Leveling 2012 Tacoma TRD Sport

BLUF: I want to put a 3" lift on my truck, but a good one is expensive. I'm thinking that leveling the truck will be a more economic and practical option.

So right now my truck has a very noticeable slope to it. The back end sits about 1.5" higher than the front. It doesn't look bad by any means, but I think it would look much better if the truck was leveled. So here's what I'm thinking:

I'm thinking I buy new shocks for my truck (upgrade from Bilstein 4600 to 5100 adjustable shocks). And then later I can buy new coilovers, add-a-leafs, and possibly UCAs. Here are the parts I'm thinking about:

this shock set
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...ht-adjustable-5100-front-and-rear-5100-shock/

or this shock set (adjustable rear shocks)
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...lstein-5100-0-2-5-front-0-1-rear-lift-shocks/

with these coilovers
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...-shocks-for-03-09-4runner-07-09-fj-05-tacoma/

and this bushing kit
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-fj-cruiser/front-shock-replacement-bushing-washer-kit/

or this front shock/coilover kit
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...adjustable-coil-over-kit-with-bilstein-5100s/

with these rear shocks
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2015/rear-bilstein-5100-shocks-2005-toyota-tacoma/

or these adjustable rear shocks
https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyo...unner-2wd-bilstein-5100-0-1-rear-lift-shocks/

I have a few questions:

Has anyone done this or something similar, and what were the results?
What are people's opinions on Bilstein shocks? Is there something better? Are these good bang for the buck?
If I'm just leveling the truck, do I need new UCAs for the front? At what point are new UCAs recommended?
With these Bilstein shocks could I level it now and turn it into a small (1-1.5") lift later?

Thanks for your help guys!

 

I'm happy with just doing the leveling kit. Installed a 2.5 leveling kit and now running 32's with no issues.

 

Maybe shop around a bit more and learn more about what it is you are buying and what folks on here normally pay for those items. There are many options as far as leveling kits go, explore those options and compare pricing. There are several vendors on here who would be happy to help with this.

Oh and the 1st and 2nd links are basically the same exact shocks. One indicates a part number that is the RCD branded Bilsteins, the others are just the Bilstein part numbers. They are the same exact shock with the only difference being the valving, which there so little difference you wouldn't be able to feel it. Don't pay more for one part number over the other, that wouldn't really make sense.

Also rear shocks are not adjustable, the height mentioned (0-1") are what the shocks will accommodate rear lift wise.

Best of luck

 

Roger that. Thank you!

 

truck comes with a rake for a reason. do you tow or haul significant loads in the bed?

 

not very often.

 

Check my lift build in my signature- Adding a AAL might be a good way to go for you-Removing the overload spring would level the truck in my scenario. I used a longer AAL for a smother ride. Now my shocks had plenty of life in them however if you have some miles on yours then you may want to replace them and that makes going with 5100 series more appealing.

 

i took out the over load spring and did the wheelers progressive leaf pack, i think you would like that ride