1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Help me shop for a lift kit?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by LisaPrice, Mar 19, 2021.

  1. Mar 19, 2021 at 9:25 AM
    #1
    LisaPrice

    LisaPrice [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2021
    Member:
    #59737
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Lisa
    Pismo Beach, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2000 Toyota Tundra
    None YET
    I posted this in the general suspension forum without much success. It was suggested to pop over here in the 1st Gen forum to see what advice you all could offer. Thank I’m advance for any feedback you can provide...I’d like to keep my budget at or under 1 k including parts $ labor if possible.

    I’ve got a 2000 Tundra V8, 4.7L 4x4 Crew Cab I’ll be using just to bomb thru the dunes here in Pismo/Oceano with an occasional off-road mountain trip.

    I want to put a lift on her but she needs shocks all the way around. The 2.5” Rough Country lift kit was suggested, but I’m not sure about the quality there.

    It’s not like I’m gonna be doing any hard-core off-road stuff, but I was wondering if Rough Country’s product is durable, and what back shocks I should buy to complement the lift. I really don’t want to go more than 3 inches. what say ye?

    Would you go with a differentmanufacturer? Bilstein? If so, why?
     
  2. Mar 19, 2021 at 9:27 AM
    #2
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #35569
    Messages:
    3,678
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    MB Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tundra CM
    I'm guessing you didn't get much help as you didn't look around and search first.

    There are hundreds of threads on the subject and this question gets asked daily. Sometimes by the same member in multiple forums sections. :annoyed:

    Spacers are out
    Shocks and coilovers are in
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  3. Mar 19, 2021 at 9:51 AM
    #3
    2006Tundra

    2006Tundra Financially Irresponsible

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2017
    Member:
    #8299
    Messages:
    724
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lou
    Long Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab SR5, 4.7L V8

    What is your budget?
     
  4. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:02 AM
    #4
    BravoDeltaRomeo

    BravoDeltaRomeo Old Man Little Blue Finger

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2019
    Member:
    #35569
    Messages:
    3,678
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    MB Canada
    Vehicle:
    2019 Cavalry Blue Tundra CM
    He mentioned it in his post.
     
    2006Tundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  5. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:06 AM
    #5
    2006Tundra

    2006Tundra Financially Irresponsible

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2017
    Member:
    #8299
    Messages:
    724
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lou
    Long Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab SR5, 4.7L V8
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2021
  6. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #6
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2020
    Member:
    #40572
    Messages:
    8,923
    Gender:
    Male
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2000 Limited TRD AC 4X4 Thunder Grey 270k miles. 2019 Limited TRD CM 4x4 Cement Grey 75k miles
    2000: Bilstein 5100's 16x8 589's with 265/75/16 and 1.25" spacers Flowmaster 50 series over the axle dump Pioneer touchscreen with backup camera Full interior and dash LED conversion Trailer brake controller with 7 pin Bedliner coat bumpers & trim ARE topper 2019: ARE topper with full Bedrug kit and Vortex rack TRD shifter 1.25" wheel spacers (I like to live dangerously) Red tow hooks for that +15 grip bonus
    "Bombing through the dunes" is on the hardcore side. Requires lots of suspension travel and lots of dampening and rebound control. Most go long travel. That is hardcore. Your money is best spent on quality shocks and coilover strut. for that budget, you're very limited. There's a large discrepancy between the 5100 Bilstein (not hardcore) and a good set of coilovers. Could maybe squeeze in a set of 6112 fronts and 5160 rears.
     
  7. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:29 AM
    #7
    jerryallday

    jerryallday New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 4, 2021
    Member:
    #57084
    Messages:
    730
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jerry
    Pasadena, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2006 DC SR5 V8 Grey
    6112 lift, Camburg UCA, 17 methods on 33inch Ko2 tires
    I found it difficult to stay in budget when I added my lift because things just add up because the trucks are old. You move one thing and the “while we got everything off” kicks in.

    With a 1k budget you should look on the site below tons of options made just for gen 1. Almost all those packages have a thread attached with the right search. I don’t think your budget lines up with your Goal.

    https://www.1stgenoffroad.com/store/c18/TundraSuspension#/

    Things to possibly upgrade/replace

    -upper arms
    -OEM lower ball joints
    -tie rod ends
     
  8. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:41 AM
    #8
    LisaPrice

    LisaPrice [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2021
    Member:
    #59737
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Lisa
    Pismo Beach, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2000 Toyota Tundra
    None YET
    Thanks gang... sadly we got the news yesterday at the California coastal commission is going to be shutting OHV access to our dunes down in three years. Night rides have also immediately ceased.

