If you could recomend one shop to install a lift...

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forums and I need some guidance. I do apologize for the long post. I'm just so frustrated to the point I think Jesus does not want to have a lift. So I just bought a 2016 Tacoma TRD 2WD double cab and I'm looking to get a lift, wheel and tire install.

I have very limited knowledge on lift kits but have been doing my research here. Problem I've ran into in my area is every shop I've been in, they've been ONLY recommending spacer/leveling kits. I started my search asking Roseville Toyota (auto mall) who puts on their aftermarket kits on their "lead/show/pretty/turn in here" trucks on their lot. They told me Rick's Tire Barn does most of their work. Went into Rick's Tire Barn to find out they install "3-1 leveling kits" on site and ship them back to Toyota. That's also what they recommended for me. I couldn't believe Toyota sells spacer kits on their trucks after the reviews I've read.

I've been to Rick's Tire Barn (Roseville), Trucksmart (Rocklin), Redline Tire (Rocklin), Les Schwab (Roseville & Citrus Heights) and S&H 4x4 shop (Sacramento) with the same luck/advice. Some of these places claim "90% of their lift installs are spacers". They all love them probably due to the quick easy installs/turn-a-round?

My wish list would be a 2.5-3" lift (I hear Bilstein and OME a lot) in front with AAL in the rear. I would like to move up to 17X9 or 17X8 wheels with Toyo Open Country tires (maybe 265/70 or even 285/70) From this amazing forum, I've learned the following: "why put a $300 spacer lift on a $40,000 truck". "I started with a spacer lift then quickly switched it out when I could". "Do it right the first time". "Don't be a cheap ass". - All great advice!

In closing, I just for the love of sweet baby Jesus, want to have a shop install a proper lift that wont cause me a rough ride, problems down the road, or both. Money is not an option for me if it means peace of mind. Can anyone recommend a shop in the Sacramento or surrounding area that will do a suspension lift? Thanks in advance!

 

If your not wanting to put a ton of money into the lift I would go with Bilstein or OME. Honestly you might be able to get in on a MOD day and get some help from the local guys to help you install your lift with you. Save you some money in labor. Might have to supply pizza, beer or some other consumables.

When I had my lift installed it was done by a buddy and I. We did front and rear with leaf springs in around two hours.

BTW, Welcome to TW

 

Welcome to the forum. The very first lift I installed on any vehicle was in 2011 on my brand new truck. It was great learning experience and I've been working on my truck ever since. When I installed my lift I had a guy helping me who knew what he was doing, because I sure didn't. I'd recommend if you can, go this route. You will save a ton of money working on your own vehicle and if you have somebody you trust with experience guiding you, you can learn a lot.

That being said, if you have no interest in working on your own vehicle, I understand, it can be overwhelming, and a little intimidating working on a brand new truck.

As for those shops you listed, those aren't really aftermarket suspension experts. Those guys do OEM parts installs all day but when it comes to actually lifting a vehicle, that's not their thing. Spacers are simple, requiring the strut to just be lowered, spacer slid in, and bolted back up. Bam, lifted.

I don't know your area, but see if you have either a TW member near you that can help, or maybe a Jeep guy/club. They can probably point you in the right direction.

 

Don't pay a shop to do it. There are mod days every now and then you can attend and members can help you then. There's one coming up. Not sure if there is time since I think there's a few doing suspension. If not I'm sure there are members here near sac including myself who can help you out. As far as a lift what are your plans with the truck? Also what is your budget? That should somewhat help you decide on what lift.