Leveling kit vs lift kit? Give me the easy break down

I have an 18 TRD off-road long bed.

Don’t know anything about lifting or leveling. Want to go from stock height and keep my TRD rims but get 35 wheels on them. Thinking I want to bring up the height 2 or 3 inches from stock.

-Please explain the me the diff (besides price) between a 2 or 3 inch lift kit and a 2 or 3 inch leveling kit?

Also, I suck at math. So 35s on my stock TRD rims will bring up the height obviously.

-what would the real after height be with going up 2 or 3 inches and changing to 35s?

-what will look most proportional with a long bed on 35 wheels? 2 or 3 inch level or lift?

Thanks in advance for your opinions and easy explanations for a dumb blond over here.

 

Fitting 35 inch tires takes a lot more effort than just a lift.

 

You’ll want a 6 in lift minimum for little work to fit 35’s. Otherwise it’s a whole can of worms. Tons of threads on here explaining what you’re looking for.

Leveling - levels the vehicle front to back i.e. same height all around. Usually done with spacers/metal spacers.

Lift - lifts the vehicle all around often times with maintaining factory rake. Done with metal spacers and/or bigger shocks, coils, and leaf packs.

Lots of threads.

 

So your saying 35s wouldn’t fit unless it’s 6inches!? Damn I’ll have a fun time getting my daughter in her car seat

 

Why tho? They’ll rub?

 

Yes they will rub, The lift allows the clearance for the larger tires.

The leveling kit won't allow for much larger tires. Generally it will raise the front a small amount.

 

Hmmm okay so what’s the largest tire I can put with a 3 inch lift or level?

 

A 6 inch lift will fit 35s with little issue, but on a 3 inch lift you will need a cab mount chop and fender trimming.

 

Mine is stock but I'm guessing 33's. Seems to be the norm around here. Unless you want to do some cutting on the truck to make the clearance.

You will lose power and trade for a better look and more wear and tear. more $$$

 

Oh yeah and I totally forgot. Can I even do a level with not having 1 axle? Some Jeep guy said I can’t because i have more than one axle. Lol

 

hes trolling you

 

The easier the better. So no chopping. I’ll go with 33s. That’s fine with me hah

 

You can level it. Jeeps have a solid front axle like the back one on your Tacoma. It's usually a spacer I believe on these trucks that goes above your shocks by the front tire.

 

Makes sense. Super gullible

 

Thank you for being serious and helping

 

33 will not fit without modifications unless you go skinnies 255/85/16 or 255/80/17. Lots of useful threads on here, just have to do a little reading. And congrats on the new Taco.

 

255 wouldn't look so good. What about with minor trimming?

 

I'm running 285/70/r17's (approximately 32.7inches) and didn't have to trim much. I do have a icon suspension (buy once, cry once) with their tubular upper control arms. Just have to find someone that can do a good alignment (it took me three different alignments). Hope this helps, and good luck with your truck. Welcome to TW!

 

Go with 285x70x17, a lot less headaches.
I am running this on 17x8.5 rims and I am under 3" lift. You will be alot happier with the ease of reaching your goal. If you want 35s, 37s, or 40s? Check out Marlin Crawler and go big. Good luck with your truck.

 

First thread I’ve see where the flamethrowers didn’t come out based on these questions.

For shame!

G’luck w your lift! Checkout this page, tons of good info: https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/faq-page.html