Suspension Lift or Leveling Kit? 1st time Owner!

First time using a forum group let alone owning a Yota!

Reached out to multiple shops and each have given me different recommendations on what to do. Figured I should trust the die hard fans.

In theory doing a lift get would be more efficient long term and prevent less wear and tear, than doing a leveling kit right?

I only want a 2-3” lift so nothing outrageous.

Looking for input and guidance tbh. I don’t have the money for a full tire swap etc…. Just wanna raise the truck a tad bit higher.

Thanks for your help in advanced!

 

Cheapest will be some spacers..if you don't do any offroading, you'll be alright.

If you have some cash, get the cheapest entry level suspension lift - Bilstein 5100s.

Pretty much everybody on this forum is anti spacer lifts, but honestly if its just a pavement princess, it wont be the end of the world - tons of vehicles and tacomas have them. You might experience a 'rougher' ride with the pucks. But then again, the 5100s aren't any plusher than stock offroad suspension, they would just handle a bit better and maybe soak up larger impacts.

If you do 2-3", you'll definitely want larger tires unless you like the unproportionate look. You'll also maybe need to look into new UCAs if you go that large.

A 1" lift in the front I think levels the truck and still looks fine with stock wheels and tires.

Also..tons and tons of info regarding this if you do a search on the forum.

 

The big question is intended truck use that will really help point you in the right direction. But quick honest 2 cents is lifts are over rated especially if your not ready to throw tires at it. They look halarious with stock tires with a 3" lift.

 

Thank y’all for the quick responses!

I’ll do some more research but I think y’all helped guide me! Preciate y’all

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-tacoma-lift-guide.509171/

 

Go with the 5100 kit and a 1" block or AAL in the rear. You wont regret it. I was in the same position about to pull the trigger on a Wescott pre-load suspension kit, but for a couple hundred more I got new shocks and the truck rides amazing now with the new shocks.

 

I started with spacers and blocks to get an idea of what the lift would bring.
Now I know what I want for coilovers and leaf packs.

I haven't gotten there, yet but my impression is the latter will give a more comfortable ride.

If you aren't sure then just get some blocks and spacers.
Poke around this site awhile and find out what's good and what isn't.
Find members with setups like you're looking for.

 

New Tacoma owner here. I put a shell on and plan to build a platform for storage and camping. Should be about 500-600 lbs maximum with everything installed. I would like to have some support in the rear so my suspension doesn't degrade over time. Any recommendations on what I can do without a whole new suspension upgrade?

 

A small AAL (add-a-leaf) to bolster the leaf spring pack without a significant suspension install.

 

Airbags or Sumo Springs.

 

Best: leaf pack replacement, icon RXT
Better: 3 leaf AAL, headstrong
Ok: suspension helpers, sumo, airbag, Roadmaster.


For a tight budget, get the headstrong AAL. If you want to do it proper, get the icon RXT.

 

Honestly I would do wheels and tires before suspension, but it's your truck, your choice. Here's my photo collage that I frequently post:

Stock everything, no lift:




+1 size, 265/70r17, stock wheels (+30mm), no lift:




The same tires, 265/70r17, +4 offset wheels, no lift



265/70r17 tires, +4 offset wheels, Bilstein 6112 lift raised 1"




For me, the biggest bang for buck coolness happened with the wheels. Pushing each wheel outboard by an inch was what really made it prominent.

 

Lifting the front of the truck 1" with level your truck, wether you use a spacer lift or adjustable shocks.

A 2/1" or 3/2" lift will also level your truck.