Cheapest way to level-ish lift truck, without spacers?

New to the Tacomas, just bought my first 04/18/14. Been reading around and haven't found a quick answer. I level lifted my old F150, at that time didn't know the concerns or wear over spacers. I'm not an avid off roader, just go on some some trails to make it in to areas. I would like some more clearance. Bilstein 5100's seem to be in the price range I'm willing to spend on this.

I mainly want to level the front and maybe lift the back just a little bit. I love how well it rides stock. Do the 5100's stiffen it that much or is there a different lift that is close to equal on performance and price that will give me the same smooth ride?

 

I have a 2014 DSCB Sport and am interested in leveling too. There are countless threads here on TW that will provide various options to level out. Based on my research, here's my plan to level out while maintaining a close-to-stock ride:

5100's all around with front set at "0" with Eibach coils and the 1/4" spacer on driver side to fix "taco lean". Assuming you have the factory 4-leaf pack in the rear, this should get us close to level. From what I've read, the ride is a tad stiffer than stock with the Eibach coils (vs. preloading stock coils), but most have preferred the aftermarket ride to stock. It is a truck after all!

Hope this helps.

 

If you want to level a second gen I think the eibach coils on bilsteins is the best/ cheapest way. But if you want to spend even less then you could get just the bilsteins and use stock coils. You would adjust the C clip on the Bilsteins to give the amount of lift desired. Im a fan of the eibachs because they are a stiffer spring, but there are also OME coils. For a 2nd gen I think 883's or 884's would give you enough lift to level with the rear.

The amount of lift needed would also depend on how high you are on the rear. Find the Difference between the front and rear heights and that will give you an idea of how much lift you need up front to match the rear.