Recommendations for a 3inch lift 2nd gen taco

Hey there I have a 09 taco access cab, 4x4/v6. I'm wanting a 3inch lift but don't know what to go with considering I'm only familiar with the 4runner platform.
Not looking for a crazy set up as its my daily driver. I do camp alot so I do load the box up pretty heavy aswell hitting the occasional trail. Looking for something that will make the truck sit level and won't break the bank.

 

Welcome to Tacoma World.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/suspension.18/

 

3” why
People say max 2”
I’m under 2”. Need to get it closer to 2”. And run 35’s.

every part besides a 4600 is probably gonna give you that ability.

level and lift isn’t the same.
Level is gonna reverse rake up incline or loaded.

 

This kit has quality parts and won't break the bank:
https://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyot...orce-suspension-package-2005-2023-p33238.aspx

 

I have a 2012 4x4 with the Old Man Emu heavy load lift kit. It’s around 2in in the front and 3.5in in the rear. It works perfectly for loading down the truck, like you said you do, and it also gives it a nice lift. It does look a little funny with the rear being taller but I’m used to it at this point and like it a lot. The kit was put on a few years ago so I’m not sure what it would run nowadays. Good luck and welcome to TW!

 

Why do you want a 3" lift?

You think you want a 3" lift but you really want a 2" lift with STRONG rear springs and shocks to go with them. Beyond 2" to 2.5" max lift you are putting excessive stress on the CV joints up front and wearing them a lot faster.

I put Deaver U402 stage III leafs on back and I can put 2K lbs in the back and still have 1.5" of free space above the bump stops. With leafs that heavy you must have at least 600 lbs of extra weight in back or they will ride very rough. Do I routinely load 2,000 lbs into the bed of a Taco? No. But from time to time if I want to pick up a full pallet of say, large bathroom tiles (1500 lbs) it's nice to be able to. Of course if you are going that heavy you need large, expensive shock absorbers at all 4 corners to control all that extra weight.

You can get a Deaver U402 Stage II or many other lighter leafs; the trade-off is less minimum weight needed for decent ride quality, but also less max load capacity before the rear starts to squat.

There are also interim solutions like airbags for temporary occasional heavy load use. I would not rely on an airbag if the back half of your truck is going to be constantly at 700+ lbs of weight.