3" Lift Kits add a block or a leaf to the rear suspension

New to the idea of putting a lift kit on, have see some really nice Tacoma that have been lifted mostly prerunners. I think I would be happy with a 3" lift kit on my 2017 DCLB TRD Sport 4x4, mainly for looks but maybe do some light off road trials. Is there a difference between adding a block to the rear leaf such as a 3" Rough Country kit vs adding an additional leaf such as a 3" Tuff Country lift (52907)?

 

Those kits have something in common; they're both junk. There are better alternatives to a block spacer.

 

All I can say is stay away from blocks, it's never worth it in my opinion. Between axle wrap and looks they just are not smart. You'll be happier with adding a leaf although I still wouldn't recommend that. With my first truck I had blocks and lets just say things didn't go well.

 

Is that due to Off Roading? Only ask because I'm look'n at a ReadyLift Leveling Kit. 3 front and 2 rear.

I will not be taking it Off Road. It's primarily for looks. Here's the kit I'm thinking about, and installed it will cost $750

Thanks, Norma

 

I'm not familiar with these types of lifts. However based on my experience with other vehicles and lifts and suspension I would not use anything like this off the pavement. The vehicle and suspension weren't really designed for something like this, I always recommend full suspension kits.

I'm sure someone with more experience can chime in

 

Honestly because I want to be completely truthful, I wouldn't buy it for either on or off-road. Based on fellow Tacoma owners I've met that take their trucks out and don't and from my old build which now has the blocks and spacers removed and fully suspension lifted, which never sees off-road that is used for looks. For me looks would involve when people look at it they don't see blocks or spacers.
But if you really don't want to spend the extra money you could pull the trigger on that (I don't know anything about that exact set up) but spending the extra $1000 or so lol, on getting a good setup that will last would be my recommendation.
There's plenty of people who probably have that setup or run blocks and spacers and would say it's fine so up to you. Either way as I can't argue the fact that your truck will indeed look nice either way lol. I mean it's a Tacoma

 

Both lifts are crap... But if you have to choose one or the other go rc and add a leaf.

 

Here's a post I just found about that readylift.... should answer the question for you. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ready-lift-installed-and-now-vibration.454936/

 

Dakar rears...but if it's just for the mall then I get the "why spend the extra cash" argument.

I also find it funny when people say "it's primarily for looks" - be real, it's 100% just for looks hahaha

 

Seems he had an issue, but then it turned out the installer placed the rear blocks in wrong. Said its all good, then a different issue came up. So he replaced something entirely different, an insufficient factory component.

Anyway, since it's the same exact kit I'm look'n at I asked him for his opinion. Do you recommend this kit? I'll see what/how he responds.

Money isn't the issue, since I don't really have any plans on off roading the truck, I didn't see a point in going with an off road setup.

Thanks tho, that thread was a big help. I'll be happy to see his response.

 

Umm..... It is primarily for looks, but also functional. I had my wheels cut all the way and went over a bump when I heard a noise/scraping sound. Looked at the inside of my mudguard and sure enough there is a scrape/rub spot.

Quick fix I could just remove the mudguards, but I like the look of them, and I like that it keeps debris from flinging against the truck body/sides.

I have the TRD Pro wheels w/BFG 265/70R17s.

 

Yep, you can clear larger tires that way. But if you have larger, off road type tires and you are not going off road, then that's also just for looks.

My point was that, the majority of people who need to clear bigger tires for off road function get a proper suspension lift. People who say "I'm looking at a 3" lift, mostly on road, but maybe will do some minor trails" or "I'm looking at a spacer lift, no off roading though" are 100% lifting the truck just cause it looks cool.

I don't care whether it is just for looks or not, but that' just how I see it.

 

Not arguing with you, I agree it's mostly for the Badass look that a few more inches gives you.

But it is still functional as well, unless somebody is ok with scrape marks/and sounds. I also was taking a sharp turn, that's just the way the street is set up, and it goes up pretty steep while your in the turn and I heard/felt another scrape.

This time it was on the bottom of the tow assembly. Felt the bottom of it and yep, there's a scrap area. That will be the first test I give it if I end up using/doing this kit. An inch more height should resolve the problem, but maybe not, won't know until I try it.

 

Cool man! Whatever you choose, as long as you're happy we're happy! And when you do pull the trigger, pictures are gonna have to be shown!

 

I get what you're saying, but you also have slightly larger tires than stock.

Like I said, these kits will allow for larger tires, in that sense they are functional, but in my opinion, if you lift a truck on blocks to fit tires that are just for looks, then the kit is also just for looks lol.

Anyway, I think we both agree somewhat hahaha. Good luck with the setup

 

To put crappy parts on a BRAND NEW truck is just ludicrous ! Save up for real suspension or keep it as is. Just 2 cents worth.

 

This ^

35k truck..$200 lift kit

 

that's what she said???


but seriously, Norma, youre looking at $750ish installed for that ready lift kit, a set of Bilsteins and OME springs, and an AAL from Headstrong offroad will run you around that price.... it should be the same to install it.....


so basically for an extra $350 you can go with decent suspension and not a crappy spacer lift

PM Marie at
@HeadStrong Off-Road
... she'll take care of you!

 

A block of one or two inches is fine. Won't cause axle wrap at that height. My F350 came stock with a four inch block. When you go add-a-leaf you change your spring rate and the rear end will ride like a dump truck.

The whole "don't put a $200 part on a 35k truck" is laughable. 35k is not much money these days boys, sorry to tell you. Some parts, which are fine and functional don't cost very much. A block of steel does not have very much technology in it, the price reflects this.

 

I'll have to check that site out. I doubt I can get a kit to raise say the front 2 - 2.5 and the rear an inch, inch and a half for under 2K installed.

I definitely don't want any issues/vibrations etc.