Need Build Advice!

Hey guys, I got a 2016 TRD off road, trying to do a 3” lift with suspension, leafs, and springs - I’m thinking billstein but open to suggestions. The oem 16s dont have anything past 285s which come out to 32.8” - I really wanna go upwards of 34” with some new 17s by 8-9 with a 0-30mm offset, probably gonna do some grapplers or falken wildpeak AT3s. I don’t want to go to 35s and regear - I might do that later.

I’m getting lost in what I need to do all that 3” lift (3” in front with 1.5 in back). My sister works for Toyota so I’m getting the truck for a deal + I have friends to help me with the lift install. My thing is I’m confused at which exact lift kit - do I need control arms, what wheels + tire combo to not get any scraping on the wheel well blah blah. Forums just sink me down a rabbit hole. I got a buddy who has a heavy discount from custom offsets but he’s a Jeep guy not into tacos. I’m trying to get it all done for under 3-4K -500$ bc my uncle owns a ziebart so I’m gonna get rust proof, tint, window guards, mats, maybe some fender flares etc.


I’m not going to take it down heavy trails or crawling though rocks, but I don’t want a rough country lift that’s gonna be stiff af. I do live in Michigan so I will do some off-road but it’s going to be a daily driver.

Any advice on a lift kit + wheels + what size falkens/nittos?


Thanks everyone!

 

If you're on an A/T pushing 34" tires, you should re-gear anyways. Running 3.90 with 34" tires is no bueno, my friend (fuel economy and acceleration be damned). Also, I think the $3-4K mark is attainable for a 2" lift, but a bit bold for tires, wheels, and a 3" lift. You'll want to look into UCAs and other hardware. I'd recommend you dig a bit deeper into the forums to really focus on what you think you can get for $3-4K versus what you'd like to get. That way you have a reasonable expectation of what is doable at that price point.

I suppose if you can pick up some used parts, you may be closer to that.

 

See I’m malleable with the tire size bc of the regear. I’d like to get as tall as I can with tires + the 3” lift without having to regear. You think the 3” + some 33s would be more acceptable ? If that’s the case I can do 285s on the oem 16s bc I think that comes out to 32.8” I’ve read a ton but there’s so many dif ways to do this that I’m getting lost in what’s perfect for me. Goals are: tall truck that can support weight and won’t thrash my back bc the ride isn’t smooth. I have some pretty solid gear head friends to help with the install but they aren’t Toyota guys so when it comes to recommending parts they put it all on me.

 

285 is the width of the tread, not the tire size. You're pretty close to 33" with a 285/75R16. My advice is to focus on the lift first and foremost. Your odds of getting all this at once for $4K aren't exactly stellar and you can only eat this elephant one bite at a time. If I were in your shoes, I would bite the bullet on lift for your budget right now, then re-gear at the same time you throw bigger tires on. You'll be much happier in the long run than if you stretch the budget to make it happen immediately. All in all, you're probably looking closer to the $8-10K mark for what you want done correctly.

Maybe there are some other lift weenies trolling this thread that can attest to my sentiment. Maybe there are some dissenters who will call me a jacka** too, but that's just TacomaWorld.

 

You should absolutely add ECGS bushing to your list to replace needle bearing if your going 3” lift. A good suspension to look at in your price range is Bilstein 6112/5160 combo with Icon mini leaf pack. Good luck with your build.

 

Check Dobinsons. Great ride. I got 2.75” up front before adding weight. Best ride I’ve had in a lifted truck. Hands down.

 

255/85/16 on stock rims and then 6112/5160 should net you a nice clean lift. AAL in the back of your choice.

That’s my quality budget vote.