Leveling Kit or 3 Inch Lift?

I have a 2012 DCLB TRD Sport and am looking to level it out or give it a small lift. Obviously, a leveling block in the front is the cheapest option. Does it have any downsides like handling? If I get a lift kit, I am thinking 3-4 inches. At what point do you need to start looking at new Upper Control Arms? My budget would be $1500-2000. What lift kits would you recommend in that price range? Thank you for your help!

 

Lots of threads on this topic.
Just keep in mind the more you lift the bigger the gap

 

Does your budget include wheels and tires? ..I assume not but just asking.

At 2.5" and above you need UCAs.

My .02 cents, do it once and do it right the first time; buy once cry once

 

See my link for lifting with spacer to save money. If your shocks are tired then look at the 5100 shocks for lift-no reason to use spacers on a tired suspension

 

2 grand will get you a 3" lift on bilsteins, uca's, a single or 3 leaf AAL and maybe decent sized tires. There won't be a lot leftover for tires though.

 

What size tire are you planning on?

 

Tacoma's look good with 2-3" lift IMHO. They're a small truck and their proportions are improved when they come up a bit. If you keep a lift moderate, you'll avoid a world of trouble with alignment and vibrations. Buy the best stuff and do it right, and you will maintain the value and integrity of the truck.

 

Is the lift for looks or function?

If function, spend more, enjoy more. Geekhouse23 has it right. Once and done. Personally I'd choose the 2-2.5 range to minimize issues.

If it's just a looker, well, there will be lots of folks around telling you how wonderful their bargain gear is, that pre-loaded springs function/ride fine, and blocks are as good as sliced bread.

Just remember how you use the truck 80% of the time. Don't ruin that by building for the other 20% of what you might do someday.

 

Not sure if that's an original quote or borrowed from someone...but it's one of the best I've ever heard!

 

Thank you all for the replies!

If I'm honest with myself, the looks. But I do want it to be functional (I.e. Added ground clearance and suspension travel.)

Budget does not include wheels and tires. Those are for a later date. Right now I've got the stock 17 inch TRD Sport wheels with 265/70/17 Bridgestone Dueler A/T. They are an inch larger than stock (~31.5 inch diameter). In a perfect world, I'd have a set of the fake Toyota beadlocks in black.

Agreed!

33s

If it was just a 1.5-2inch lift, would you need new UCAs?

Thank you!

 

No.

 

If your budget is that high, I'd skip the spacer. I am putting spacers on because I don't have a higher budget right now. If you decided to do spacers, I read a lot of bad things, but just add a bigger bump stop and you should be okay.

 

There's a whole lot of ground between "leveling kit" and "4 inches of lift". So I guess you need to decide on what you want.

imo tires do a lot more for the look of a truck than any lift. And considering your initial budget doesn't include tires, it isn't going to get you very far.

Get some Bilstein 5100's, OME 884 springs, AAL in the rear - all of which is pretty cheap and still mostly functional. And then save for some C-rated Duratrac's or something. Don't bother with 33's. Get some aggressive looking 32's and you'll be more than happy.

Also be well aware of the vibration and ECGS bushing thread. You probably won't need it though. Probably.....

 

I agree tires make a world of difference cause without the tires, it will look weird