To lift or not to lift?

My truck is running stock height with 265/70/17s and it looks good. I'm wanting to get a set of 17" matte black TRD wheels with some K02's. I'm on the fence about whether to stay at stock height and keep the same size tires or put a 2" lift around with a size or two larger tire. I've looked at countless pictures of Tacoma's and it's sometimes hard to tell who is running what. If I do raise the suspension 2 inches, am I required to get new shocks/struts too? Thanks for any help! Pictures would be helpful to compare!

 

Read up on other builds and see what you want to do. You can start with a 5100 combo and work your way up if you like the bigger stance.

 

Depending on the lift, you may need shocks. If you just get a spacer lift, with a spacer for the top of the front shock, and a block for the rear, you won’t need shocks. That won’t do anything for your ride quality/suspension performance though. If you get a lift and want to improve performance, you’ll need new shocks.

 

Thanks. I do like the beefier look, although I'm also pretty happy with how mine looks now too. I'm just thinking a little bigger would probably be better. I just don't want to get into a situation where i'm significantly altering factory settings and design parameters, but i'm also ok at upgrading some things to accommodate too.

 

I would like to maintain and/or improve performance and handling, so i'm willing to get a Bilstein kit too. The 5100's will accomplish this right? I don't just want a body lift. Also, will a 33" inch tire fit ok under that?

 

I’m not an expert on bilstein lifts, or fitting tires..... hoping somebody who is comes along. Yes, 5100s should give you good performance with the lift. A 3” lift with 33s is a pretty common setup, you will most likely need to do some trimming, possibly a cab mount chop.

 

I appreciate your help. I think I will go with the 5100 combo set at 2.5 inches respectively. I'm also leaning towards 33x12.5's

 

How many miles are on your truck? 4x4 or 2wd? When I lifted my truck with 130k miles I noticed instantly a humming noise. Turned out my needle bearing was bad and only heard it once I lifted my truck. Be prepared for unexpected things like that. I have since then removed my OME lift and went back to stock height. I had no need for the lift other than looks. Also be prepared to lose MPG's, I Rather than spend the money on fishing gear.

 

I’d say lift it. I’m running about 2.5” of lift in the front and 3” in the back with 265/70R17s

 

I apologize in advance.

The speed bumps at the mall require only a small lift. Depends if you want to flex on curbs and shit.

Ok, sorry. I’m done. 5100’s and an add a leaf give better integrity on road or off than spacers in the front and blocks in the back. But general on road use it really won’t matter much all said and done.

 

I’ve heard bilsteins at 2.5 give a pretty harsh ride compared to stock, but have no experience with them. Just FYI

 

Let’s see a picture of your truck!

 

Remember, you have to cut to run 33s. Max tire you can run is about a 31.6" tire (265/70r17) without doing a cab mount chop, doesn't matter if you're lifted, cab chop is basically required to run a 33".

 

While we are here, what’s a decent upgrade over our stock shocks and struts? Not looking to do any off roading with my baby.

 

You could split the difference between stock height and a lift by using 3rd Gen. coilovers up front which should give you about an inch or so boost up front......

 

Some things to consider: (not to be a buzz kill)

What is your usage and ultimate goal?
With a lift, you could potentially unmask other mechanical issues that you are unaware of.
Potential loss of mileage
Potentially shorten the service life of components.
Budgetary considerations

There are many variables in this equation. It's a tough choice and a choice that you want to do once and not have to redo......

 

Thanks! I'm leaning towards 5100s at about 1.5" lift setting and staying with 265/70/17 tires. I want to level out the ride a little bit and stay with performance too.

 

2nd this advice.

 

As a young(er) man I wanted a lift something fierce. I never actually “needed” a lift though, and I ended up procrastinating myself right into my 30’s where I found out that I don’t care about a lift anymore.

In all the years of sketchy USFS roads, backpacking trailheads, and exploring in the Sierras and western US I’ve never actually NEEDED a lift.

Looking back I’m glad a spent the money elsewhere. A new set of wheels will do FAR more to update the look of our trucks than anything else, including a lift. I spent $350 on my third gen takeoffs. Worth it.

 

Quick question. If I run 5100s, what setting should I set the fronts to get a level stance? I definitely don't want any lean backwards, that's what I'm afraid of. I'm going to stay with 265/70s, so I don't need much lift.