Prerunner with a lift kit???

I love the way Tacomas look when they have been lifted. I know there is a purpose etc. etc. But that aside, I just like the way they look when the height, tire size, and accessories are just so.

So at the risk of being labeled a WANT-A-BE are there kits or recipes for lifting Prerunners? My truck has 2002K miles on it and I know that certain suspension needs or replacements are coming in my restoration. So what about if while I'M doing all of this my truck ends up a couple of inches taller.

Am I asking for trouble where stability and a shake-free ride are concerned? What does it cost to do this properly with quality parts? What is the effect on reliability and or fuel economy?

 

I wouldn't consider that to be a "wannabe" at all. Especially since I just saw a 4x2 TRD Off Road today with the TRD Pro badge on the door TRD Off Road sticker on the bed. Lifting it wouldn't be a wannabe move at all, in my opinion.

 

Nothing wrong with lifting a Prerunner. I have about 3k in the lift, tires, ucas and wheels.

 

Had those same worries all i can say is ride your own ride man !! For ~$1000 general consensus is that bilstein 5100 and ome coils along with add-a-leaf and aftermarket ucas (if lifting over 2.5 in) would be the best bet. A couple more hundred and you can upgrade to bilstein 5160 and 6112 along with add-a-leaf and ucas. Cheapest option would be block/spacer lift for ~$300. It goes without saying that when it comes to suspension you get what you pay for.

 

How i look at it is spacer/block lift would be cheapest but negatively affects ride performance, Bilstein 5100 is second cheapest and maintains/slightly improves (depending on your idea of improve) ride quality, and bilstein 6112 and big 3 (kings/icon/fox) are most expensive and significantly improves ride quality. Obviously this is all subjective but just my .02

 

Pre runner. Spindles up front, small block in rear.

Easy peasy.

 

4x2 TRD, wow, I had no idea.

 

Yes TRD Offroad and Sport models were produced in both 4wd and 2wd.

 

NICE, a proportionate combination of tire and lift. That's about what I'm after. A lot of things in front of 3K lift for now though.

 

I would like to learn more from your experience if you are open to sharing. I would like a reasonable lift. But it has become apparent that there are many opinions as to what that is. 3" or less would be nice. I just don't want to crap up my truck's ride or fuel MPG any more than I have to achieve the look I'm after...

I have read many horror stories of shake from driveline issues etc that never go away as a result of lifting. I am still fighting my from 72 to 78mph shake and hate it. Right in the middle of my most traveled speed. Not that I have thrown a bunch of money at it. But will be glad when I can afford to try a few more ideas of how to get rid of it.

 

Just to draw a comparison, I feel the same way about Nissan frontiers, I think they look pretty cool with a lift.

I’m in the process of looking for upgraded suspension right now too. Even if you lift and don’t go off-road, you’ll still get the benefits of increased load capacity and such when you need it.

 

Quite funny, our other truck is a Frontier xe. Lol

yeah, some days I am convinced and others I question my sanity. So the proper coal over front struts and a set of properly made rear spring packs is all that is needed to get another couple of inches and level the truck up?

I have zero experience on how to achieve a lift of any kind. I have seen blocks that go between the spring packs in the rear and circular spacers for the front struts as low as $89. But if I do this, I want to go the right way.

I guess I would like to take it far enough that it is attractive to look at but not so far that I have to Start replacing front end parts etc. outside of the struts and springs pack.

If there’s a way to lift say up to 3 inches in achieve a better ride and keep it simple I’d like to learn about it. Not really interested in Shortcuts if there is a drawback to the result.

and for those that have offered their help to me in the past on this topic forgive my do overs I’ve always been a bit thick that way not intentional I assure you.

 

Yeah, I don't think there's anything crazy about lifting a prerunner. The more experienced people on this site will tell you that truck can get you very far.

Here's another thread you might find interesting. It's one of the options I'm considering: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/selecting-a-mild-lift-trd-baja-tx-pro-icon-aal.385619/

Also: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-ultimate-tacoma-lift-guide.509171/

 

You'll get a lot of varying opinions here, by people willing to help you spend your money. A spacer lift on a 2wd should suffice until you decide you want to upgrade. Spacer lifts get a bad rap and can be problematic if you wheel your rig hard. Given that yours is a 2WD, I would guess that to be less of a concern. I've had a spacer lift in mine for a few years now and have had no problems with it, in the front. You won't have to worry about the dreaded axle shaft vibrations.
In the rear, the lift blocks can give you a little axle wrap and are not the best option. For the rear, I would recommend (if you're on a budget), going the add-a-leaf route.
Again, if you were 4WD and planning on wheeling her hard, I might consider a more expensive option.
It's your $, do your research but for 2WD, I wouldn't be afraid of a front spacer. Just keep in mind that a one inch spacer will net you about two inches of lift in the front.

 

Sorry bud, still in the research process myself. Just sharing general consensus/consolidating information ive found here.

 

I understand, no worries, I'll try and peak into your progress now and then to see how it's going. Thanks for sharing and good luck with the effort.

 

I've done a lot of shit to my prerunner that people think i should've done to a 4x4, but whatever, im happy with my results.

 

I have a rwd trd sport with a lift kit and off road tires. I can go most places as 4x4 with a little bit of air out of my rear tires.

 

"Just keep in mind that a one inch spacer will net you about two inches of lift in the front."
How does that happen?

 

SCIENCE!

https://wulfsuspensions.com/blogs/news/why-is-my-3-strut-spacer-lift-kit-not-3-thick