    When I say bombing through the dunes I’m not sending it or anything we’re just cruising around, pulling people out or getting stuck ourselves (so far I haven’t with this little Tundra). So I really wouldn’t call it hard-core but I do appreciate all of your feedback.

    Maybe I should back into this and ask what a realistic budget *should* be? I just had the front and back brakes replaced and discovered my front bushings are pretty much shot. I don’t wanna replace those only to go back and replace them again with the lift kit because those are included generally aren’t they?
     
    Darkness likes this.
  9. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:42 AM
    #9
    2006Tundra

    2006Tundra Financially Irresponsible

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2017
    Member:
    #8299
    Messages:
    724
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Lou
    Long Beach, CA
    Vehicle:
    2006 Toyota Tundra Double Cab SR5, 4.7L V8

    Wait a sec, are they shutting down Pismo for good!!??
     
  10. Mar 19, 2021 at 10:45 AM
    #10
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2020
    Member:
    #40572
    Messages:
    8,923
    Gender:
    Male
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2000 Limited TRD AC 4X4 Thunder Grey 270k miles. 2019 Limited TRD CM 4x4 Cement Grey 75k miles
    2000: Bilstein 5100's 16x8 589's with 265/75/16 and 1.25" spacers Flowmaster 50 series over the axle dump Pioneer touchscreen with backup camera Full interior and dash LED conversion Trailer brake controller with 7 pin Bedliner coat bumpers & trim ARE topper 2019: ARE topper with full Bedrug kit and Vortex rack TRD shifter 1.25" wheel spacers (I like to live dangerously) Red tow hooks for that +15 grip bonus

    They are not. These trucks are not lifted the same way the big three are. If you're purchasing a 4.5" - 6" lift, then it may. But those are $$$ not budget friendly. Most lifts up to 3" only replace the coil/strut in the front and maybe the upper control arm.
     
  11. Mar 19, 2021 at 11:01 AM
    #11
    Wahayes

    Wahayes Older I get the wiser I realize my dad was

    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2019
    Member:
    #36539
    Messages:
    1,745
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Will
    Vehicle:
    2017 tundra limited
    325/60r20 falken at3w, 2.25 dobinsons ,20x9 +20 fuel torque wheels, leer xr100, bmc
    I have rough country n3 struts on my 3rd generation. I can say that I know rough country was questionable many years ago but these are robust. Ride is great and I really have to concentrate to feel a difference from the stock ride. I offroad with them and they have done everything I needed them to. I'm super happy with going rc and don't have any remorse of not going bilstein.
     
  12. Mar 19, 2021 at 12:37 PM
    #12
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2018
    Member:
    #17315
    Messages:
    9,976
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luis
    All over SoCal
    Vehicle:
    The darkest
    It's really dark
    The budget will be hard to stick to when you include labor. If you have a friend who can help with install it will save you a large sum. A few members here are happy to help, I'm a few hours away but could help.

    If you run a 2" lift up front (Bilstein or OME or whatever) and leave the rear height alone you can probably get there. If you go beyond 2" you start getting into upper arm territory, which you might want anyway considering sand dune activities.

    I would suggest opening up the budget a bit.
    Plan A) lift kit of your choice (Bilstein or OME) plus new Toyota lower ball joints, new Toyota upper ball joints, outside tie rod ends, alignment

    Plan B) lift of your choice, plus new Toyota lower ball joints, SPC upper control arms, outside tie rod ends, alignment (probably $300 more than Plan A, upper arms come with new upper ball joints)
     
    speedtre, RustyShackle323 and des2mtn like this.
  13. Mar 19, 2021 at 1:21 PM
    #13
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    Well I say goody. No more fun so our Night Lizards can breed better. Those tire tracks make it hard on a wild animal trying to get by in life. I’ll be lighting a candle in commemoration and solidarity with The Wurrld Peas Council on this matter.

    Per your budget: $500 might buy your shocks if you can get them without long delays. DIY is free. Others have made good observations above. You might be in for lots of work and more than expected $$$.
     
    Darkness and des2mtn like this.
  14. Mar 19, 2021 at 2:20 PM
    #14
    LisaPrice

    LisaPrice [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2021
    Member:
    #59737
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Lisa
    Pismo Beach, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2000 Toyota Tundra
    None YET
    RE: Closure of Oceano Dunes =( :
    Yes, I sat for 12.5 HOURS on the California Coastal Commission's conference call to testify for a 60 lousy seconds (all that a mere peasant like we tax payers are permitted)...Looks like they had already made up their mind. They voted to completely shut down within 3 years (instead of the 5 they previously voted on) and shut down night rides immediately =(

    It's not over until the fat lady sings though, and Ca State Parks needs to get their ass in gear and fight this along with we users. Technically, I don't think the OHV park is within the CCC's jurisdiction, but they are trying to say it is. They're also blocking handicapped access, so there's a big fat lawsuit waiting as well. I'm sure there will be lots of legal BS, but hopefully in the meantime they leave it open. We JUST reopened for day use in October (after a 7 month complete closure) and overnight use has been trimmed from 1,000 campsites per night to 100 as of last month.

