I am a new tacoma owner. Need help.

My truck has a 3 inch lift kit. The front only has a 3 inch spacer and same with the back. I have not had any problems other than how stiff the suspension is when I hit bumps. How can you fix this without paying a ton of money? I don't go off roading a ton and if I do it is not very crazy so ya any tips?

 

What do you consider a "ton of money"?

 

Um $1000. Im young and poor. haha

 

If you have 1000 dollar budget, go with Bilstein 5100s.

 

$1000 is plenty. Buy bilstein 5100 for all 4 corners and an add a leaf for the rear. Set the front for 2" lift, it will ride nice and look good.

 

Why do you recommend that one?

 

Inexpensive, good performance, decent quality, and adjustable for different amounts of lift.

For the best ride you want to avoid lifting with spacers.

 

so I would take the spacers out and the bilstein is adjustable to fit how hi i want the lift? Instead of adding a block in the back add tongues?

 

I run 5100s up front. Wish I had them in the rear. Buddy of mine runs 5100s in the rear and fox up front. He wants 5100s instead of the fox shocks. They ride very well for the price.

 

Basically yes

 

The majority of people on here will recommend the Bilstein 5100s and an add a leaf because it is only about $350 for all 4 shocks, and an Icon add-a-leaf for the rear is about $200. That leaves you enough to get it installed at a shop as long as labor rates aren't insane, and gives you a better ride than spacers and blocks. The Bilstein 5100 rear shocks do not provide any lift by themselves, that's why you need the AAL for the rear as well.

 

Here is what mine looks like with Bilstein 5100s set at 1.75 in front (3rd setting) and zero lift in the rear. It's all stock in back. I have 285/70R16 tires (32" tall × 11.5" wide)

 

Thanks guys you have been really helpful. Would you guys change things like the sway bar endlinks or the control arms. and would you space the transfer case down form the car?

 

No i wouldn't do any of that, unless you end up with vibrations after the new suspension. Do you plan on adding the leafs in the rear for rear lift, or just doing the shocks in the front and rear?

 

I am just going to get the shocks for front and back. I already have a spacer in the back but might replace it with a leaf or two.

 

Yeah I would hold off on the diff drop until you can drive the truck a bit and see if you get any vibrations. Also, you shouldn't need new upper control arms unless they can't get your truck into proper alignment. Those are also usually in the $500-750 range for decent aftermarket arms. Good luck with your new suspension!

 

Thanks! I also will need to replace my front CV axle soon. any recommendations for what axle to get?

 

I don't have any experience with those yet, but my driver's side axle is starting to make some noise so I'm going to look into it at some point. Both of my CV boots are still good with no holes or cracks so I might see about rebuilding it or something.

 

After trying to like the ride with 5100s on a few Rams and Jeeps I skipped a step here went and straight to Fox on this old truck. Its everything I was heard it would be. You will get a better ride with progressive shocks than digressive for just a few bucks more plus you are getting new springs also. Wish I would of listened to the veteran MOPAR owners and went with Fox years ago. I either didn't have the money or kept thinking I knew better and spent money on 5100s first then tried others making it cost much more in the end. This time I had it in my head Fox or King depending on what year truck I bought. Being I went with a older one I didn't think it was worth the cost of Kings and the Foxes are great. You would not know its lifted, Perfect !