Help planning lift for off and on-road use, budget about $1500

Okay so I wanna get a good 3 inch lift for my truck. My budget is about 1,500 I can stretch it out to 1,700 max. I plan on doing alot of off-roading but I also want it to be comfortable since I go on long 2-3 hr drives sometimes. I have no clue on what to get or even look at. I could use some help.. plz. Thanks.

 

Give this a try and see if it fits your needs, its definitely in your price range though...

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s..._Emu_Kit_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_05__Tacoma.html

Edit: Replaced link

 

Sorry wrong link...this is the one I was trying to refer too...

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s..._Emu_Kit_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_05__Tacoma.html

 

Thanks!

 

I recently just installed this on my taco and went off-roading last weekend. Feels a little stiffer than stock on the street but handles great.

I'm a beginner off-roader so for what I do it held up fine. Hope this helps.

 

Always better to buy what's at your level and get a feel for what you like and dislike before spending $3k on a set. Example, in high school an acquaintance of mine had rich parents. He just started to learn how to play guitar, his parents got him $5k of Mesa boogie amps and a $2k guitar...4 months later, kid decided he didnt like playing guitar.

 

There is a ton of options out there for your price range and it is just going to come down to what you want, it is hard to form an opinion in multiple lifts because I only have one and have not drove any tacos with different brands. I have an icon stage 2 and I enjoy it. I have experience with bilstein 5100 lifts and they are also a great value for the money.

That being said I wish I would have saved a little more and went stage 6 icon or a very nice kid travel kings setup.

 

OME is a great kit to start off with. You can always upgrade from there. The OME kit is where I started and it has slowly escalated from there. Currently looking to add extended coilovers to the front to replace my OME setup and I am also looking for more travel.

Oh, and just because

 

I did ome 886 with 1/2” spacers got 3” lift up front. Did headstrong hs-3 rear 3-leaf pack got 2” in back. Did lr spa uca’s. Total cost for full suspension 1350 or close to it. So its definitly doable.

Without a bumper go with 888. For 3” you will maybe need 1/4” spacers ontop.

 

Jesus..I hope you have a steel plate front bumper that weighs at least 150lbs..

 

Parents always told me to look up in life

 

I do and steal skids and sliders and a winch and duel battery setup soon. But bumpers in garage and ride is not bad at all.

 

Instead of a frantic post on an already saturated forum you could always just search Google, too. And "planning" on going off-road is a lot different from actually wheeling your truck. Just be honest about your intentions and get what you need. Your profile already says you have a lift kit?

 

I'll take a different tack.

Use the truck as is. 'Maybe' upgrade the tires, on stock wheels, depending on what you find yourself into when off roading.

They are very capable stock. Many trucks that get stuck or hung up are because of the loose nut behind the wheel, not the capability of the truck.

It's like the 100 golfer buying graphite clubs. Better golf through science he says, as he finishes his round of 99.

When you find 'lift' is required to prevent problems for *your* usage of the truck, weight you've added, etc., then make that move.

When, and if, that time actually comes, call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road for good recommendations, service and pricing.

 

Your right about lots of threads on here about lifts but i disagree with google search. This is the place to ask hands down! Just in the lift forumn not this one. Either way im happy to help him with 1 minute of my time

 

That’s my old truck. A distracted driver wrecked it and got set up with a 2017. I had spacers on that one and I hated it

 

Thanks for the help guys, really do appreciate the help

 

I was in the same boat as you, went 5100's with 886's and 1/4" top plate spacer on the DS. single add a leaf rear , $750 shipped. Wheelers

My alignment is in spec except for the caster which wont affect tire wear but does make the truck handle differently. Will be going with JBA UCAs soon.

 

Wut?