Leveling kit that doesn't kill the ride..

I don't really want to change the way the suspension feels, currently.

This is my daily driver and don't want to wreck the ride.

Is there anything suspension wise that will level the truck out and not kill it?

 

How much money you gonna spend?

 

The bilstein 5100's as im sure you have noticed in a ton of other threads are probably your safest bet for a budget.

It gives a more sportier ride but i wouldn't say harsh.

 

If you want something a bit more robust, the Bilstein 6112s are a great choice.

 

My link below worked sweet- however if you have mileage on rig that you should be thinking of changing your shocks then look to a 5100 solution but my rear add a leaf still would work.

 

I know they get a bad rap here but in my TRD Off Road, I put on a 2" spacer lift front and back. I was concerned about the ride and handling.
I honestly can't tell a difference. The Off Road comes stock with Bilsteins and progressive rate coils on the front so I can't speak to any other models.

On the rear, I bought the Toytech shock extenders for about fifteen bucks. It still handles well and drives like it did before the lift. I did get the dreaded vibration from the front diff after the lift but the ECGS bushing solved that problem.

Your mileage may vary. IF you're on a budget, I'm happy with mine.

 

You *CANNOT* alter the ride height without impacting the ride characteristics.

In the most basic form, the higher up it sits, the more body roll you will feel in corners. This is a function of the center of gravity.

To drill in a little bit more, the suspension is set up with a certain amount of "sit it". The thing is, there are two kinds of bumps... UP bumps, and DOWN bumps. If you raise the vehicle up, then there will be less room for the wheel to drop down in response to a DOWN bump. If you lower the vehicle, there will be less room for the wheel to move UP in response to an UP bump. Regardless of which direction your bump is going, when you run out of suspension, the next part to move is the FRAME, so you will feel it.

If you like the modification enough to overcome the consequence of it, then go for it. If not, leave it be. Just keep in mind that everything has a consequence.

 

I literally can't tell a difference with my 2" spacer lift. I wouldn't go any higher than that and that will get you a little more than two inches in the front since your struts are mounted about 2/3 the length of the LCA from the pivot point to the center line of the wheel. And trust me, this was a huge concern of mine. I have the TRD Off Road so I think the stock suspension was pretty sweet to start with. Yes, it will alter the ride and handling. A 2" shift up in center of gravity will change the handling characteristics. Will you feel it? Probably not.

I may one day pull my rear spacers and add a leaf but for now I'm pretty surprised with how little it affected the ride and handling. Just don't buy a cheap lift off of e-bay. Buy a reputable brand.

IN MY OPINION, this type of question is like asking a question in a gun forum about buying the latest CZ. There's always going to be a bunch of people that say buy a Glock, everything else is crap.....

I also use Fram oil filters.
Mine's the near one.

 

I put the 5100's on my 08 PreRunner, then took it to the dealer for the leaf spring swap.. it add some lift to the rear and it all came out level.. And with the dealer/recall/leaf spring issue, got a free 4 wheel alignment. Not a bad deal for only spending about $100.00 to lift and level the truck and it rides great.

 

I don't get it... These trucks have terrible springs in the rear, a leveling kit isn't necessary. Mine sits completely level with no weight after moderate use over 4 years. If you want it to look level and ride like it's stock, well, don't touch it. It'll be level after you use those rear springs a couple times

 

Tacomas ride like asshole IMO.

I've spent a couple thousand to TRY to get my Tacoma to ride as nice as my wife's 4Runner. I'm getting closer.

 

Whats the difference from an ebay to rep brand spacer and block lift?
Im just curious..... they are just blocks of alum up front and steel out back right?

 

Personally never road in a truck with just a spacer lift but I cant imagine it changes the ride a lot. Its pretty popular with the full size trucks right now. I have however been in a 2wd Tacoma that has the 5100s and offroad It was much better then my stock sport. Recently I just put 275/70/16 on the truck and it rides so much smoother off road then before. So it definitely comes down to your exact set up.

 

Tacoma's are trucks and are going to ride and feel and handle like a truck.

 

I'm guessing you haven't owned very many other trucks? I have owned more than I care to admit and the 2 Tacomas I've owned have been the worst riding.

Just my opinion based on personal experience.

 

I've owned a 1986,1999,2006, and now a 2012. And I drove a 2014 company Tacoma.
Needless to say I do have Tacoma experience.

 

Sooo you've not owned anything OTHER than Tacomas? I rest my case.

 

Unless stock 2nd gen with 50lbs in the back

 

Dude
You are missing my point. You don't buy a Tacoma cause it drives nice like a car.
You buy a Tacoma to haul dirt bikes, pull boats, pull trailers, and haul things in the bed.
I've had other company trucks to that drive nice. But they have street tires and are designed
to drive like a car. A Tacoma is a truck. I care less about mileage and comfort. I drive a Tacoma
cause I love a Tacoma.

 

Dem Hilux tho.... can carry rocket launchers. Man we got short changed