Deciding on leveling kit, and all new suspension

Ok so I would like to add a 2 inch leveling kit on my 06 Tacoma, I want to also do new shocks in the back and basically like everything new, the loaded strut assembly, 2 new coil springs, and new mount and shocks in back. Basically my issue is, I can’t decide between doing all rough country (1,350$) or fox (2,100$). Both of those prices include installation and alignment. I never ever off road, I baby this t truck and maybe take a dirt bumpy road 4 times a year, but I want something to last me a very long time. Do you guys think I go with the fox brand which is a lot more? Or go with rough country. I looked at bilstein but the guy said there back ordered for a long time. Hopefully this all made sense cause I’m really timid to pull the trigger cause I’m not sure what’s the right thing for me. Thank you for any help you have.

 

Why level. The rake has several benefits.

 

I don’t have hardly any knowledge on this so what do you mean by the rake has several benefits? I’m new to anything car related so I’m always very confused

 

if you put a load in the bed then the truck will naturally level... depending on the load. if you're level and add a heavy load you'll be nose-up somewhat.

i've heard quite a few say the steering and general handling is a bit improved with some rake. a setup with rake had me less wind sensitive on the highway. when i leveled mine i noticed more wind sensitivity. i'm in a fairly windy area so YMMV.

 

We’ll the main idea of the inch leveling kit was to clear a 285/75r16 tire, although I know I’ll still have to trim a little

 

Avoid the leveling kit and just do a full suspension upgrade for the reasons mentioned above. The leveling is just a spacer for your shocks which are already probably sagging a bit from age. A complete refresh with matching front and rears will give you better ride height/quality than trying to prop up the factory struts and springs. The Fox option is going to be higher quality than the Rough Country. I know RC is supposedly better than it was before, but I think Fox is still a better offering. You can get a front and rear set from Headstrong Offroad for as little as $1300 and get your local guy to install them. I think you will be happier with the results that way.

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s..._Kit_-_05-15_Toyota_Tacoma_(FOX0515LVL1).html

 

Those look good, but they wouldn’t lift me to clear 33’s would they? I guess I should’ve added that’s my main plan with the leveling kit and trimming

 

I think generically speaking you need a 3" lift to clear 33's with minimal trimming on a gen 2. You are probably not going to get that with a 2 inch spacer on 15 year old shocks.

 

Hmm see I’m confused, because I thought the leveling kit would’ve been a 2 Inch lift with new struts and new shocks all around, so figured it would maybe get me closer to clearing one with all new shocks and struts and a 2 inch leveling kit in the front. The guy at big o said it would be like a whole new set up, both in front and back, only difference is it would be raised 2 inches in the front now.

 

If you’re looking for long-lasting shocks, it’s tough to beat nitrochargers from OME or Dobinsons. Not a super plush ride like Fox or other rebuildable shocks, but maintenance-free, relatively inexpensive, and built to last. Get some longer/stiffer springs and there’s your lift. I recommend beefier leaf springs for the rear as well.

I’d steer clear of any sort of spacer lift, and Rough Country stuff in general.

 

Ok I see. Yea I’ll stay away from spacers. I don’t think big o quoted me for those though, I think it was just like new coil overs and struts that raise it 2 inches and new upper mount and then new back shocks. But like I said I have very little knowledge on this so who knows

 

Yea, typically a "leveling kit" is just a couple spacers that mount to the top of the front shocks. They would be more for people who don't want to get new suspension, but want an extra couple inches in the front. Look something like this:




If you get a proper suspension kit, then they shouldn't be necessary. I would honestly talk to a more specialize shop as opposed to Big-O tires, or even contact Headstrong and have them walk you through it because their customer service is spectacular.

 

Ok I see. So a better route would be more of a all new set up. So like fox struts that raise the front 2 inches, new coil overs, and new shocks in the back. But avoid rough country and spacers.

 

I have Bilstein 6110 in the front on the lowest clip setting, they came with new springs -Then pizza cutters on stock 16" wheels. 235 85 16 they are a 33" tire. Fits fine no clearance issues. I left the rear at stock height with 5100 shocks. It was near the budget you have - the Bilstein's have a life time warranty

 

This I’ll have to look into. My main thing I would like a little higher like 2 inches but then again maybe you wouldn’t even notice it.

 

Also if I wanted to get the 2 inch lift with the struts and coil overs and shocks from fox, should I just do it online my self instead of having somewhere like big o order it for me?

 

Depends on who you are having install it. Some smaller/specialty places won't install customer supplied parts for insurance reasons so they will want to order for you (but will guarantee the work). Bigger chains will probably install whatever but you aren't necessarily getting as much expertise.

 

Ok I see. Does 2 grand seem pricy for and all new fox shock and strut and coil over suspension with a 2 inch lift in the front? I’m not sure how I’ll have it installed yet