Cost of Lift Kit / Disadvantages

I was wondering if anyone could give me an estimate of what it cost them to lift their first gens. I’m only looking to add about a 2 or maybe 3 inch lift.

What brand did you guys go with and we’re there any disadvantages of a lift? Like does the turning radius get even worse than it already is or do regular turns when you’re driving feel a little sketchier?

 

$380 or so for 5100 Bilstein’s all around. Disadvantages? Slightly stiffer ride than stock. Feels more controlled to me. Did the install myself though. Could add 1” blocks in the rear and clear 285/75/16 or equivalent with only mild fender well mods. The lift and ensuing tire upsizing negatively affect fuel mileage and power delivery.

 

Thanks for the info. How long did the install take you?

 

first time took 5-6 hrs. Second time only about 3. Been running them for about 125k miles. On my second set of front 5100’s. Rears still seem fine.

 

If 3" is desired, I'd suggest a 2" body lift with a 1" suspension lift. Far less disruption to the center of gravity (better curves driving) and far less suspension geometry disruption (less wear and better road grip). Luck.

 

Let me know where to find the 2” body lift.

 

Agree with Knabores as usual. I'll add that when you lift these trucks you're changing the geometry of each part at static ride height. This can accelerate wear on joints and bushings. So of you're planning to lift, look over the upper/lower ball joints, tie rod ends, and lower arm bushings. You may need to invest in replacements.

Usually along with lift comes bigger tires. They're expensive. $800 is about as low as you can get unless you're buying used

Also keep some money ready for a good alignment. Don't do the $60 job where they only set the toe and they're done in 20 minutes. You'll want an off road shop or a competent shop, preferably with a hunter machine. Good alignment is important and is worth spending a little more to get right.

 

I'm lucky to have a shop nearby. +1 on the shops that use a Hunter machine.

 

I put these on my 04 Tundra. I think you can find them cheaper at RockAuto or Autoanything. However, no matter what you do, if you mess with the front you're going to need an alignment so figure that into your estimate. I think my local shop charged me 100 to install the fronts and I did the back. Now they aren't KINGS or ADS or anything crazy but I went with these for the lift AND a better ride. and it was. I had 5100's on my Tacomas and wasn't stoked about the ride being more stiff. But they did perform nice off-road.

https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...le-shocks-set-for-2000-2006-toyota-tundra-4wd

 

4Crawler: https://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/ToyotaTacoma.shtml#Tundra

 

build your own buffet. Nice. 2” kit only comes with blocks and hardware. Steering extension is available. Bumper brackets, brake lines, gas filler etc are all on you to figure out looks like. Nice to have the various body Mount heights available. I’ve thought about adding a 1” body lift to clear 33” tires.

 

Yeah, there's a lot of info on that website to digest but it's good shtuff. Definitely not for those that like their hand held...

From it, I've gathered that doing a 1" seems to be the most bang for the buck without messing with too many other components.