I would have gotten it, and had I known there were different models, I wouldn’t have gotten this one. I thought for the price and condition, I was getting a good deal. And it was a good deal, it’s just more limited than other Tacomas. I’m gonna try to do the best with what I’ve got though before I decide to trade it in for something different.

 

Enjoy it. Don't be the poo pooers get you down.

It's cheap to maintain easy to work on and will do much more than you think with a couple simple changes. You knew you were buying 2wd anyway.

It will go anywhere a car would go, and more.

If you need 4wd, that's another story. But for 2wd and not being a desert racer it's just fine.

Do you know what an Xrunner is? Look it up. It's built on the 5 lug platform.

 

I am by no means an expert on lifting the 5-lug, I've lowered mine more than you want to lift yours, but Torch Offroad seems to come up often as a popular 3/2 lift. It's basically spacers in the front and add-a-leaf in the rear. Personally I would look into doing a shackle flip in the rear before doing an add-a-leaf, which will increase the rear spring rate.

I would suggest reading though this thread if you haven't already for ideas and information.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-lifting-your-5-lug-guide.518620/

 

Check this thread for some swap options for bigger, better looking wheels with no lift.

 

A 1" strut spacer in the front will get up about 2" of lift. Put an AAL in the rear. Replace front & rear shocks with Bilsteins. Cheap & easy lift. Will be stiffer ride, but not horrible.

Replace tires with 235-75-15 on stock rims, or get 16" and go with 245 70 16.

I did not do the AAL yet, so truck sits about 1/2" high in the front. I'll either do the AAL or replace front spacer with something slightly less.

A word of warning, lifting will impact your mpg's.

 

Hello!

I just joined to seek information about lifting my dad's (RIP) Tacoma (45k miles). I was looking forward to passing the truck to my 16 year old as his first truck with a lift and bigger tires. From reading the posts I've gotten the information I need.

A question for HOMELINE, what's an AAL?

Thanks!

 

Add A Leaf. Will raise rear 2". Use shocks for a PreRunner on the rear. Get longer U-bolts when you install them.

 

I’m assuming there are more options with a 4x4 6 lug than a regular 6 lug, but if I got just a regular RWD 6 lug truck, would I be able to do what I want as described above??

 

The regular 6 lug, aka a prerunner, has exactly the same suspension as the 4x4. It's only missing the transfer case and front drive axles.