Thinking about removing leveling kit....crazy?

I just got my 18 TRD Crewmax less than than weeks ago and had 275/70 18 Ridge Grapplers put on in deal. Truck looked super sharp and tough and I assumed, as I always leveled my Tacos, that it would look even better with the nose lifted a little. I went with a 1.5” spacer from RockTrix as I had read that 2” would make it look nose high, which I do not like whatsoever. After having the 1.5” installed 2 days ago, I am not ecstatic about the look and lines of the truck. I have looked at all angles, parked everywhere, and feel it looks just weaker, or the tires appear too small- something I just don’t like 100% about it- sometimes parked it looks fine, other times, nose high...depends what angle etc....so I’m constantly looking to see if I like it, then I’m disappointed. I do like some rake, but don’t want bigger tires or to chase the front height by going higher in the back. Sorry about the long post, but I’m regretting now jumping into the level and thinking about going back stock with the 285/70s and will look like a moron for wasting money at the shop and having to have them removed and alignment again. Any thoughts?

 

Have you considered new shackles in the rear? 1 - 1.5 I'm would add a little rake back to it. relatively cheap.

 

Tuning in... leveling kit is on my future project list.

You should post some pics so we can see what you’re describing.

 

You need to do what makes you happy as long as you can afford it.

People get divorced all the time, that costs way more money.

You thought the grass would be greener and it wasn't.

 

Stock in first two pics. Looks good sometimes dead on from side, other than that it looks high from other angles. Worried adding height to rear will make the tires look even worse.

 

Completely agree with you. It’s the gap between the wheel and the fender. With stock wheels it just flat out looks worse leveled. I would just raise the rear and get bigger tires. If not, I’d put it back to stock.

 

I'd ditch the leveling kit but that's just me.

Maybe adding wheel spacers will give you the illusion of larger tires?

Nice truck btw. Always loved that color

 

I agree with Joon. Bigger tires and wheel spacers would help too.

 

Thanks all for the opinions so far. Was thinking I’m crazy. Must be the Tundra’s lines and shape I’m not used to. Always had tacos and they looked mean with a slight level. My gut just keeps telling me I don’t like this look. I’ll figure something out, but didn’t want to spring for bigger tires, have to start cutting possibly etc. I’m a closer to stock more minimalist look kind, usually. Just like I beefier stance and tires.

 

Its all in what you like. No fault for trying something and it not feeling quite right. I bought mine with the original 32 inch Michelin's. When those wore out I went one size up to what you have. first with no lift... They fit, well enough with no rub, but I wanted the leveling kit, coil overs, which picked it up 2 inches... I liked the leveling but missed the rake, the ride is a bit more firm. My mileage went down 10% with the added weight of 10 ply. I ordered the 1 inch lift for the rear that is getting installed Monday... I swear this is where it ends... same place where I started with better shocks and just a little more clearance and options for the future. It was a great truck as I got it and still is, thought my wallet is thinner LOL, but I say, do what makes you happy Too many things in life are unpredictable. These trucks, as I have discovered, are pure pleasure. You get exactly what you put into it, and it stays there waiting for you the next day, just as you left it. I am happy to have a grin on my face every morning when I start it up and head off for my office job, and I have the same grin when I drive back home. And that, for me, makes whatever else that happens, well worth the few bucks I spend, or misspend. I don't mean to get too philosophical on you, but if it captures you attention and makes you happy,,, do it, and when you are ready for something else, change it. Enjoy the ride.

with the leveling done... no rear lift

 

I think it looks great on the 33s! Thats the size I want.

 

What size are those tires? I do have the Ridge Grapplers 275/70 on the stock wheels.

 

Thanks man, great words of wisdom and nice truck! I do enjoy changing it up and have loved doing mods on this so far. I was thinking I should have had the dealership put 285s on and that would have filled the wheels wells better, however the nose high thing wou have still been an issue. Can you post pics as soon as you add the 1 inch? What did you go with for a the 1”?

 

you may want to drive it for a few weeks . being so new it will settle at bit . I put a 2.5" leveling kit and thought it was too high at first.

 

Agreed.

I leveled mine by lowering the rear to match the factory front height on 32" tires.
An Air-Lift system in the rear allows me to add rake if I want/need it.

 

Maybe go with the 285s and ToyTec shackles in the rear

 

You think a spacer level will actually settle? I was thinking Bilsteins May, but spacer lift probably would not.

 

I've just purchased a set of 275/70r18 for the stock offroad rims, and I'm wanting to rise the front just a tad as well. The 2" spacer gets sh*t on, but since I do mostly highway I can understand the financial upside, but as Hammy said, I too dont want to chase the level to the back end. If money werent an issue, I think the Bilsteins 6112's at the 1.3 (second lowest setting) would be the perfect rise, and I've been reading that the lower setting give a very nice ride. Anyone have any experience with the 6112's at the 1.3 setting? Other options that doesnt just improve the look but also the ride?

 

Do add some forward rake back into it. It looks good IMO.

I’d go with your gut and go back to stock by removing the spacer. Then, just take some time and mull over what tire options you should do when the ones you have wear out.

 

not the spacer (lift) but the springs /shocks should settle after some miles .

 

Didn’t like it then don’t like it now, how much you take for it man?

 

You want to buy the truck with the lift in, or out??

 

I can’t really make up my mind which I like better, not sure whether to level mine either. Would like to try the 5100’s on my 2013RW, probably do some more research before commit.

 

Oh and btw I don’t think you hurt the appearance of your truck at all, I would keep it and experiment with tire sizes.

 

I still can’t believe some of you don’t like the look of a lifted tundra. Level in the front and people are saying it looks bad? That’s weird to me. Of course giant tires look awesome but a lot of times they’re very unnecessary as the ones you chose will do a fine job. And in my opinion your truck looks good. If you are going to tow maybe lift the rear a little bit or some airbags. I mean if you really wanted to know what it would’ve looked like lifted, just put the jack underneath the front before you did all that work LOL
Seriously not trying to come off as an ass but I think your truck looks great and you should leave it alone.

 

I think it looks good as is also..the 5th pic in the snow is perfect IMO

 

LOL, you’re not coming off as an ass- that’s why I posted my internal dilemma, so I could get others’ opinions. As I suspected, it’s subjective and just as I feel, I’ve got opinions ranging from it’s great to I should remove the spacers! BTW, I did try jacking it up and that’s what made me send back a 2” kit and go with 1.5”- it looked great in the driveway that day and didn’t seem as high. They look awesome to me lifted, if done right- I just gotta find the right balance for my liking.

 

It’s your truck. Make it yours.

 

I have learned that tundras need 37s. With how big the truck is 37s make it look perfect no matter how you do it. So long travel it and throw em on or do a 6 inch lift. Sorry I’m no help, just planting the seed for you