Confused about lift Kits

So I have been looking at the many post here and my head is spinning.

I have a new 2011 TRD4x4 double cab and have never lifted a truck before.

I like the Icon stage3 system but I am concerned about Diff angle and CV joint wear etc. Hoping to run 33" tires.

What are the risks with a 3" lift if any? THIS IS MY DAILY DRIVER.

Is Icon a quality brand? I read about the ProComps being stiff but that doesn't really bother me.

Note I would really like a 6" lift

 

go with the 6-inch pro comp you dont have to put 35 inch tires on it,be ready for a gear swap if you use your cruise alot.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/11282-tacoma-lift-faq-guide-read.html

 

No matter what lift you go with you are going to get the drive shaft vibe. Depending on what you are going to use it for. I would go with all pro lt kit but that is just me. I have the pro comp 6 inch lift with the coil overs.

 

Thanks for the replies, I know you guys get a lot of the same Qs over and over.
I did do a lot of reading before asking and I did read the post that MJonAgs32 reffered me to. I may be new here but I do know what a coilover is

I am really leaning to the Icon 3" stage 4 kit. But during my looking I found the LT kits from Total Chaos I will need to save a little more money tho.

 

nice choice man good luck on saving getting your baby set up for some off road.

 

Icon's are sick. If you're looking at Icon's then also consider Kings.

Can't go wrong with either. The quality of ride with coilovers is amazing.

 

OK, so for a daily driver with a 3" lift, you're going to want upper control arms. Depending on which ones you get, they improve durability for off-roading, but from a daily driver perspective, they restore your Caster angle, so the truck isn't as "twitchy" driving down the highway day after day. And if you're looking at Icons, you can afford UCAs. If you can't afford both, I'd go a less expensive coil and shock setup so that I could afford UCAs.

Replacement leaf packs are reputed to ride more comfortably than add-a-leafs. You need to decide whether you want maximum soft ride and flexibility for off-roading while unloaded, or if you carry a lot of tools and gear. That'll guide you to the right lift pack - whether you're getting an "expedition" pack such as OME Dakar, or All Pro Expedition, or a lighter high-articulation leaf pack.

You're going to get driveshaft vibes. The only question is how bad they are and how hard you're willing to work to solve them.

Most folks do not recommend using a front diff drop, since the installation angle doesn't make a big difference in the CV angles. But opions vary and someone may well jump onto this thread to advocate for a diff drop.

Once you're lifted, you're going to have increased CV angles and you can count on wearing out CVs more often than normal. But I've never heard of anyone needing to replace them more than every couple years no matter what.

Once you go oversized tires, you're going to rub. It'll depen on the backspacing and offset of your wheels, as well as the tire size, and how well you got your alignment done post lift with the new upper control arms. Front mudflaps pretty much have to go, but some folks have managed to save them by trimming them, using a not-too-big tire, and not too extreme a negative offset on the wheel. Fix your the alignment first. Make sure the tech sets caster by moving the bottom lower control arm fully forward, not by moving the upper control arm adjustment back.

You'll probably need a cab mount chop, but not everyone does it.

EDIT: Oh and roughly one guy in eight ends up having some issue with the vehicle stability control. The most important thing is that your alignment tech aligns the truck with the wheel dead-on-center. But after that, the dealer can do a stability control recalibration. If it happens, there are a couple guys on the boards who've had the problem and can help guide you to a solution.

 

bjmoose hooked you up!

with Kings at factory setting (2.5") my truck could fit 33s with absolutely no rubbing no matter what, but only after trimming and chopping the cab mount.

but I'm running 32s because it's my DD and gas mileage and performance is awesome.

 

well explained man

 

Thank you guys!!

Bjmoose, that is the kind of info I was looking for! Hey your just a couple of hours from me. Im up here is Santa Rosa.

I dont haul anything heavy...I mean its only a 5ft bed I only carry camping stuff so i will look at the the replacement sets.

AND one last thing... what is the vehicle stability control? Is this part of the traction control? I really do hate all of this automatic stuff. I disconnected all of it from my 2001 mustang cobra

 

Short answer is it's a computer controlled "save your ass of last resort" system that'll apply brake and or throttle to try and keep you from rolling if you hit a curve too hot.

Sorry, no avoiding it if you buy a new truck or SUV.

 

Theres a fairly active group of NorCal TW members. Browse over to the "regional" forums to find out about outings, trail runs, camping trips, mod days....

 

I read all the great info you posted bjmoose but am still a little confused about the lift...

I have a 2011 DBL Cab Long Bed TRD Sport. I just ordered the flowmaster 40 exhaust for it and am now looking to order the lift kit.

I am looking at toytec ...I read the description of it on their website...is this everything I need? Will I be able to run BFG KM2's 305/65R17 with this kit? Will I have to do much trimming? I am looking to do as little as possible. Thanks for your help and the great forum info.

 

My vibes are morelike a noise; Im done and happy. now time for new break lines & bumpers. When will it end!!

 

I put Icons on my wife's truck and they are great. Up front is the extended travel with Camburg UCA's. In back is Wheelers Alcan springs with Icons 2.5" shock. I would have liked another inch out of the rear springs for when the rear bumper gets in but we got 1.5" out of them. The rear shocks are a bit harsh on low speed bumps but are smooth in dips and pot holes, but off-road they are great! The rear stays planted on climbs and wash board roads nicely. The front I have raised about 2 1/4". I did need to trim quite a bit for the 285's. The truck has 0 vibration issues, and the cv boot ribs are not touching.