Best lift for the money

Have a 2016 Sport DCSB auto 4x4 stock. Looking to add 275/65R18 tires and 18x9 wheels. Want a 2-3" lift/leveling kit that ends up close to level. Will never go off road. Just stay on pavement. Looking to spend around $1500 for kit. What's the best for the money that'll give me a good safe ride and not wreck alignment/tires? Doesn't need to be adjustable.

 

Depends on what you want to use your lift kit for; mall crawling, rock climbing, trailing, ect. I can tell you based on my experience with the king shocks 3.0s. The king shocks are well designed and ride nice, but you have to end up coughing up about 5k-6k for shocks alone. then you have to consider the UCAs, leaf spring pack, ect. The king shocks are a tad bit expensive and you'll probably never need to use them to their full capability unless you drive through some rough terrain every day, but it's also nice to have it in case you need it. I have done some research into brands like; Bilstein, icon, and fox, and they seem to have a good reputation. I would try and avoid leveling kits, body lifts, and rough country lifts. The quality of the lift will depend on the price most of the time.

 

Ok, made my initial post more descriptive.

 

Don't install a spacer lift ever. Just my opinion. Most that do end up wanting to upgrade later. It's a crappy way to lift any truck.

Bilstein 5100 is a good budget lift. That or Eibach pro.

Pushing the limit of your budget look up bilstein 6112 front paired with 5160 rear. A step up from 5100's.

There are a ton of options and opinions. This is just mine.

 

Whats the difference between the 6112 and the 5100? Smothered ride?

 

Bilstein 5100 with add a leaf seems to be the go to for mid range price and low maintenance/moderate off road. That or OME.

 

6112 is a much fatter shock. Quite a step up from 5100 on and off road. I've ran both on several different vehicles.

 

Damn. Your making me want to get these now lol what if you dont go off roading? You wouldn’t recommend them? Just stick to 5100?

 

I’ve had an 05 4Runner SE V8 awd, an 87’ 4runnner and and 89 p/u. Every Toyota gets OLD MAN EMU.
Cheap doesn’t mean better or last. Buy the best you can afford.

 

I've ran the OME lift no complaints here. The 887x springs with the 90021 sports Id say it's a good contender for an entry level. Was this or the 5100, but can't speak on them. Just remember to consider UCA which will increase the cost and most likely go over your budget.

 

Just saw this video and it does a pretty good job at explaining the Bilstein 5100 vs the Bilstein 6112.
https://youtu.be/TpnISB3BLIc

 

I had good luck with Toytec 2.0 before I went down the rabbit hole. I've also read very good reviews about the Rancho kit. We put a rough country lift on my friends truck yrs ago, it's still going strong & he beats on it pretty hard

 

If I do a 3" lift do I have to get a kit with UCA's? Some guys say yes, others no?

 

Some say yes and some say no! Personally I ran my toytec 2.0 @ 2.5" of lift with a .25" spacer on top, so 3" of lift with stock uppers, alignment was not perfect, steered a little quick, but was just fine by me

 

Ok, these are the three kits that I found in my price range:

3" Skyjacker kit:
2016 Toyota Tacoma| Skyjacker 3 Inch Coil-Over Lift Kit with Upper Control Arms and Rear M95 Monotube Shocks - TC536UM | 4wheelparts.com

3" Revtek kit:
2016 Toyota Tacoma| Revtec 3 Inch Adjustable Lift Kit with Upper Control Arms - 905 | 4wheelparts.com

3.5" Rough Country kit:
3.5 Inch Lift Kit | Toyota Tacoma 2WD/4WD (05-22) | Rough Country


It's hard to beat the Rough Country kit for half the price...

 

All 3 of those utilize huge spacer/block in the rear. The lowest quality rear lift option.

An add a leaf (AAL) is a much better option for rear lift on a budget.

 

Yeah, the revtek has add a leaf for same price and rough country its 300 more for new leafs which is reasonable.

 

I’d buy it before it sell out. Plus it has upper control arms can’t beat that. Make sure to post pics when you install it. Some before and after with a review of how it rides.

 

May I suggest Dobinsons? Seems quite overlooked here. Hit up @Crikeymike if you want some further assistance.

https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...-kit-for-2005-to-2020-tacoma-4x4-double-cabs/

Build yourself a kit!