Another lift kit recommendation, please

I tried searching but still not sure. My wife has an 09 Tacoma DC 4wd with TRD off road package. The only off-roading we do is spring/summertime trips to the beach. We want to raise the truck some for looks mainly but maintain factory ride and yet add to the payload cap. ( In case Toyota won't add 09 to the TSB ) In fact, I was thinking a kit with an add-a-leaf that would raise 2-3" would be better with my stock 3-leaf pack than adding something to a TSB 4-leafer. Am I right???

Also, she doesn't want to change tires as she is happy with the BFG rugged trails. I also don't want anything thats going to affect items like drive shafts, ball joints, etc. I realize that anything that we do will require a wheel alignment. It seems that coil-overs are the most popular but I saw where ToyTec says in they're FAQ section that spacers with OEM springs and shocks give the best ride. See link...

I'm so confused!!!

 

Spacers are not the way to go if you want to offroad at all- They can stress incorrectly and end up doing bad things. (As a side note the tires MIGHT look funny after a 2-3 inch lift...have to wait and see)

If you lift 3 inches you may HAVE to drop the differential and/or shim the axel and/or make several other adjustments to the drive line. Just putting new springs or more springs on the truck will NOT automatically add to your payload- and may infact LOWER it.
Payload and Gross Vehicle Weight rating are calculated as a function of suspension, frame design and strength, steering and braking controls, and some other stuff I don't remember. The stock set up (if the right type of springs are used) will give you that GVWR. Most lift springs are designed to allow greater articulation and a more flexible and therefore can lower the amount of weight that can be handled by the stiffer stock springs.

Lots more people will chime in with all sorts of stuff....But you came to the right spot to learn everything you need!!

 

Read this thread. A guy asked me about my lift and I told him what it consisted of and where to buy.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/30943-total-choas-tires.html