New member about to do a lift

Hey guys,

Just joined after doing tons of reading on the boards. I'm about to put a lift on my Taco for the first time so all the info here has been great. Most likely going with a Pro Comp 6" lift and 35" tires. I love the aggressive look it has. The only thing that has me debating about going with a 3" lift and 33" tires is how much different it will handle/drive, and the obvious MPG.

Look forward to sharing before and after pics.

 

Huge difference, 33s don't necessarily require to regear the rear end but 35s will be so sluggish that you will probably hate it if you don't regear the dif.

 

Most people here including myself will say to do the 3" lift instead of the 6"...but in the end it's all about what you want to do with your money.

Is this just for looks or are you planning on using your truck to off-road and tow? If you are, stick with the 3" lift.

 

Build to solve problems for how you use the truck 80% of the time.

If you insist 6" is needed, get out your big boy checkbook and do it right.

 

If you go 6" lift, you might want to just open up a separate savings account for costs you will incur down the road.

 

No towing or hard off road driving. Just some simple camp grounds and Pismo beach driving(not looking to get big air).

 

What costs should I expect to incur?

 

So the main thing is the 35s. If you get those, you pretty much HAVE to regear or you'll shorten the lifespan of your transmission significantly.

 

Brakes, U-joints, Ball Joints, hub bearings, differentials, tires. You know you have to cut the front cross member if we are talking a DB lift right?

 

Short answer: ALOT
Longer answer: You haven't done enough research if you don't know.
Longest answer: To do the lift correctly cost money, many if not all your suspension will be replaced, rear end regear, 35s are not cheap, mpg will suffer greatly, maintenance on all of the above. Your insurance may take a hit as well. Just food for thought, a friend with a Ram 8" lift done right... $8000+
Don't mean to sound like a dick. It is your money. Spend it any way you like. Stay safe do it right.
Welcome to TW!

 

I'm not trying to talk you out of it by any means. If you've got the cash and the desire I say go for it!

 

This is all helpful stuff. I got prices from 4 wheel parts and they didn't seem to think that doing a pro comp 6" lift with 35" tires would do much more than take my MPG down. Lots to consider now. Thanks

 

What if I went with the 6" lift and 33" tires instead of the 35"? Still not recommend?

 

That'd be a lot better of a choice, that's for sure. Some 33x12.5s would still look great. Let me find you something real quick....

 

They're trying to sell you something
A after thought, your profile says '05. Have you had the frame inspected yet? Pismo beach, salt water, undercoat may be needed

 

I'm the original owner and have only taken it down there once.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-2016-tacoma-4x4-trd-4-bds-lift-review-honesty-version.440301/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/35s-without-gearing.444772/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/going-from-3inch-lift-to-6inch-lift-suggestions.441226/

Here's some HW for you. The first one is what you should pay most attention to

 

Ok. After doing lots of reading, and bumping into a taco just like mine with a 3" lift and big tires and seeing how good it looks, I'm avoiding a DB lift kit.

I'm now looking at the OME kit with the Dakar leaf pack. from what I've read it has a nice ride to it. I just have to decide what springs to get for the front? 885? 887?

Also, if I added the spacer option for this kit does it affect the ride? Thanks for all the good info! You helped me see the light. Lol

Here's the link to the kit I'm talking about.

 

Sorry to do this AGAIN but here's some more HW.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ome-885-terrible-off-road-ride.388671/

It's a reliable lift, but from what I understand it can ride a bit rough. Here's what I would recommend. It's still OME coils and leafs, but with Bilstein 5100s. I can say from experience that the OME/5100 ride is pretty great.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p312/Coil/Bilstein_5100_Kit_w/_Dakars_(HS05BK-1-Dakar).html

As far as coils, it depends exactly how much lift you want. For you, 885s will net ~2.5". If you go for a full 3", you'll likely need new UCAs to get into alignment. If that's what you want, you can put top plate spacers on with 885s, or just do 887s no spacer. Either works.

Headstrong Offroad get's my vote as far as vendor because they are easily the most active on the forum and Marie is a pleasure to work with (and free shipping). Wheelers is great too though (I have their AAL).

 

Nice!! Thanks man that looks like a dream setup! I take it the spacer won't affect my drive too much? What size spacer do I get with the 885 for a full 3" lift, 1/4 inch? Everybody on this thread has been great.

Thanks again!