Talk to me about lift kits

Hello,
Im somewhat new to the game and I'm wanting to finally drop some coin on lifting my 2013 Tacoma Double Cab. Im thinking with going with a 2-3 inch lift and for a long time I was just going to go with blocks and spacers but I have seen a lot of negativity around the damage this can do to your truck so Im now leaning more towards a suspension lift.

With that said I coming to you for expertise. I am wanting to keep the costs low and in no way do I have the money for a long travel setup, just keeping it bare minimum. So what are my options, I hear a lot of people say go with bilsteins, is that the way to go. Also is it worth while considering buying used, or is it a safer bet to just go with new parts?

Any knowledge or advice you can hit me with is hugely appreciated.
Thanks, -Jack

 

start here: http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Complete-Lift-Kits_c_294.html

I would never recommend spacers but blocks are safe. The just don't add travel and don't improve the ride. For the 2gen 3" is the magic number, more than that and it really gets expensive. I would personally recommend all new springs and shocks all around.

 

People seem to go 5100's to keep it cheap with an AAL in the back. If you go 3" though, you'll really likely need new UCA's. Keep it around 2" and you can probably avoid new UCA's. I'd check out Headstrong Offroad in terms of where to buy it.

 

Any specific kit from here that you would recommend?

 

Not going to lie, almost all those terms you tossed in there went right over my head. Have any links by chance?

 

I have the OME kit on my 2017 and love it.

 

AAL= add a leaf
UCA= upper control arm

 

This the one your talking about? http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-TAK--OME-Tacoma-Suspension-lift-kit_p_231.html

 

Check out @HeadStrong Off-Road Marie, she will answer all your questions when they come up.

if you use your truck as a truck, likely will want new leaf packs in the rear, dakars are a great pack. will need longer shocks in the back too (bilsteins) , and likely extended brake lines in the rear with this.

In the front, I run bilstein 5100s on 886 (stiff, due to weight of armor) springs. You could do 887 (3" +/-) or 885 (2.5" +/-) springs (lower spring rate than 886) on billy 5100s up front, should get u near 2.5" - 3". Likely would need UCAs up front as well at or above 2.5", every truck is different though.

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

 

yes!

 

Check this out: http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p440/Coil/Bilstein_5100_Kit_-_(HS05BK-1).html

I'd highly suggest calling them and letting them explain what would be best for you based on your needs. I'll be going with and Old Man Emu kit personally, but I'm sure they can help you weight the benefits and decide from there.

 

If you decide to buy from Toytec here's the coupon code

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/toytec-tacoma-world-coupon-code.95119/

 

Thanks for looking out

 

http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/BK0510--Bilstein-Adjustable-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks_p_132.html

This is also a good lift for the $.

 

Quick tag along to the post. How noticeable is a 3 Inch lift kit for those of you that have them? Been looking at pictures and its seems pretty subtle. What do you think?

 

hey"jacko986"...you could play safe and mimic the set-up on the TRD PRO...kinda pricey,or go full tilt with "icon,king,fox"setups(even more pricey)..some guys swear by"old man emu",you could check out"downsouth motorsports",they'll usually talk you thru a "reasonable set-up"to fit your needs.i've been on bilstein 5100's(.85 fr/tsb rear leafs,8in wheels,4.5" b/s on 265-65-17 cooper at3) fairly cheap(and old school),works o/k on my 2010 trd sport that 99.9% street...handles great,tons better than the bilstein 4600's(blue/yellow) that came on the truck..but not a true offroad option,they don't react quick enough even on dirt roads,on the street(with my minimal lift)they handle great,but a bit harsh on rough/rutted pavement..on smooth city streets,my truck handles like a sportscar(cheap sports car)as for what I've experienced with even my "mild" setup...a slight jerkey motion between 38/40 mph..feels like the slipyoke might be going east/west on me..so I cruise at 37 mph or 41..get my drift,your truck won't be the same after you lift it,,might be better,might have some quirks you'll have to work thru,i'd say my truck is better.considering the age and mileage on my truck,and realistic driving situation,if I were to upgrade,i'd be thinking correctly valved fox's with an optimal spring for my fronts and of course,a matching shock setup for the rear..tsb leafs are fine for me,below that i'd be thinking bilstein 6112/5160 set-up...but I still wouldn't consider either setup for any real offroading..but it looks cool!

 

2wd or 4X4?

 

4x4

 

Nice


Like others have said. Get your budget together. Get your needs all thought up, and call Marie at Headstrong Offroad. She will take care of ya!

 

I don't think 3" is subtle, but I guess it's all subjective anyway. 3" lift especially with larger tires is a very noticeable, aggressive looking difference over stock IMO.

Of course 4"-6" is even more so, but like others have said once you start venturing into that territory it gets very expensive if you want it done right. And even then, you're likely to run into a host of issues especially if you're 4wd.