Completely clueless, Level?

Several months ago I had the opportunity for a 2014 Tundra. First truck ever. I know next to nothing about Suspensions, Lifts, and leveling. From what I gathered online, leveling my Tundra is what I want. I just don't like the slanted look of a raised back.

Now I know next to nothing of the undercarriage of a vehicle besides the wheels. The shocks, Struts and Suspension all gibberish to me. So if I do go through with leveling it, I will get it done professionally. And any issues or maintenance I would get handled professionally.

With this in mind, is it even worth it for an amateur to get this? Only reason I ask this question is upon my searching I've read posts of some mechanics outright refusing to level/lift a Truck on the chance things can go wrong later down the road, and they'll be the ones to deal with it. I just don't see myself doing anything other than tightening any bolts if that is even needed.

From what I can tell, there are 2 versions? Spacers and Coilover? Only differences are the change in the ride? I for instance plan on doing no heavy offroading. Dirt paths at the peak if I even take it off pavement. Truck is mainly a daily driver.

I'm just looking for some insight on this. I don't mind spending a large premium on a reliably known brand / specific kit for the sake of potentially no issues, minimal stress and maintenance down the road if there is any based on this. As again, any adjustments, fixes and general maintenance I would have professionally done. So for the sake of ease for them when/if maintenance would be needed I don't mind dropping a large amount.

 

Welcome to the forum.
While many people poopoo on the thought of using a spacer lift, it you don't plan to off-road much, it is a decent cheaper option.

Being I never off road, in hindsight that is probably what I should have done.
Except I didn't like the floaty ride of the stock black shocks.

Installing, or having installed, Bilstein adjustable 5100 coil overs/shocks is an fairly easy way to level your truck.
They use the stock spring.

Link is just to show the item, you can shop around for the best price.
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...MIlenhn6yW6wIVMf7jBx0Zvgd6EAAYAiAAEgJ19PD_BwE

I have Bilstein 6112 coil overs and they are a little stiff, really overkill for my needs...

I've never heard of a shop refusing to take your money to replace a shock or a strut.
I'm pretty handy doing a lot things myself, but I wouldn't try to swap the fronts.
Many members have no issue doing it themselves, but I don't have the time.
You also need a spring compressor to take coil overs apart and put them together.

Rear shocks are easy to replace, I did those myself.

If money is no object, someone with more knowledge than I (wouldn't take much) can suggest a better coil over replacement (Fox, King, etc..).

You will need a front end alignment after ANY work done to the front end.

Also from my reading of lifting over the years, when you get to around 3" or more of front lift, you may need new UCAs (upper control arms) to get a good front alignment.
Hopefully others will chime in on that.

To level your truck around 2.5" of front lift should do it.
Just measure your front and rear fenders at the center of the wheel from the ground to the fender and see what you have now.

Keep in mind a perfectly level truck may (or may not) trip some of the nanny systems of your truck.
When mine was perfectly level, had dash lights go off on fast turns.
I can't remember which one it was.
i ended up wanting a little rake so I installed Toytec shackles, and yes i did install those.

There is a fix for it, it involves tilting a sensor under the console to make the truck think it still has rake.
I think one would stick a couple washers under the rear senor bolts to tilt it.

This was my truck level with stock rear, front raise 2.5"



This was after I raised the rear 1" with the Toytec shackles..



On a side note, if your truck is a 2WD, you could also consider replacing the front spindles for lift.

https://maxtracsuspension.com/i-30500148-2007-18-toyota-tundra-2wd-3-5-lift-spindles.html

Good luck...

 

Thanks much for the information. Yes my Tundra is 2WD. Probably should have mentioned. Will looking to the options you recommended.

The spindle replacement for a lift for 2WD is peaking my interest, would you (or others) suggest going down this route for a 2WD

 

Personally, I would go with the bilsteins shocks as mentions above, wont break the bank, get a little upgraded suspension over stock, and you will feel confident. Leveling block is the cheapest option, people will shit on it but if you aren't offroading who cares. Kings, icon, fox, etc. doesn't sound like they would fit you unless you didn't mind spending $.

 

I just put on coilovers myself to level my front up, but my Tacoma had maxtracs and they were phenomenal. My girl has them on her tacoma and was able to keep everything else oem up front. Main issue is you will raise your front end 3.5" which will likely give you a bit of a squat or cali lean, you would need to in turn raise the rear a bit (1" or less) to level. My overall lift once complete will be at 6", maxtracs and ucas are my next purchase for the front... This is my .02, if you aren't taking it offroad and drive on well maintained roadways a spacer lift is decent/cheap option (bump stops are needed), you will get your money's worth though. A better option imo would be to go the Bilstein or coilover route, more expensive but the ride can't be beat and again you will get your money's worth here as well. @1lowlife pretty much summed it up best, do some real digging on this forum and decide what you feel is best for you. You can always do a spacer lift, run it for a year or so and see how you like it. If it sucks sell em and upgrade to a suspension lift. My vote for obvious reasons would be to do it right the first time and get a suspension lift, but it's your truck! Welcome to the forum bud!

 

I probably should have went with spindles or a spacer.
I was just learning about this stuff myself when I bought my 2014 and got caught up in the 6112/5160 drama.

My tundra is 2WD as well.
You can do spacers or coil overs to 2WD or 4WD.
Although for some reason I got a little more lift than I thought I would at the setting I used of my 6112s.
I'm thinking it may be because I have 2WD.

I know a guy on my old forum and he had spindles and was happy with them.

Keep reading and decide.
Plenty of info here and other forums to help you decide..

 

I can't comment on spindles, but with 2wd spacers would be the simplest and least expensive option. I wanted to fit 295-70-18 tires for beach driving so I went with 5100s on the top setting. The truck is level within 1/8" on all four corners. I rarely haul heavy loads, but with 640 pounds of concrete i had a 1" drop on the rear. If you're going to be hauling a lot you might want to consider leaving a little rake.
As @1lowlife mentioned, I would have a shop do the fronts if going the 5100 route, it's not worth risking your life saving some money by using a free autozone rental spring compressor. I had my SIL do it for a case of Busch light. He has a professional grade wall mounted spring compressor.