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New to this. Leveling kit vs lift kit

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Nap1970, Feb 26, 2018.

  1. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:07 AM
    #1
    Nap1970

    Nap1970 [OP] New Member

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    First time tundra owner and first time ever even considering adding lift or leveling kit to a truck, so I apologize in advance for my ignorance. I have a 2018 SR5 with TRD off road package with 18 inch stock tires. My primary goal is that I would like to add approximately 3 inches of ground clearance to my truck. I would prefer a leveling kit for several reasons. Would a 2&1/2- 3 inch leveling kit and upgrading to 20 inch tires accomplish this additional 3 inches of ground clearance? Thanks for any advice.
     
  2. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:16 AM
    #2
    [DELETED]

    [DELETED] New Member

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    Only way to improve ground clearance is bigger OD tires. :/

    Probably not what you're actually asking tho...
     
  3. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:16 AM
    #3
    TXMiamiFan

    TXMiamiFan SSEM #3 and tractor extraordinaire

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    Check out the different lift thread (you'll have to do a search for it). Also @ToyTec Lifts has a great lift option with the Boss or Emu lift. Good luck as there are tons of options out there.
     
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  4. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:17 AM
    #4
    [DELETED]

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    ...or portal axles.
     
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  5. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:25 AM
    #5
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    Toytec.com Boss kit you can fit 35s
     
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  6. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:25 AM
    #6
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    Let's see your ride
     
  7. Feb 26, 2018 at 10:41 AM
    #7
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Careful with the 2018. The new TSS has been causing issues when lifted, not all are affected but quite a few.
     
  8. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:00 AM
    #8
    Nap1970

    Nap1970 [OP] New Member

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  9. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:08 AM
    #9
    Nap1970

    Nap1970 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for all the input and I will keep researching. I definitely am leaning towards a leveling kit bc I think that a lift kit is just too much for what I am wanting to do as well as too much money. Any recommendations for a leveling kit and what size tires?
     
  10. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:10 AM
    #10
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    @ToyTec Lifts has plenty of options! You can always do their in-coil spacer kit too.
     
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  11. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:24 AM
    #11
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    MGM WRECKIN' CRÜE!!!
     
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  12. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:24 AM
    #12
    monaco730

    monaco730 New Member

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    I just bought the readylift 3/1 kit for my truck. I have yet to put it on so i don't have any pics or reviews yet. I just don't need an expensive suspension overhaul for what i do with my truck so the levelkit was a good choice for me and sounds like a good choice for you as well. I got mine on Amazon for $240 while it is like $360 on the readylift website. And readylift doesnt void your warranty as well if you have one.
     
  13. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:33 AM
    #13
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Any kit that doesn’t involve cutting your crossmember won’t void your warranty. However, if a shop can point out (prove) said lift (improper install, etc.) was the root of said issue it will void the warranty for said part.
     
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  14. Feb 27, 2018 at 7:41 AM
    #14
    Nike21

    Nike21 New Member

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    Do they really even have to "prove" it?
     
  15. Feb 27, 2018 at 8:12 AM
    #15
    Nap1970

    Nap1970 [OP] New Member

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    @monaco730

    Will this ready lift 3/1 kit fit a 2018 Tundra TRD off road with Bilstein shocks?
     
  16. Feb 27, 2018 at 8:17 AM
    #16
    monaco730

    monaco730 New Member

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  17. Feb 27, 2018 at 8:19 AM
    #17
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    Prob depends on the situation, but if they’re all in agreement (tech, service manager) then it’ll probably be left at that.
     
  18. Feb 27, 2018 at 8:31 AM
    #18
    Nap1970

    Nap1970 [OP] New Member

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    Read on their website “Note: Not for use on 2015-2018 Tundra TRD Pro w/ Bilstein shocks.” This sucks if this is the case bc this seemed like it would be perfect
     
  19. Feb 27, 2018 at 8:33 AM
    #19
    monaco730

    monaco730 New Member

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    It is my understanding that you have a TRD Off Road, not a TRD Pro. This is talking about the TRD Pro with the reservior TRD shocks, not your bilstein trd off road shocks.

     
  20. Feb 27, 2018 at 8:37 AM
    #20
    CringyDad

    CringyDad New Member

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    Nothing.
    TRD PRO is not the same as TRD Off Road...the PRO's shocks/coils are totally different.
     
  21. Feb 27, 2018 at 9:38 AM
    #21
    joonbug

    joonbug °°°°°°°°°°

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    Just bite the bullet and get atleast a nice starter lift. Toytec Boss or 6112's or similar. You will be glad you did. Other than the engine and transmission, your suspension is the most important part of a truck. It will determine whether you have a nice ride or a sucky ride. You don't see Usain Bolt running in flip flops. Why would anyone want to ruin their ride on a $40k truck? And you won't have to worry if you decide to take it offroad. That with some new tires atleast 34".
     
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  22. Feb 27, 2018 at 9:42 AM
    #22
    Vendeta2k

    Vendeta2k Distinguished Member Of The Cement Club

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    I have the 3/1 kit from lowrangeoffroad.com on my 2018. No issues with the TSS.
     
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  23. Feb 27, 2018 at 9:44 AM
    #23
    monaco730

    monaco730 New Member

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    @Nap1970 check out the reviews of the readylift kits. The majority of the reviews i read were very happy customers and i have even ridden in my friends truck that has a leveling kit and he has had it for three years and zero problems and we were driving in the woods over some decent terrain.
     
  24. Feb 27, 2018 at 11:19 AM
    #24
    JH6124

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    Spacer lifts are the worst and will snap your shocks I’ve seen plent of pics like this. I bought adjustable coil overs and a UCA. I run 35” BFG kM2s so rubbing no issues.
     
  25. Feb 27, 2018 at 11:22 AM
    #25
    JH6124

    JH6124 New Member

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  26. Feb 27, 2018 at 11:24 AM
    #26
    monaco730

    monaco730 New Member

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    I am no expert but i think it also depends on what type of terrain this truck was driven on. I wouldn't think this would happen when driven on the road but i could see this maybe happening on some real tough terrain.

     
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  27. Feb 27, 2018 at 11:27 AM
    #27
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    Yikes! No bueno!
     
  28. Feb 27, 2018 at 1:18 PM
    #28
    sr5shark

    sr5shark Shop smart. Shop S-Mart.

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    I recently did all of this same research and finally settled on Bilstein 5100's. Went with the middle setting and 1 Coachbuilder shim on each side and got exactly 2" of lift and the front is level with the back.
     
  29. Feb 27, 2018 at 6:28 PM
    #29
    Hoologan

    Hoologan New Member

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    That'll happen if you don't have bump stop extensions like this guy.
     
  30. Mar 1, 2018 at 6:32 AM
    #30
    Nap1970

    Nap1970 [OP] New Member

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    Thank you for clarifying this for me.
     
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