Lift kits for first gen

I've looked around on here and found some good info, but I have no idea where to really start. the info is overwhelming and I'm not really looking to nerd out too hard on this. I'm really just looking for the easiest route while getting a reliable and affordable setup that looks good.

I'd like to step up to a firmer than OEM suspension while upgrading to a 3" lift. I'll most likely get some new tires after I lift it so any recommendations there would be great too. I'm throwing on some new to me 2nd gen taco wheels this week (ill post a pic in case that helps with anything).

Any suggestions on a straight forward kit that has all that I need for a 3" lift?

Also, how much of a hassle is this procedure as a DIY? special/uncommon tools needed?

thanks for any help people!

 

@Taco critter

 

Just buy the OME kit with the stiffest front coils and the AAL.

 

youre gonna need uca’s and a diff drop aswell. Get Kings and deaver springs. Extended rear brake line.

 

I'll just start off with my standard response to these types of posts:

What are your intentions? Why do you feel you need/want a lift? Do you have any off-road driving experience? Have you tried driving your truck off road in its current state? What's your budget?

These trucks are perfectly capable offroad 100% stock. Maybe with some decent all terrain tires, these trucks are far more capable than your average novice off-road driver.

As you've discovered, there is a plethora of lift kits that are available and it surely gets overwhelming. Part of the reason for that is there is no one "best" lift. They are all different because we ALL have different needs, driving styles, experience levels, budgets, desired trails, etc... The lift that's best for me, is not likely to suit your needs because we're different people.

The best thing to do is to go out and drive it as is. The more experience you drive off-road, the more you'll discover your truck's (and your own) strengths and weaknesses. You can then mod to suit those specifics as you gain experience.

The "best" kit is pieced together from individual parts that suit your specific needs. You'll likely soon realize that it's often better to stay UNDER 3" for a myriad of reasons. 3" is a semi arbitrary number that generic lift kits often use, but at that height, you will likely run into issues with suspension geometry (alignment) and CV axle angles. Something the vast majority of those kits don't actually address. These are simply added expenses that if I'm being honest, are a waste of money if you're a novice driver. Kings and Deavers won't get you up harder trails.

Also, if you're hankering for high end suspension, be aware that not all suspension is created equal. Different brands do different things better. King isn't necessarily any better than, say Icon, but they have different designs geared towards certain terrain types. Icons are great, but if you don't drive the type of terrain they're designed for, you are wasting money IMO. You won't really know what will work best unless you've put in the trail miles and done your research into digressive vs linear vs. progressive shocks, etc... and how that affects the ride. You could also go full custom like ADS or whatever, but again, if you don't have the offroad experience to know the type of tune you need/want, the added expense of full custom is a waste. That said, if you're a novice, you're unlikely to really notice the difference between, say a $400 set of bilsteins and a $2500 set of Icons.

For trail driving, it is FAR more important to stock up on basic safety and recovery gear than it is to get yourself some sweet looking 33's and Kings. Get a shovel, tow strap, and a first aid kit first.

All this is assuming you are wanting a lift/tires for 'froadin'. If you intend to just have a street truck that matches the size of your belt buckle for driving to the grocery store, then just search around the site for a truck you like the looks of and try to match that. Find the cheapest lift that closely matches the looks you want, and whatever tires and wheels you like.

 

Ome 883s w bilstein 5100’s in the front
JBA ucas in the front

AAL or new leaf pack in the rear with bilstein 5100

if you go lower than 3” you can avoid a diff drop from what I understand.

 

If you're 4x4, bring it down to 2.5" or better yet 2"

You will tear cv axle boots quicker than you keep up with.

Procedure is extremely DIY friendly and no special tools are needed.

Weed out those that are offering real advice versus those that are spitting out parts they're only familiar with. There are only so many shock companies offering bolt-on configurations so that should help with the 'overwhelming' part.

Enjoy!