Lift versus a leveling kit

Hi guys,
I am in need of some guidance. I own a 2015 taco and I wanted to get a three inch lift (I like the look, and minor off roading). With that said, Ive called about 8 different places and was given 8 different opinions. I was told that with a 3 inch lift and in order to keep the warranty in good standing, I should go with a leveling kit versus an actual lift. Id like to keep the ride pretty much similar to what it is right now.

Any advice/ideas/options are welcome and need. Please let me know what kits you have had success with, as I have noticed some are way cheaper than others.

Thank you

 

Do not use a leveling kit. Want to go simple go with 5100's all around and an AAL in the rear. Never go with spacers. And as far as warranty it will not void anything. Go with either kit 1 or kit 2.


http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/headstrong-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

 

You do not void a warranty by adding a lift. If you have issues with your blower motor for your A/C, and you bring in your lifted truck to the dealership, they will fix it under warranty. Now, if you bring in your lifted truck, and complain that you have bad upper ball joints, its going to be a bit of a process to get that covered under warranty, as the dealership will push back saying your lift caused the issue. (Check out the Magnuson-Moss Act)

Leveling kits are typically spacers, and shops and dealerships are more than happy to put them on as they pay 100-150 for parts, then labor is quick and simple. A spacer kit can be put on a truck in an hour (aside from the alignment). Then they turn around and charge you 500+.

Go with what Unchained said. If you want a basic lift, go with the Bilstein 5100's front and rear.

 

Thank you both. I was looking into the bilstein's after reading about them. Would you suggest I take it to the dealership to install, even though I am sure to get ripped off in order to have them not blame a third party install if any problems arise?

 

If you are even slightly mechanically inclined you can do it yourself. Watch some youtube videos and get a basic mechanic tool set with the sockets and wrenches, and a jack and jack stands. I had never done any suspension work and I was able to complete my lift with a friend and a box of tools in the driveway.

There is not much to f*ck up. 3 top bolts, 1 bottom bolt. Unbolt the sway bar, unbolt upper control ball joint. Slide out the old coil over, in goes the new coilover. Bolt everything back up. If your coilovers come unassembled (the coil is not actually mounted on the coil) any suspension shop can build it for you for a small fee.

 

Just to confirm and understand, you dont need the additional EMU springs if you dont want. They are just better than what comes with the kit I am guessing? New to all of this

 

That is correct. You don't need additional springs. You can do it with the stock ones.

 

Im not the most mechanically inclined. I was always held up on the fact that you need the machine to compress the coils to put them on. That seemed to be a big sticking point on some videos I watched. I found a suspension place for trucks that charge $85.00 an hr. Doesnt sound too bad, unless they are trying to charge me for 6 hours or so.

 

Awesome. Thank you