3+ inch lift

So I’ve heard a lot of issues about lifts that go above 3 inches. It’s something about the cv axles, I don’t really know how it works and I tried searching the answer can someone help me? What are the complications that arise with higher lifts?

 

On 4wd the front axles are put in a strained angle, causing premature failure of CV boots and joints

You know though, based on your other threads that have a $7k budget to purchase the truck you don't have, the LS motor you ask about 'how hard', the 'what is a hub' question in another thread........ you might want to slow down the dream machine and find the truck first.

Then learn how to maintain it and drive it well. Pay your bills, your insurance and finish the next couple years of HS.

Your wish list has already more than doubled your initial budget. IF you can find decent used parts.

Doesn't mean you can't dream and learn, just be more realistic about what will really happen.

 

Beyond 2.5” or so, you tend to rub the CV boot against itself, which tears the boots causing grease leaks. Further, the high angle wears the joint itself. This is doubly true on trucks without manual hubs because the CV axles spin at all times.


Plus you lose most of your down travel and the ride just blows. Keep it low and make tires fit with body mods

 

Anything over 3 inch will be with a drop bracket.

 

Well, it's been mentioned many times but in case you missed it many times, I'll repeat it -

1. CV axle boots rub against themselves and tear, flinging grease everywhere

2. CV axles have limited travel, which is more an issue with aftermarket (cheap) sets than OEM which leads to #3

3. Binding occurs when a CV axle is drooped to its max, good luck even turning if you're off-road

Just stay at 2" and gain the rest with larger tires like 33's

This is assuming you're doing it for looks. If you're looking for off-road capability, you'll find that these trucks are extremely capable in stock form. Far more capable than most drivers are from the get go.

 

Over 3" might as well go 40s n tons

 

Lol

 

The others have already given you the correct advise, but I'll just add this to reinforce.

I bought my truck new off the lot my senior year of high school in 2001. I wanted to lift it and do a bunch of cool shit, but had a minimum wage job (we're talking like $6.50, not this modern $15 shit), and spent months saving up for the cheapest lift I could my hands on (at that time the market was vastly different than it is today- today, bilsten 5100 and done)- which was a fabtech shock and coil spring. I don't remember all the details of the install, other than it was an ordeal.

Those shocks and coil springs sucked so much I eventually saved up and spent the big boy dollars to get myself some King coilovers.

Since then (140k later) I've rebuilt the Kings twice for a very reasonable price. The cost of the original fab tech lift was completely wasted money.

TL;DR Don't do shit twice, but the right things the first time. 2"-2.5" of lift is absolutely plenty of lift to do "real" off roading. 3+" lift for these trucks (unless it's an SAS) is completely unnecessary.

 

This

 

In addition to the CV axle issue, the other issue is your alignment. Anything over 2-2.5 or so and you'll likely need aftermarket upper control arms to correct the alignment.

As others have alluded to, there is no real reason to go with more than 3" of lift anyway, unless you just desperately like the look. None of the 4-6" lifts on the market are really all that good, performance wise, and they place your center of gravity higher than it needs to be. A well thought out 2-2.5" lift will run circles around a 6" lift, and you can still easily fit 33's. For 35's there's a decent argument that you should be considering a solid axle swap (SAS) anyway. 35's can be done with IFS, but IMO that's kinda pushing it.

So it just goes back to WHY you want the lift, and what you're planning to do with it, and what your budget is.

 

Great article on understanding lift and lift types

https://adventuretaco.com/guide/what-size-tires-fit-my-lifted-tacoma/

 

I bought my V6 4wd MT new, put a 2.5" lift (anyone remember the Cornbred lift, now that's low budget) with 32's. Later I went to 33's.

33's were actually a mistake with 4.10 gears. They are OK if you just use your truck around town and the odd local wheeling.
But if you are driving high altitude mountain passes you will have a hard time maintaining the speed limit even with a light load.
And I don't need to go fast but the problem is you will get a train behind you.

I recall that I was in Utah at about 6000ft altitude and a diesel truck pulling a 20' trailer passed me. Of course they have turbo which compensates for the altitude but still...

 

To be completely honest this is very true. However I enjoy asking questions and learning. Not everything I ask I plan to do, I have to rule out the unreasonable somehow. Also I have adjusted my budget and criteria (not on the website because I don’t care about keeping the whole internet up to date abt me and they prob don’t care either) I have found a truck, it is in literally the best condition I have ever seen. He is a friend of my father. The only thing is I don’t want to lowball him just because they are great friends. How should I go about not low balling him but staying within what I can afford? It’s nice enough were there would not be any maintenance done to it.

 

So what would the biggest tire you could fit in a 2in lift versus the biggest tire with stock lift? Without rubbing of course.

 

what does sas mean?

 

So I don’t need all that much to do trails with my friends?

 

Ok so now with all of this information, what is the ideal lift and tire setup without have to deal with aftermarket cv axles and such? Would 33’s rub with +2in? What abt 31’s on stock ride height?

 

You can simply upgrade to quality tires, and have a means of airing down/up and easily off-road.

Yes, upgrades do help, but often give a false sense of security.

I used to drive a Prerunner (2wd) and I'd go on trails where other guys were switching to 4H already. Just gain experience, and modify as needed.

You'll figure out where you're lacking once you gain enough experience.

 

How big is your hammer?