Lifting My 99 Tacoma PreRunner

I just recently purchased my 99 Tacoma. It needs some suspension work and has a small oil leak. So I figure while I am going to put some money in it, I might as well go all the way and lift it.

I need some advice because I have never lifted anything before. I already have 16inch rims on it with 265/75/16's. I'd like to stick with those rims and tires. I was thinking maybe a 2-3 inch lift? There are some kits out there for $2k which seems a bit much. But then there is some stuff out there for $200 which seems sketchy. I'd like something nice with a decent ride. It's more for looks than off-roading. Have any of you lifted your 99 Tacomas or something close? Is a lift even worth it? Just need some thoughts. I've attached some pictures so you can see it for yourselves. Would love to know what you would do if you had my setup and how you would deck it out!

99 Tacoma PreRunner
2x4
2.7L
6-lug

 

Just do a google search for

"1st gen tacoma lift tacomaworld"

Using the key words tacomaworld will net you tons of results with many pictures and a lot of advice.

With that being said, I am going to deviate and suggest you look into replacing all of this first before you start modifying it -

Upper and lower control arm bushings

Upper and lower ball joints, including the bolts that hold the lower ball joint to the spindle

Sway bar bushings, and sway bar end links, if you decide to keep your sway bar

Steering rack bushings

Transmission mount, you could verify by getting underneath and seeing if there is movement

Rear carrier bearing, you could verify this one the same way

Let's not forget all your fluids as well, including transmission and rear diff.

 

Or skip all the advice above and go 40s n tons

 

Arguably the most common lift for 1st gens or just drop $200ish on Bilstein 5100s for leveling kit. Depends how much you’re willing to spend.

 

heres some advice. dont do that hood thang like put 5k rims on your ride and the driveway looks like a oil spill... fix the OIL LEAK! @Kwikvette gave you sound advice... maintenance 1st!
truck with a lock'd up motor and shiny rims onit... that aint good.
save up ~1200-$1500 and get you a nice lift! here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/old-man-emu-setups-on-1st-gens.141055/ and here
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lifted-1st-gens-lets-see-em.296041/