Help me choose a lift kit!

Yes I know there are a thousand of these threads so sorry in advance.

I have a 2020 manual off-road that’s bone stock. I’ll be putting a new set of tires on shortly and going to go with some 265/75r16s this time around so about an inch bigger than stock. Will likely go with new wheels with a zero offset too in the future.

It’s my daily driver and I’m a weekender so a lot of highway driving to forest roads. The stock suspension has held up well but I’m tired of the spongey stock feel and want something stiffer all around. I have a GFC camper on the back and will be putting some sort of drawer system in the back so I’m thinking an add a leaf for the added weight.

What should I look at for new shocks? Not looking to get a ton of lift out of it, maybe 1.5 to 2” and want to maintain mpg as much as possible. Will I need new UCAs or extended brake lines? Anything else I’m missing?

I’ve looked into the OME kits and have heard good things about the Bilstein shocks. Don’t want to break the bank.

 

I vote a dobinsons ims or mra shocks with the appropriate front coil springs with there leafs @Crikeymike can get you set up.

 

Couple minor points to consider.

OR is 'soft' to be compliant off road. Sports are firmer to be 'sporty'.

You don't need any lift for those tires.

Not suggesting anything one way or the other. Just some things folks often overlook when planning.

 

Something economical with minimal moving parts. You'll be replacing it in a few years if you daily in the winter and if the roads are treated where you drive.

You can always upgrade latter if you need more

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/eibach-stage-2r-lift-2021-trd-offroad.784548/

This is the start of my Eibach Stage 2r lift. I would look at Eibach Stage 1 or 2. I will be running Mickey Thompson’s 265 or 285 70 17 when I’m done waiting on parts and wheel decision.

Take a look at these can run from stock height to 2.5 inches rides firmer than stock no floating in my driving opinion. Will not need UCA’s or extended break lines with 265 75 16. UCA’S are used to add caster( Center tire in wheel well)and correct upper ball joint alignment for larger tires 33 and up Lt Tires. Stick with tires that are not Lt for mild off-roading. Tires are lighter and handle better on pavement.

Stage 1 $704
https://eibach.com/us/1920/E80-82-069-01-22-TOYOTA-Tacoma-pro-truck-lift-system

Stage 2 $1086
https://eibach.com/us/1920/E86-82-007-01-22-TOYOTA-Tacoma-pro-truck-coilover-stage-2

Stage 2r $1303
https://eibach.com/us/1920/E86-82-007-02-22-TOYOTA-Tacoma-pro-truck-coilover-stage-2R

For the rear 1 inch block or Headstrong add a leaf.

Block Eibach $135
https://eibach.com/us/1920/lb81-82-007-01-02-TOYOTA-Tacoma-lift-block

Headstrong add a leaf $249 with extended bolts..
https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s..._AAL_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY516-3AL.html

 

Call @AccuTune Offroad

 

Just got Fox 2.0 coilovers and fox resi rears, gave me about 2 inches up front out of the box, probably will give you an inch and some change lift since the 3rd gens are an inch higher up front.
Rides smooth and soaks up bumps really well.
I'd say look at Bilstein 5100's and work your way up from there, the 51xx series are really good budget suspension. you wont need UCA's but why not, plus you'll get better Caster #s when you align the truck with the UCA's.
I drove my buddies truck with 5100s and it rides very well, smooth and a little stiffer than the stock SR5 suspension.

 

Agree with 5100's its all you need for slightly bigger tires, rough roads and small lift.

If you want more speed on the washboard, Fox 2.0 or Bilstien 6112s/5160.

Any lift over stock causes drag and will reduce mileage, so 1.5" is a good max.

 

Start with the basics. Look into the difference between digressive and progressive shocks.

That said, the 6112/5160 combo sounds right up your alley. They are a digressive shock, very sporty/stiff on road, somewhat pliant off road, and planted as hell on both.

That's what I ran, with an icon 3 leaf AAL. If you're running full time weight in the bed, I'd recommend skipping the AAL and opting for the Icon RXT pack instead.

You won't need UCAs or brake lines for a small <3" lift.

 

Anything but Eibach really. Smaller shock tubes, rougher ride and coil quality that is subpar. OME or Bilstein setup would make more sense IMO

 

Eibach makes some of the best springs, I cant speak for their shocks but their springs are top notch. Fox uses them on their 2.0 and premium 2.5 coilovers.
I've run them on lowered Hondas too.

 

have seen some in the shop last year or so. Also came across this
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/broken-toytec-eibach-spring.762708/

 

Ouch thats not good.

 

I've been given these two opinions a lot. On one hand, the 5100s seem like they're all I need but I've heard the ride can be a little stiff and harsh. The 6112/5160 seem like a great set-up and will obviously perform but will probably not use them to their full potential off-road. I do get my truck off-road, but most of my miles are on my commute and on the highway so the on-road ride quality is really what I'll feel the most and is probably most important for me.

Any insight on this from either of yall? Thanks!

 

I actually went 4600's instead of 5100's in pursuit of ride quality.

5100's are a little firm and I have driven a few that are a little rough on the road.

One of my co-workers has 6112s and I've installed a few. I can say they ride amazing for a daily drive. Just a tad overkill.

But the ability to go fast on washboard or gravel roads really makes up for the cost. They really do well for their price point.

 

Here's why I bought the 6112/5160 combo:

I'm 50-60% city commuter, 35-50% highway with a large chunk of that percentage hauling the camper (I like to go on epic road trips once or twice a year) and 1-3% light trails or open fields.

I wanted a towing suspension. One that was comfortable under a wide range of payloads. And I wanted something that could pull the trailer on that "last mile" to whatever remote boondock site I can squeeze it into. I have to say I'm happy with my purchase. It's sporty and responsive when unloaded. When pulling the camper it's solid and doesn't porpoise, bottom out, wallow or feel loose in the steering. And it still does better than stock on the trails.

It's a strong recommendation from me.

 

Appreciate the input from both of ya!

@Bishop84 Aren't 4600s what comes stock on off-roads?

If I don't have to go with new UCA's which it doesn't seem I will if I keep the lift to around 1.5" it makes the price of the 6112/5160 kit a bit easier to swallow. Still seems like a pretty reasonable cost for everything your getting, even if it is a little overkill.

@Rock Lobster I'm probably in a similar breakdown of mileage to you. I'll have a pretty consistent amount of weight in the bed and tow a boat a couple of times a year but no serious towing/hauling. Seems like the 6112 kits is worth it for a better on-road ride and more capability. I've also heard some issues with OME coils sagging on the 5100s and rust issues.

When stepping up to the 6112/5160 kit is there any reason to consider any other kits? I've heard Fox thrown around a lot but those are still quite a bit more expensive, right? Especially since I won't be pushing it off-road

 

The other budget brand that has a big following is eibach.

From what I've read fox and eibach are going to ride softer than the 6112s. They are a little more geared towards trail crawling, where the 6112s tend to outshine the others on high speed terrain (gravel, washboard, and pavement). Admittedly it can get stiff and jarring under rough terrain which makes a slow trail even slower. That's their downside. I'm on that stuff so rarely however, that's an easy compromise for me.

 

@Rock Lobster got it, thanks for the insight!

 

So if you stay under 3" of lift, there's no need for longer brake lines or shims?