Leveling Kit, yes or no

Hello everyone newbie here. Just got a 22 TRD SPORT 4X4. Wanted to put some 285-70-17 on but I’ve heard that if you do a leveling kit 1.5 or 2 I can run into issues with angles (something in a spline or I don’t know what). I just want a nice leveled truck. I’m 55 and not going to do any off-road. Just want a clean truck. Let me know your thoughts. Thank you

 

you asked and my answer is no, leave it stock including the tire size. the factory rake is fine.

 

Welcome to TW.

I think you're talking about the needle bearing. That part tends to not like being lifted, many people replace it with a bushing to fix. Other people have reported no problems at all with theirs.

As far as leveling, that's up to you and your opinion of what looks good. I personally prefer a decent amount of rake (very much not leveled) so that when I load my truck down with camping gear it doesn't look like I broke it. But that's me, and I'm not you.

Many people here level, they think it looks great. My only advice is that once you find your trucks happy place, pay to have your headlights properly adjusted for the new ride angle.

Have fun with it.

 

You just stated you won't be doing any off roading, so there's really no need for it. Hell, there's no need for it even if you do off road it. It's just......looks better to the eye.

 

If you’re not doing any off-roading, I recommend the rough country leveling kit. It’s just a front spacer.

Someone will be along shortly to say that I’m wrong and RC products are garbage and a spacer is the worst thing ever. However, I had it on my last truck and I’ve had their leveling kit on my Tacoma basically since I bought it. I don’t do any serious wheeling (that would be a bad idea with a puck spacer). I do ride dirt and gravel trails and the RC kit is just fine.

I’m saving up for a more robust shock/spring set up and the RC level kit was my intermin solution to get the truck level.

As far as I can tell, it doesn’t change the stock ride quality at all.

 

You're wrong and RC products are garbage!

-I don't believe this statement, but I wanted to get it out of the way. I know the waiting was going to kill you.

 

Rake is designed by engineers for purpose. Level defeats that purpose.

285s and no off roading is just a looks thing too, at the cost of MPG and potential fitment issues.

 

Wow did I just start something or this is a touchy subject. I just want it to look nice and leveled to fit some nice looking tires it’s just for looks.

 

Yea people get sensitive about it lol

I say if it’s your truck, and you want it to look a certain way then you do you because it’s your money.

@Borracho Loco Thanks man
Glad we got that over with

My truck still has a little rake because I have the icon AAL but I do think a level truck looks good. I know alot of people disagree

 

You really didn't.

I'm just over-opinionated and like to shout at strangers with unsolicited advice.

In all seriousness, my truck is my hobby, and I've done things to it that have made people here froth at the mouth about how stupid I am. It's all in good fun.

I might not like leveling kits, but don't let a random asshole like me stop you. It's your truck and your money, enjoy it how you want.

 

I bought my Tacoma with low mileage that already came supposedly leveled. I found the nose looked too high and I got tired of it, so I added a block in rear and now it’s great where it measures slightly lower in the front as it should. I still have factory shocks and 265/75 tires. Looks good, rides good. Have not noticed any vibrations or excessive tire wear.

 

If you level it, you'll have vibrations, and will need to put the front differential bushing in.

Leveling is fine, but 285's will rub, you'll sit nose high and it will squat hard with load in the bed.

Ideally, do a 2 front, 1 rear with 265 70 17 and the ECGS bushing.

Higher lifts do not create tire clearance, 285s will rub and you'll need to do upper arms and frame cutting to regain geometry and clearance.

 

You might look into Teraflex. They have some Tacoma systems and they've been making products for jeeps for years and have a pretty good reputation in that crowd. There's also been a thread or two on them here if you search...

 

I LOVE the look of a leveled truck. I bought and installed a pair of Billstein 5100 shocks, mounted a set of 265/70/17's, re-aligned the front end, adjusted the headlights, and called it a day. And the ride is great.
I didn't do the ECGS bushing but am aware of the possibility of needing to in the future.

 

RC is caca

 

It helps to browse a forum before posting a question.

This topic has been discussed ad nauseum and the aesthetic and subjective nature of lifting/leveling/bigger tires lends itself to bickering.

Read past threads, look at pictures, develop your own preferences, and never ask for opinions on the internet.

 

I'm a gravel and dirt only guy as well. With a 4x2 I don't go anywhere auto LSD can't get me out of. I'm also fine with the looks of the factory rake. When I tow my Honda Goldwing and put a couple of hundred lbs of tongue weight on that hitch it's nice that rake is there.

 

@Cubera17 I've been tossing around the idea of a front leveling kit in my truck but immediately after putting one in my 2500 Ram years ago I felt it looked silly with no forward rake and ordered an add-a-leaf for the back. If I do level my Tacoma I think I'd like to keep the rake so if the level kut raises the front 2 inches I'd likely do a 1.5 or 2 inch block in the back. Then again the stock height is nice for getting in and out and with the price of gas I don't want to do anything to hurt my fuel economy.

 

Do it! And put 33s on!

Bilstein 5100s or spacers from Toytec and you'll be fine.