What Should I Switch Out This Lift With?

Hey all, I’m a new member here and first time poster. I’m looking to buy my first Tundra. I went to test drive this Tundra today I have been interested in.

What concerns me is the huge 3” block spacers on the rear. I’m not sure what lift is on the front?? (See pictures attached)

The tires are 37/12.5/20

If I purchase this truck, what should I switch the suspension to? Keep the tires or change them for a different size?

Let me know if I should pull the trigger.

 

Oh thats one of those irreversible drop bracket lifts. I mean its reversible, but its gonna require some fabbing and welding.

 

You could possibly get leaf springs for the rear that give you the same amount of lift as the blocks, but the rear is the least of my worries. Im more worried about the front drop bracket. If you’re not gonna offroad heavily then theres not much to be worried about.

 

Another thing to consider/ask is if the previous owner got the speedometer corrected for the larger tires. If they didn't the odometer is reading lower than reality. Not a big deal if the big tires have only been on for a month, but if they've run it like that for the majority of the trucks life then it's a much bigger red flag IMO.

 

That lift is a nightmare.

 

@Wixo I plan on having a truck that is setup for off-roading. Is that a no-go after reversing a drop bracket lift? I called FatBobs here in Utah to get a quote to switch everything out.

@GODZILLA That is a good point that I didn’t think of. The truck is being sold at a dealership and they said they don’t have any info on the lift or when it was done. They put on new tires, replaced the outer tie rods and front struts. But who knows how long it has been setup like this…

 

I had Fat Bob's in Layton install my Falcon shocks. I'll say this, double check everything and make triple sure that you are getting all your take off parts back if you want them. They overfilled one of the grease zerks on the front shocks and it popped a seal. Had to take it back to get it fixed and they charged me for shop time. Then I made the mistake of not checking the boxes they said contained front coil overs, and I wound up with the donor struts and no springs. Only noticed when I moved the boxes in my storage unit months later. Definitely doublecheck everything they do. They seem so busy that they forget what they are doing.

 

Is it a screamin deal or something? Seems like that lift, wheels and tires are all wrong for what you want to do with it… could probably save the headache by searching for something a little more stock…

 

Its not the end of the world, especially if you’re having a competent shop do it, but its better to start with out it.

 

I'd be more concerned with how the truck was "used", necessitating that lift. If the previous owner was a "poser" and mall cruiser, you're probably fine with the current lift. If the lift was required for extreme off road adventures, well, I'd be concerned about reliability and drivability.

 

Can't comment much about the suspension but it's sure a looker. Sharp truck!

 

@T-Rex266 Not sure why they replaced the tie-rods. It has been in Alberta, Montana, and Northern Utah it’s whole life. It has also had 5 owners, but
clean inside and engine ran fine.

 

From the sound of things I should immediately remove my BDS lift, throw them in the trash, and light it on cuz I would not be able to wheel in them

 

On a serious note though, it depends on what kind of wheeling you plan to do. If you like the go fast, hit the whoops type of stuff, then definitely do NOT buy this truck. If you prefer the slow stuff, like me, then this BDS lift is perfectly fine. I still have the BDS drop bracket and the Fox coilovers on my truck but I've replaced the rear blocks with custom leaf springs. The Tundra has a very long wheelbase and to compensate for its very shitty break over angle it needs height ergo the bracket lift and large tires.

 

The lift doesn’t look terrible. Its not overly jacked up. I dont like shock extensions or rear blocks.

If it were my truck, i would want full length shocks that were designed for the lift and full height rear springs

 

That truck is awfully put together. Find one unmolested and start from the beginning.

 

Thanks for the responses guys! I took the advice and ran the other way!

 

everything you mentioned is trash. i hate this truck

 

There's nothing wrong with that lift kit. If it ever went offroad it was only to get muddy, I dont see any rock damage in any of those pictures. BDS is a good brand and almost all the 6" lift kits to choose from come with rear lift blocks except Skyjacker. I wouldnt bother going through the work to remove the lift if that's what youre thinking. Just buy a different truck that isnt lifted. Daily driving a truck lifted that much is kind of annoying IMO, you have to want it lifted that much or you will probably hate it.

Otherwise all it needs is some coilovers on it and be done. If you dont need the 37s, switch to 35s when they wear out.

 

Ironman 4x4 makes a great kit. I have it on my Tundra and I absolutely love it. It adds 3.5" of lift and it's built for performance. I don't do anything high speed but for overlanding, I don't believe that there is anything better for the price range.