Lift or leveling kit. Please help me decide

Hello everyone. I am a new member here and a new owner of a 2021 Tacoma TRD Sport short bed.

I am also new to the truck scene. I've never owned a truck before.

With that being said, I am looking to do a lift on my truck. Main purpose is for the looks and want to put a slightly larger tires than the stock to have that aggressive stance.

I mainly drive my truck to work (which is about 3 miles commute) and long family drive sometimes. I don't do any off roading or in that nature. I like to keep my things clean as much as possible and not break them down.

I have read some pros and cons on both lift and leveling kits and I have a hard time choosing between the two. Hence, I came here to ask the experts of their opinion on this matter.

I don't wanna go the cheap way with my truck since its brand new, I also don't want to break my wallet for something I won't be using my truck for (like off roading).

Can you give some suggestions/advice for what is the best option for me?
I am OK with either a 2" or 3" added height (no more than that). Im also looking to put 275/70/17 tires in the future.

Thank you in advance. Have a wonderful day Tacoma World!!

 

Keep it stock. Here’s my $.02

 

Agree. Modifying like this is a money pit that never ends. Each new mod leads to another "have to mod" or I want mod.

If you have to do it anyway. Do as little as possible.

PS: Buy some wheels and tires and call it a day.

 

But I want to have that aggressive stance look and that’s why Im wanting to do a lift. Stock height wont give me that look and to fit a bigger tire.

 

3rd Gen Tacomas aren’t exactly 2” lower in the front so if you “level” it, you’ll end up with front rake. You’d need a rear lift as well to actually level it.

 

Eibach and Bilstein make great lifts budget friendly as well. Yes mods do cause money spending. If you can afford it. Do it. Good luck OP

 

Whatever you do don't do it. Only reason why you lift and put big tires on is if you're going off-road and you need clearance. Leaving it stock to drive on the street as what they're designed for.

 

IMO if you are going to be in there taking things apart - do the lift.

OH....and find a longer commute to work, 3mi will do more harm than good.

 

Sell it get a tundra …

 

Gladiator is "aggressive"!

 

If you carry any loads in the bed then stay away from a leveling kit. You might also need wheel spacers or new wheels to fit those tires you want. Maybe some cutting as well. Maybe not.

 

You only live once, and if you bought the truck because you like it, and want to mod it, go for it.

Buy a Bilstein lift and some aggressive wheels and tires, and maybe even hub centric wheel spacers. Please just dont come on here complaining about mpg if you do this.

 

Do you have a look in mind? Perhaps post some pics of other Tacos so we have a better understanding of what you would like to achieve and then we can chime in and suggest the mods needed. I prefer comfort, reliability and then looks. But if you never plan to leave the pavement then perhaps put the money into other mods that will be more beneficial for you.

 

Other option is the OEM lift that Toyota sells now. Give you a small lift, more level stance, room for larger tires and a warranty.

 

and the Pro Grill I beleive.

 

You could go this route, we built an F250 for SEMA a few years ago with this kit, but it was not cheap even with a sponsorship. It was fun to play with it though.

https://kelderman.com/

 

Bilstein and Eibach both have some good options that will add lift and a better ride off and on road. Message me for more info and pricing if interested.

 

yea, here is a sample of a tacoma that i want my truck to look like.

im not too concern about the mpg. I know im gonna lose some having a bigger tire.

 

Shit.. now I want one!

 

Lift if you're going to mod it. I wouldn't do spacers.

But if I was you, I'd for sure get rid of those ugly stock Sport wheels.