Beyond Lost With Which Lift To Purchase

Hey TW, first post though I've lurked for quite some time.

I went to Uwharrie Nation Forest last week and really fell in love with the OHV trails there.

While I must say, I'm surprised what a stock TRD sport was capable of I'm looking to beef her up a little. I'm looking for a 3" lift and from what I can tell everyone likes Fox, the Bilstien 5100 and OME.

Here's where I get really confused: Which one fits what I'm actually looking for? I want to fit bigger tires (obv) and be able to trail ride better and be able to clear larger rocks; it's not for looks. I don't mind spending a little extra money to make sure I have every part needed to achieve the lift with no negative side affects.

Will I need new UCAs for the Bilstien 5100 kit with the Dakar leaf pack (I like that lift kit) to make sure I have enough travel? I know that many people talk about drive shaft shuddering issues when lifting, so I've already planned on going to the single piece shaft with the lift. I know that if I want to keep my stock rims I'll also have to buy spacers.

So all in all, what should I be looking into to achieve a 3" lift that is not for looks and will help me off road better? What all parts do I need? In reality am I looking for a mid length travel kit?

I feel so lost with all the information that is out there.....

 

What is your budget?

We have both our Chase Kit ( Boxed Upper arm and King 2.5 Coilover combo ) and our Prerunner kit.

Either one of these kits will get the job done but if you want to have more fun, our Prerunner kit is awesome!!

 

I'm not looking for anything too over the top as she is my daily driver. But in terms of my budget I can swing up to 3k but I'd prefer closer to 2.5K.

Those are some beautiful trucks

 

I did this for about a grand. FOX IFP 2.0, SPC Light Racing UCA, Custom links.

 

So if my understanding is correct, I could essentially build a mix and match? Per se if I wanted to I could purchase the Bilstein 5100 kit, and TC UCAs that would all work out and give me an even ride with no real issues? Also if I did go for that build, should I go for the adjustable front end or the preset at 3"?

 

Yes you can mix and match, and I would go with the adjustable coil over, as you add a bumper, winch, skids, you will want to to adjust it. Here is my spring set up. I use my rig as a tow truck.

 

Kings> Foxes

My old setup:

New setup:

The Kings are worth every penny IMO

 

Oh yes, yes, yes my friend, love your FOX setup, KINGS are next for me also. Sweet King suspension. Well done, well done.

 

Many people like Bilstein 5100s because they are cheap not because they are an awesome shock. OME makes a decent suspension is probably on the medium side in regards to performance, then you have performance shocks and such which are Kings and some others..

You will need aftermarket UCA to help with your post-lift alignment, popular brands include, Bajakits, SPC, Camburg, Total Chaos, JBA offroad etc. Ultimately it depends on what you want.

You likely won't have driveline vibrations however you may experience vibrations from the driver side needle bearing, its weak and toyota should be ashamed for using it, you will want to replace this with the ECGS bushing replacement.

You'll get mostly opinions here but for the most part the best shocks out there are King. There are mixed reviews from Icon (mainly their customer service). Fox seems good though I know little about them.


It all comes down to budget and what you are driving. Better shocks provide a better ride and for longer. Below is a good video, watch the first 20 minutes to learn about shocks.

Common brands:
Bilstein
OME
Toytec
Icon
Fox
King

TW Vendors I recommend:
@JT@Bajakits
@HeadStrong Off-Road

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MsKf1lIYI0

 

The video is very informative and it's leading me to understand that I can go more budget for now or go ahead and pull the trigger on a high end set up that will last much longer. I'm feeling certain on getting TC UCAs.

So would you say in your opinion it is bilstein/OME<Toytec/Icon<Fox<King?

Looks like I will eventually pull the trigger on Kings but until I can afford them...

 

Anyone here ran ADS?

 

Buy once, cry once. If you want Kings, save up and buy them don't buy shocks twice.

 

Yes, KINGS, I want, Kings.

 

I like to cry twice....might explain getting the Kings

 

Another quality brand

 

Are you running it? Can't decide between them and king. Or to go cheapo and get the 6112...

 

ADS is a pretty new company. Kings are proven since the 70s

 

Pretty sure ADS has been around almost as long under different names such as ballistic.

But functionally I feel like ADS has king. Renown, not so much. At least from the light reading I've done.

 

I'm quite sure they are. I'm also quite sure the founders use to work for Kings too.

 

Go king and be done with it worth every penny