Lift kit advice

I have a 2013 Tacoma sr5 that I am looking to lift. I go camping quite often. Nothing very serious that I would need to throw a lot of money at it but a small lift will help (more with clearance) I was looking at the ready lift sst 3”. I have a budget of under or around $1000. I also looked at the ome 3” kit but can’t find much about it online. I see a lot of people suggesting the Bilstein 5100s. If anyone has any suggestions for a kit I should look into or any advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

 

Their are plenty of threads here on TacomaWorld that explain suspension lifts, but I can help with what you need specifically.

For starters, a 3" lift is not a small lift.

Bilstein 5100s are recommended because they provide great value for a mild lift.

Do you carry a bunch of gear? Would you like a rake look on your Tacoma or leveled?

 

I vote you go a complete dobinsons lift from @Crikeymike with spc ucas since you want 3 inches

 

Here's the full thread on Dobinsons options for the 2nd Gen's
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dobinsons-2nd-gen-tacoma-suspension-options.458013/

A 3" spacer lift is a super common budget lift, and a lot of dealers even put them on trucks, but they can have negative effects on the stock parts, and with yours already being older, they probably won't last very long.

@Dalegribble02 is right, a 3" lift will require new UCA's for a proper alignment and front end movement.

The least expensive route I offer with Dobinsons is a Quick Ride Kit, which uses a spacer block and longer u-bolts in the rear to gain the lift instead of a full leaf pack, which saves over $500, but it's still $910 at a base price before adding UCA's, then $1540 with the SPC UCA's. You can see all the options here:
https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...toyota-tacoma-2005-2015-with-quick-ride-rear/

 

Honestly I would avoid a cheap lift for clearance. These trucks have plenty of clearance for anything you'd find just going camping, I've never once had clearance be an issue(and I ran stock OR suspension for a long time) outside of technical wheeling, even then I took the stock truck up pretty challenging trails and can only think of one or two times I had to turn around due to clearance before traction or just seeming like I was getting in over my head. If you're worried about a tall rock or something just place your tires on it instead of straddling. The real benefit of a lift comes from travel, articulation and overall suspension performance.

As others have mentioned it'll drive like crap if you don't do UCAs and at that point you're spending a lot of money for a little clearance.

 

Clearance of what exactly?

The axle lines are the low point, and only tire diameter will lift them.

Suspension lift can help with approach/departure angles, but is that where your problem is?

 

I would recommend OME as a good middle ground kit.

Can't say that I recommend the Dakars leaf packs though; especially if you carry any weight in the rear

 

Im thinking, based on your budget and use, a bigger wheel / tire setup might be more beneficial.

 

I’ve had the full OME kit for a few years and love It. I will be upgrading now that the shocks are due, but i would def buy this kit again. I am also running jba uca with the he balljoint. A better option for uca over spc IMO.