Cheap lift options & Ride quality etc

I have a 2016 2wd double cab xp which I believe is just the sr5 with a trim package. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

I've done a few small cosmetic mods myself with the help of TW and YouTube but I'm planning something a little more that I'm unable to do myself.

Considering it's a 2wd and the fact that it will probably only encounter one dirt road in its lifetime I don't want to go all out with the suspension in terms of $$$ and capability. However I do want to maintain a good ride quality for on road and also not sacrifice what little fuel economy I do have.

I've done tons of reading so far but havent really found much in terms of the quality of ride with the cheaper kits such as the RC 3inch spacer kit for $300.
https://www.roughcountry.com/toyota...Q3pv_V9u9ahGbKOJ6-bo2Rv4cUMP5YJRoCwzwQAvD_BwE

Also the actual need for UCA's on the 2wd seems pretty vague as well. Are they even necessary for a mostly on road 3" or less vehicle?

Where I'm at so far is: I'm thinking 3" or less with a 265/70/17 or 31x10.50x17. I'd love some thoughts, input, and guidance on this please!

 

That lift should be fine if you are just going for aesthetic look. I wouldn't bother doing upper control arms, especially since you aren't trying to stuff bigger tires in there. I would probably look at replacing the front struts while you are at it though as they are probably worn out and adding a spacer will put some more strain on them.

 

Good idea. Im right around 83,000. Not sure how long they're made to last though.
RC has this as another option that comes with the front struts for an extra $300. https://www.roughcountry.com/toyota...2016-toyota-tacoma-2wd-738568#278=517&266=734

It seems to look like I would just reuse the factory coils with this? Will that be OK considering the height difference?

Also, before any of this gets done I will be going to the dealer Saturday for the TSB concerning shifting. I'm sure I'll need a tune after completing the lift/tires.

Any recommendations on such?

Also has anyone noticed much of a difference as far as tires and power/fuel economy between roughly a 31 vs 33?

 

Lots of people run spacer lifts, they ride a little rough but sit right for most and give the look wanted.

UCA makes the ride much nicer and more stable at higher speeds, you can do it later if you want.

Stick to 2-3" front, 1" rear for spacers.

265/75R16 or 265/70R16 is roughly 32" and the sweet spot for power band and looks.

 

So then I'm pretty spot on with the tire size it seems. I'd love to upgrade the wheels but won't be able to do it this go around. I have the 17" mavericks that came on the truck. Not sure about the offset. But the 265/70/17 seems to come out to be about 31.6 or so.

When you say the UCA's will make things more stable as far as higher speeds go... does that mean it will be floaty on the highway unless I upgrade them as well?

 

Yes the caster is reduced on lifting, which brings the front tires closer to the center of the truck. So it turns tighter and more sensitive. This is not desireable on highways.

Typically, stock is 2.5 caster, lifted no UCA is 1.5, UCA can be 2-4 degrees. Big 33's usually want 4. 31-32 is about 2.5-3.

 

Oh yeah that's definitely not desirable. I do a good deal of highway driving so I may need to go ahead and do the UCA's right off the bat then. How long is it possible to go though before tire wear starts taking effect?

 

!!!UPDATE!!!

I belive I'm fully set on an aggressive 265/70/17.

I still need to figure out the lift ordeal. I dont want to spend a ton of money on a cosmetic lift for my 2wd. But I do want to maintain a good ride quality.

I think as @bigmace said I probably should replace the front struts considering I'm at 80k+ miles.

Does anyone have any experience with the RC 3.5 lift that comes with UCA's? Or the lesser $600 one? Or should I drop the idea of RC all together and go with Bilstein or OME etc?

 

If you have not considered the Eibach brand you should. Im not sure of there offerings for the 2wd crowd but I have been really impressed with Eibach kit. Money well spent.

 

I'll definitely look into it. What kit are you running and what size? UCA's also?

 

Im running there 1.0 Pro truck kit on the 1st notch.
Stock UCA's. 255/80r 17's

 

What would that first notch be? The softest setting? I think that tire size works out to about a 33 right? So the springs still put you somewhere around 3inches up front?

How is it on the highway considering the stock UCA's? And overall drivability?

 

I beleive eibach states that the 1st notch is 2" of lift without any added weight. 2nd and 3rd notch are to compensate for armor/winch. And yes they are skinny 33"s

On highway its great, no front end dive and a very planted feel. Some people have said that the ride is better/as good as the high end coilover brands because Eibach engineered this kit specifically for 3rd gens.

The 2" of lift is probably the reason why im ok with stock UCA's. Anything over 2" and your probably gonna need new UCA's.

 

I have Eibach springs paried with Bilstein 5100s. Really happy with the look and ride quality.

 

Ahh that makes sense!! After a little more research it's seeming like most are getting that 2" you mentioned. So about 2" regardless and the higher notches help hold it there when weight starts to get added.

It seems like the price for the Eibachs is all over the map though. The nest I've found so far is a complete coil over front, rear shocks, & 1.5" blocks for about $945... im sure + tax and shipping unless I luck up on free shipping.

I also found an OME medium kit for about $1400.

And then the RC's are lingering simply for the price.

 

I wish I knew enough about it all to piece things together. It seems like you can save a little $$$ by doing so. However I have a while before I buy so I'm not going to be able to jump at anything on a whim which is certainly a good thing!

 

My Eibach kit came from Headstrong and i beleive was around $700 pre assembled. I bought a 1 inch block from wheelers i beleive. So add $80-$100 for the blocks and new U-bolts. So i was in it for less than $900 and did the install myself.

If you can find them instock its a great buy, especially if you dont need the clout from a name like King, Fox or ADS.

I cant comment on the RC kit but i stayed away from OME b/c of the reputation of their springs sagging over time. YMMV

 

That sounds nice! I'll definitely keep looking! The one I found for $945 is also pre assembled so that helps too. In-stock is the only issue. They have everything except the rear shocks are back ordered lol.

I definitely don't. Nor can I afford any of those. Not to mention I don't really need any of those on a 2wd. Lol.

I've decided I think to ditch the 3+ and stay 2" or under. I dont want to bother with rhe UCA's. I haven't seen anything about OME sagging yet but I'll sure keep reading. It's also a little more expensive though.

How long have you had the eibachs? Also... a few things I've seen mentioned a front swaybar relocate bracket due to running on the struts I think it was?

 

Ive had my kit on for almost 2 years and they still look and ride great. And yes i did have to relocate the swaybar, however some people say they didnt have to. The kits about $20-$30 pick your flavor as far as brand.

Give this a read. Might answer some questions.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/eibach-pro-lift-kit.545060/