What are some top lift kit recommendations for the Toyota Tacoma? I’m considering a 2-3 inch lift for my 2023 Tacoma OR, and I want it to ride just as well or even better than stock. My budget is around $3000. Any suggestions?
Are you planning to include labor in that budget, or are you thinking about a DIY installation? If you go the DIY route, you can save a lot since labor costs can nearly double your total expenses. A lot of people like the Bilstein 5100s with an AAL for their quality and price. I personally went with the Bilstein 6112s and 5160s with an AAL, and they’ve been fantastic. The ride improved significantly after the lift, and Bilstein’s quality is top-notch.
That’s exactly the right approach. If you keep the lift around 2.5 inches, you shouldn’t have any issues with your truck’s geometry.
With this setup, do you still have a bit of rake, or is it completely level? Honestly, I’d prefer to maintain the stock rake.
Yes, there’s a slight rake if you add the AAL. I have the same setup and wish it was a bit more level. It looks nice when loaded or towing, but I don’t do either often. My favorite addition has been the Duro bump stops; they make a huge difference.
Mine is perfectly leveled. I maxed out both of the 6112s and added a quarter-inch spacer on the driver’s side to fix the Tacoma lean. I used an Icon leaf pack and kept the original overload spring, which isn’t typical. This setup gives my truck a level stance. If you want a little rake, just don’t max out the front shock clips.
Can you explain how the ride quality improves after the lift? Is it stiffer, or does it still feel somewhat plush like the Off-Road models?
Not the person you’re asking, but I have a similar kit with the 6112/5160s and opted for an ARB/OME full leaf pack in the rear. Big bumps are absorbed really well, so the truck doesn’t jolt upwards. For dips and potholes, the extra droop helps a lot. Once you upgrade to the wider body shocks, everything feels more plush, and you can handle rough roads at higher speeds compared to before. If you mainly drive on paved roads, you might not need lift kits and shock upgrades, but they make a huge difference for off-roading, especially on forest trails.
I’d describe the ride as more controlled. The damping is much better, so bumps are managed more effectively than with the stock setup. It feels stiffer but more composed overall.
That’s a lot to digest, but my ride isn’t harsh at all. However, it does have less nose dive during hard braking compared to the stock shocks. Don’t forget that tire choice plays a crucial role in ride quality. I went with C Load rated Duratracks and run them at 30 PSI cold daily. If you opt for E rated tires and pump them to 40 PSI or more, it can affect the ride quality. Some folks might complain about their lift or shocks feeling rough when the issue could actually be their tire choice or inflation. Tires can really make or break your ride.