Is it ever really necessary to install a lift?

What are MPG’s? JK.... the tires will effect your Mileage yes, mostly because they are E Rated tires and they’re bigger, therefore heavier all around. I know my ST Maxx’s Weigh 59lbs each. Not sure on stock tires.

As i mentioned even though those tires fit 100% stock on an OR i actually lifted mine about 3” and swapped wheels all at the same time. Right now I’ve lost about 3 mpg, but a good part of that is the truck is much higher now which certainly hurts. I’d expect a 1-2 mpg drop but belive it or not the truck seems to be “learning” and my mileage is creeping back up. I expect when we’re back on summer gas it’ll be even better. YMMV (literally)

 

I looked at this thread since I've been debating some things myself... this seems like the best advice. I planned a longer off road trip (will be on the trail for at least 5 hours). I am thinking I'll know after this test.

 

You are correct that load balance and headlight aiming are part of the deal. Its just that the heavier rear springs are 'waiting' for some load.

OTOH I've measured dozens of different common and uncommon vehicles. Tech inspections for classing SCCA cars was one reason.

All have had 1/4-1/2 or so of rake in stock form.

The way race/chassis builders measure is the frame or unibody rail to the ground.

The quick and dirty way is center of hub vertically to the fender lip. And it's normally close. But it also assumes the fender arcs are the same design.

While leveling looks nice in many cases, when you actually corner weight a vehicle to optimize handling, it frequently results in each corner having a different dimension. Makes the form over function crowd nuts.

 

Did you get your answer? So many different points of view here, I do like them though, many are very helpful.

I only suggest calling someone like @HeadStrong Off-Road and ask them what they would suggest based on your personal situation, e.g., budget, driving style and location characteristics, and what you see yourself expecting of your truck in the future. Marie at HS helped me out fully with my decisions on lifting and I can’t be happier with them.

 

What’s the backspacing and offset on the aftermarket wheels?

 

^^^ This.

 

Lifting is like overlanding. Does it make sense to the masses? No. Does it mean we shouldn't? No. But don't worry about compromising ride, do it right and you will ride better. Plus most overland builds are heavy when loaded up. Your truck will probably be sagging on stock suspension

 

-6

17" x 8.5", -6 Offset, 6x139.7 Bolt Pattern, 108mm Hub

 

Lol to be honest I’m so overwhelmed with the amount of responses that I’m still reading through them all. Can’t really reply to them all. Really happy to join the forum already.

 

Great response

 

Would this be the type of setup I need to support overlanding weight? It’s the complete OME setup from headstrong off-road.

Coil Selection: 885X
Strut Selection: 90021 Soft Ride Strut
Strut Assembly: No Assembly Needed
Upper Control Arms: No UCA's Needed
Dakar Leaf Pack : Heavy Duty

 

Yes... that’s perfect. Pending your front end plans. IF you’re gonna armor up/ heavy front bumper and or winch go 886X coils. Otherwise that’s perfect. I skipped UCA’s in my Lift also from @HeadStrong Off-Road and got things into alignment with no issue.


Welcome to the entrance of the rabbit hole...



Before you order i would take the time to contact Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road as has been mentioned either via phone or send her a PM with your plans. She will NOT steer you wrong.

 

So it’s not necessary to add the UCAs even though the 885s would give me a 3” lift up front? I don’t plan on adding a steel bumper or winch up front, at least not anytime in the foreseeable future. And your rig looks totally different in each picture. One looks level, one looks like more of a rake than I already have stock. If I’m not mistaken the kit I listed would in the end add 3” front 2” rear. Should be a little more level than stock.

 

Mine may have more Rake than stock as i put in +660lbs springs and don’t have my Decked or Camper on yet.. keep in mind i also have the heaviest front springs on there too so it’s as high as it’ll get right now. And no i do NOT have UCA’s (after market ones at least) haha. Here’s a better side pic.

 

So if I don’t plan on doing a camper, or other very heavy mods in the rear, should I take out the heavy duty springs? I only plan on adding a softopper for my storage, and a roof rack. Which will be for recovery gear and camping gear.

Edit: About the UCAs, you have had no issue without them and a 3” lift up front.

 

Again talk to Marie... but no. Those Springs are designed to carry an extra 660lbs so if you are only planning on adding ~150 i wouldn’t use them. (You can always add to the leaf pack later if you want heaveir).

Re: UCA’s i attached my alignment sheet in the previous post. Top was before bottom was after. They came in fine.

 

You need to add a shit ton of weight to re spring. If you don't add the weight and go heavy on the spring it will be like riding a steel wheeled covered wagon.

 

I feel like this may be a myth perpetuated by people who have never actually done it. My truck has the heaviest OME suspension system installed on it and literally zero added weight right now.

I have 886X struts with driver side spacer, and +660lb rear springs and my Skids, Decked Drawers are sitting in my garage, my Sliders are still being built by @Mobtown Offroad and my GoFastCamper from @wileydavis should be done in May. That said i have never ridden in a steel wheeled wagon, and yes the ride is firm, but this is a pickup truck. It’s by no means uncomfortable or unsafe. Obviously i expect it to settle a bit when my drawers (200lbs), GFC (220lbs), and 63qt fridge and slide (75lbs) are installed plus all the armor but i don’t think it’s something to be afraid of.

That said my prior experience to this Tacoma is HD full size pickup’s so his Tacoma especially in OR trim felt soft to begin with. Listening to people on here i was nervous about running HD suspension before my goodies came in but my spine has remained completely intact and I’m quite happy with the ride quality.

-YOTA

Oh yeah i also have E rated tires inflated over 50psi so according to TW my teeth should have rattled loose by now

 

What’s the story with that front hitch.... I’m kinda digging it, as i have a lightbar right above my bumper so that space is used) But... it looks like it costs you a lot of approach angle? Thoughts???

 

I'd hardly call that a good alignment. You can see right there on the sheet that the low end of the range is 1.4°. OP if you want UCAs, then I recommend JBA. They're awesome quality and budget friendly, and have a bunch of positive aspects about them.