    Anyway, back to the lift kit.
    I really do appreciate all of your help and input here. I did conduct a search prior tp posting but it's dizzying trying to wade thru all the data on *similar* builds, espcially when I don't even know what all a lift kit should include, so I thought I'd just ask outright for my situation. Sorry if I ruffled anyone's feather's by doing so. While I'm pretty handy (I just swapped out the entire headlight assembly to new units with LED all by my girl-self) I know my limits; the lift kit is beyond my skillset. I could bother some of my local Offroaders United friends to work with me on it, but I'd rather pay to ensure it's done right with a shop in case anything goes south, so I'll up the budget and keep shopping around.

    I welcome any additional input though and want to learn all I can about this little truck. I had a 4 cylinder 1991 long bed 4x4 manual I picked up in 1996. when I sold it, it had 64K original miles and was in showroom condition. Really sorry I didn't have room to park it or much use for it 10 years ago, but I picked this 2000 up with 133K original miles for 6K, put a lot of elbow grease into the filthy interior and intend to keep her for weekend dump runs, playing offroad a bit and hopefully still enjoying our Oceano Dunes from time to time.

    Thanks Guys & Gals - have a great weekend!
    Lisa

    before.jpg after.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2021
  15. Mar 19, 2021 at 2:50 PM
    #15
    costman13

    costman13 New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 18, 2021
    Member:
    #60600
    Messages:
    18
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Cam
    Oregon
    Vehicle:
    2003 AC Tundra TRD 4x4
    OME 2885, Nitrochargers, SPC UCA, Wheelers AAL, Firestone Ride-Rite Airbags, Method 701 & 285/75R16 Toyo Open Country AT III
    I'm on my second truck with an OME set up and I cannot recommend it enough. It rides great, takes very little maintenance and is virtually bombproof. It really is the best bang for your buck (for a full suspension makeover) IMO. I wouldn't fly through whoops at 50mph, but it handles washboard like a champ. Though, it is also well over your $1000 budget - tires alone are going to cost you that...

    I would plan accordingly for maintenance while you're in there. I had to cut my cam bolts off and replace the lower control arms, found my CVs to be beat and the sway bar links to be seized.

    Front
    Coilovers - Upper Control Arms (not 100% necessary with the OME COs, but I highly recommend it) - Diff Drop - Rear
    Shocks - AAL - Proportioning Valve Bracket - This gave me a touch over 2.5" of lift and the ability to run 285/75R16's without any rubbing (16x8 wheel with 0 offset and 4.5" backspacing).

    There are a million ways to lift a truck and this is just one of them. It works for me and how I use my truck, but may not work for you and how you use yours...
     
  16. Mar 19, 2021 at 3:00 PM
    #16
    Darkness

    Darkness Allergic to white

    Joined:
    Jul 23, 2018
    Member:
    #17315
    Messages:
    9,976
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Luis
    All over SoCal
    Vehicle:
    The darkest
    It's really dark
    Not here, this section isn't that way at all. I'm happy that you took a stand against CCC, I didn't know that was going on. Hopefully CORVA is on it.
     
  17. Mar 19, 2021 at 3:24 PM
    #17
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    Yeah. Maybe it was me and I should have put (sarc) on the end. :D

    Glad she made a stand, as well. We had some areas taken away from us here on the Island about 10 years ago.

    Reason: Bird Eggs getting run over. Only 4 crushes were documented one year and all 4 were due to the Park Rangers running them over. :rofl:That is because they were chasing ‘Wild Cats’ to trap/remove them as they were ‘Feral’. Next reason was because a certain bird that rarely ever visits this far in its migration (outer edge). Basically, we lost some liberty and its depressing to say the least. Parts were opened back up with a ‘Fee’ which allowed ‘limited access’ to half the area. Control and Money is the game. Most all the people that 4x4 on the Island were Sportsman that enjoy and respect nature. It was the loons in Audubon Society (not from here) that activated their lobbing powers in Brain Washing(ton).

