Looking for some advice on "Preformance Bilstein Kit" from Headstrong

Like just about everyone else, I want to lift my truck about 3 inches and I want to get the best quality components for as cheap as possible. I want to stay as close to $1000 as possible but I'm willing to save a bit longer if it will get me a more complete/ reliable result. I have access to an auto hobby shop on base and plan on installing everything there with a buddy. I do nearly all of my driving on the street but would like to increase my trucks capabilities offroad as well improve aesthetics. My main concern is altering on road driving characteristics of the truck. I want to be sure to choose a suspension lift that will maintain or improve on road handling. As far as I can tell the "Performance Bilstein Kit (HS05BK-2) from Headstrong offroad is a good choice. I have some questions concerning the choices for the rear lift, choosing UCAs and strut assembly.

First, what would the best option for the rear be? the Headstrong 3 leaf AAL or the Deaver single AAL?

Second, do I even need to get a new UCA? If so which option is best without breaking the bank?

Third, how difficult/ what tools are required to assemble the strut myself? if its extremely complex it may be worth it to have them assemble everything?

Fourth, is there anything else I'm missing? like other parts I would need beside what comes with the kit? or even other options i haven't looked in to that may suit my needs better?

Lastly, I currently have stock 16inch wheels and 265/70 r16 BFG AT KO2s which look great on the truck now, will they look tiny with a 3 inch lift ?!

Thanks for reading and I appreciate any help and input!

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p186/Performance_Bilstein_Kit_(HS05BK-2).html

 

Working backwards:

More than likely they'll look pretty small with a lift. A good slight size bump is 265/75R16 since you could keep you current rim set up.

Minus what comes in the lift kit you might need the front differential needle bearing elimatior bushing from East Coast Geat Supply. Basically lifting the front end of these tacomas cause the front driver CV axle to have some excess slop. The bushing is longer then the bearing so helps support the axle better. Usually you'll know if there's lots of free play or if you have a drive line vibration coming from the front. There's a mega thread on here about it.
Another thing is if you don't order these assembled you'll either need to re-use your current strut top mount or order new ones. Depending on how many miles are on them I def recommend just buying new ones.

I highly recommend either ordering the front struts already assembled or make sure that garage you are working in has a legitimate wall mount coil compressor. Putting these things together really suck and those small coil compressors usually don't work to well.

You can get by with basic hand tools. Really only need a 19mm (or 3/4) wrench and socket, 13mm, 17mm and I think a 14mm. Assuming you've never taken the front end apart of a Tacoma since you asked this. Just take your time with it. I've done 4 lifts over two tacomas (3 just on the first) so I'm able to blow through it really quick now. If you have access to an air compressor and impact gun perfect. Really only need that with the tie rod since they like to spin trying to tighten it up. Car lift makes everything easier but two good floor jacks and a good set of jack stands work well to.
I don't disconnect the UCA ball joint when I do it. I take the two bolts off the lower ball joint. Little easier to manipulate everything. Best thing to do is disconnect the sway bar link, disconnect the brake line bracket, loosen the tie rod, remove lower shock nut, loosen three top shock nuts, loosen the two lower ball joint bolts. Remove the tie rod nut, remove the two lower ball joint bolts, remove lower shock but, remove three shock upper nuts. From here it gets little tricky to move everything out of the way and then thread the strut out. And just thread the new one in. Then just reinstall all the fasteners. Probably forgot something but that's mostly the gist.

Probably won't need the UCA. If you stay under 3 inches you probably can get away without it. Nice thing about headstrong is if you find you need them, you give your old order number and they will still give you the full kit discount on it.

Depending on how many miles you have I usually always recommend buying a new leaf pack. Shit wears out and if you have a lot of miles the bushings and metal can be just plain tired. But it AAL is way to go, I would say go three leaf. The single leafs use one big chunk of metal three leafs is three thinner pieces. So it flexs nicely and doesn't affect the ride to much. Going off of miles if you keep your stock pack might be good to invest in new bushings for the leaf ends.


Lots of info I know. Hope it helps. If you have a buddy help out makes things easier. Probably should take you I would guess 6 hours depending how rusty everything is and if you clean up any rusty areas along the way

Forgot to add the 6122s have consistently gaining more lift then what Bilstein says. There's a mega thread on here for them. I recommend using that as a gage

 

@jztacoma, thanks for all the info. Based on what you said, a little more info from me would probably help out. My truck is a 2008 Access cab pre-Runner with about 55K miles. Additionally, I just got a new leaf pack from Toyota for free based on a recall, they replaced the U bolts and each leaf. Since my trucks a 2wd I'm not worried about any front driveline problems from the front only any problems that would be coming from the rear. the recommendation about the 3 leaf AAL is great help and also great to hear i shouldn't need a new UCA.

 

Also, if anyone has experience with this specific kit or the Bilstein 6612s or 5160s it'd be great to hear how everything has been working especially if you've had the parts for a while.

 

I have the 6112s in the front. Had it for 1600 or so miles and ride has been awesome. So much better then stock.

Ok so good to know for the extra info. I would say just get the 3 leaf AAL in the rear and you should be good to go.
One of the nice things about 2wd don't need to worry about any diff vibrations and lot easier to work on.

 

lol, maybe a dumb question but whats a spindle lift @jeff b