Need advice... 1st post

Hi folks,
New member looking for recommendations on the best way to lift a new Tacoma as a non serious off road driver...
I’ve read several threads by searching on here and there’s an overwhelming amount of info and diff. opinions out there. A lot of what I’ve found is older info so that’s why I’m starting a new thread to try to get updated info on what I’m looking to do.
Just bought a new 2018 TRD OR Tacoma in quicksand. Love it! Upgraded from a 2003 w/ TRD OR pkg that had over 250,000 miles.

Never been in the market for a lift kit until now and don’t know much about it honestly. Hoping you guys can help point me down the right path. I’m trying to find a good way to achieve about 2.5”-3” of lift. I do not do any hardcore off roading; nothing too harsh or extreme. My truck is my daily driver and spends over 95% of the time on the highways/streets. That said.. I do not want to totally cheap out and mess up the suspension or ride quality by getting something done for $100-$200 and ending up paying more later on. I want something that would be good quality, provide a smooth ride, last a long time, and still perform well with some light off roading that I do. I will have this truck in fields and mud every other weekend on different farm ground in IN & KY; some with tough terrain, so I don’t wanna get something that isn’t gonna handle that. Basically not wanting something that’s just for looks only, but also do not plan on going crazy or doing any extreme off roading (do not need $4000+ lift and suspension). I’d say ride quality on the street is up there with top priority for me. I’d like it to be as good or hopefully even better than stock ride quality.
Trying to stay around $1500 if possible (not counting tires) but open to hearing options that may exceed that or come in lower and still achieve my targeted needs/wants.
I heard a few good things about OME and bilstein 5100 options??? Thanks a ton for any serious advice! Sorry so long...

 

Checkout @HeadStrong Off-Road

If you go much over 2in your going to be looking at UCAs( upper control arms) also.

Bilstein 6112s may be a nice option for you.

 

If you’re going for looks and maybe just maybe coming across the flat dirt road to a lake/shooting area/hiking/etc then just go with blocks. Not sure why they get so much hate if you’re not off-reading, but they’re by the far the easiest, most affordable, and reasonable way to lift your truck. If you’re off-reading then as mentioned above, get UCA’s and a cheap popular way is 5100’s paired with OME 886 or 887. Or you can look at Toytec’s BOSS kit, right around $1500.

 

Lifting a Tacoma over 2 inches starts to get expensive. It put’s strain on components and requires remedial components and action. I suggest going to (read), “Forums”, “Suspension”.

 

I did something similar to the ready lift on my old gen1 and it rode ok but definitely noticed the change.it was only 2 to 2.5” in the rough country where as the ready lift, I could use stock shocks and struts and such. I will probably go to @HeadStrong Off-Road when I am ready for my lift. I want to do it better this time so will more than likely do shocks,springs,uca so I can make the extra adjustment,and such..I believe parts were looking @$1800 last I looked?many combinations,but for my budget will be bilstiens or nitrochargers-leaning mixed with bilstiens for my needs..
Tons of threads on here...and everyone has their opinion,so get what you want..

 

Welcome aboard. Looks like the boys are takin good care of ya

 

You know your goals, which is a big deal.

Make life easy. Call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and talk over options.

Then install what she sends you and enjoy.

 

I lifted (6") my previous Ram 1500, looks really good but, driving 500 miles a week turns it annoying and mpg were crazy, so I traded in the Ram for a 2018 Tacoma and decide to go with 20" rims and a leveler kit, more than happy whit it. and didn't sacrifice too much mpg.

 

Thanks guys. I’ve heard that on some other threads about calling Marie (@HeadStrong Off-Road), so I’d say I will do that and see what she has to say.
If anyone else has any pointers over the next few days, chime in as I will not be purchasing anything for at least a couple more weeks or longer. Thanks again.

 

Valid points, cblow5. I guess in a way it may be more for looks than need. I like the idea of having a bit more ground clearance and being able to bump up to a slightly more aggressive looking tire than stock. Just to give the truck a more aggressive stance all together. I also would like to get away from the factory rake just a little bit, but maybe not all the way to completely level. Split the difference between factory and level sounds ideal to me.
I do have some steep ditches and uneven ground I travel when I go hunting every weekend in the fall/winter. So a couple inches would help clear that with ease rather than being just a couple inches from dragging when crossing those ditches. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ again, maybe not necessary, but if for no other reason, I love the looks when a Tacoma has a little bit of lift under it and a little bigger tire.

 

6112s and call it a day - best bang for your buck for just about exactly what you want in your budget

 

Just keep it stock....looks good as is, it'll last longer with less problems. My 03 4dr TRDOR 4x4 is still stomping.....factory shocks still on, same u-joints etc.....just take care of it.......

 

Thank you for your recommendation @steele-taco we truly appreciate it!

 

Welcome to the Forum. If you would like to PM me we can go over your options

 

Thank you for your recommendation @cblow5