    Meanwhile: Fishing Trawlers (backed by Fish Oil Lobby) hundreds of yards off the beach can dragnet every species and throw back (dead) any unwanted catch without repercussion while the Sportsman on the beach watches and is limited in their catch/size on their poles. Park Ranger is all up in your business on this because your ‘Fee’ pays their salary. :thumbsup:
     
    Darkness[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Mar 19, 2021 at 3:58 PM
    #18
    LisaPrice

    LisaPrice [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2021
    Member:
    #59737
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Lisa
    Pismo Beach, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2000 Toyota Tundra
    None YET
    Nah, Bravo Delta seemed to have his panties wadded a bit, but maybe I mistook his post. Either way - whatever....Forums are supposed to be for discussion and asking questions and if something bothers me, I just keep scrollin' ;)

    Sadly, CORVA isn't "on this" like they should be. What's really messed up is Friends of Oceano Dunes (FoOD) has won several landmark lawsuits recently against CCC and state parks, and will probably do well against this latest infringement upon the law abiding, tax payer's right to recreate, but it's going to cost a ton of $$$.

    I mean, this is a *designation OHV park* and the tree huggers are complaining they cannot walk down the beach without fear of getting run over?!?! They *COULD* hang a right at the entrance and walk for literally hundreds of miles, but the 7 lousy miles of shore land we have been relegated to is officially a highway...which they choose to wander aimlessly on, totally not wasting a second being situationally aware, and then when a huge diesel pusher or truck dragging a big 5th wheel or trailer loaded to the gills cannot slow down or stop without fear of burying it to the frame, these morons scream and yell they can't go for a quiet walk on the beach :crazy:

    But I digress....
     
    Darkness likes this.
  19. Mar 20, 2021 at 10:25 AM
    #19
    speedtre

    speedtre New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 20, 2019
    Member:
    #24808
    Messages:
    1,696
    Inland Northwest
    Vehicle:
    2006 BSM Toyota Tundra DC TRD 4x4
    This is the closest I can get to your budget with something that will improve the ride AND lift the truck.

    I would not order it online. I would call Wheelers and ask them to assemble the shocks (Probably another $150 or so parts and labor) and ask them to apply their website 10% discount for signing up for emails. Their site says no tax sales for registered customers, not sure what they means, but don't forget to ask. $900 all said and done. I would expect install labor to be $300-400....or free if you have any mechanically inclined friends...don't forget the alignment when it's done. upload_2021-3-20_13-24-37.jpg
     
  20. Mar 20, 2021 at 11:17 AM
    #20
    LisaPrice

    LisaPrice [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2021
    Member:
    #59737
    Messages:
    13
    Gender:
    Female
    First Name:
    Lisa
    Pismo Beach, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2000 Toyota Tundra
    None YET
    I know my bushings are shot. Stupid question, but is this something that automatically comes with the shocks, or should i pick those us too? I don't want to waste anyone's time on an appointment if we don't have everything we need. Thanks in advance for your input =)
     
  21. Mar 20, 2021 at 11:24 AM
    #21
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

    Joined:
    Jan 1, 2020
    Member:
    #40572
    Messages:
    8,923
    Gender:
    Male
    Arkansas
    Vehicle:
    2000 Limited TRD AC 4X4 Thunder Grey 270k miles. 2019 Limited TRD CM 4x4 Cement Grey 75k miles
    2000: Bilstein 5100's 16x8 589's with 265/75/16 and 1.25" spacers Flowmaster 50 series over the axle dump Pioneer touchscreen with backup camera Full interior and dash LED conversion Trailer brake controller with 7 pin Bedliner coat bumpers & trim ARE topper 2019: ARE topper with full Bedrug kit and Vortex rack TRD shifter 1.25" wheel spacers (I like to live dangerously) Red tow hooks for that +15 grip bonus
    Bushings, aside from the lower shock one, will not come with this setup. You will have to order them separately. They are a bear to replace and will double the cost of this adventure. Upper and lower control arms are often replaced whole with new bushings in them. Then the sway bar end link and frame mount bushing can be replaced. Then the steering rack bushings.
     
  22. Mar 20, 2021 at 11:33 AM
    #22
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

    Joined:
    Apr 29, 2018
    Member:
    #14878
    Messages:
    15,007
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Fred
    ‘Somewhere’... a State of Mind
    Vehicle:
    2002 Tundra SR5 4WD 4.7L AC Silver Metallica
    Hand Protectors
    Yes. The slippery slope starts with shocks. Then the Cam Bolts being seized and needing cut out which then requires New LCA which...

    This happened to me about 4 years ago. The shock job turned into the shop calling about all the problems and I said forgetabouit! and had them button it back up without new shocks. Made a decision (while saving $$$) to have the total job done the following year. Just under $3500. 50/50 on parts/labor.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top