SkyJacker 3inch lift

Just got my 2002 tacoma and need to know is this lift good? lmk

 

Don’t get a skyjacker please. Skyjacker is sort of like rough country but maybe a little better but still not by all that much. And keep in mind that you want to make sure 3 inches is for sure what you want before you go full out. Here’s the most commonly used lift on most Tacoma’s, which is the Bilstein 5100. I personally would buy front shock absorbers of the Bilstein 5100s, and some bilstein 5100’s in the back with a aftermarket rear shackle or an add a leaf kit. Will turn out to be a better and longer lasting ride in the long run. Here’s a full kit

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...5Nk12Mv0p_XsZj9yprMlIs1R--kaY6BMaAmb6EALw_wcB

 

Say this is all i can afford is this is a good idea or no? i’ve looked around a lot and this is best i can find for under $500

 

Save your money, taxes are right around the corner and get Kings. Good luck with your truck.

 

Kings are super over budget especially for a truck like his. I’m not sure if he’s going to do a full build so kings don’t seem very necessary.

 

You may be able to find some good deals after Christmas on suspension products check your local craigslist too

 

I’ll look! and also i’m 16 so i taxes... don’t know em

 

Yeah I’d wait up until you get enough for the bilstein lift kit. Also I wanted to go all out when I first got my truck, but waiting it out to see what you really want turns out to be better. I wouldn’t go with a 3 inch lift on a Tacoma. If your looking for a lift for just the look and/or tire clearance, give it a run for your money and get the bilstein 5100’s. If you want to do off-roading and so fourth and get higher clearance a body lift is what you want to look for, not a suspension lift. Ask your parents for a spot on the bilsteins. It’ll turn out better for you in the end.

 

Thanks for the advice just got tire ands rims the other day. 285/75/17 with moto metal 970s. so i would need a 3inch lift atleast. this is them next to the truck. also i won’t be off-roading on bad ground, live in a pretty flat area.

 

A 2 inch suspension lift and a 1 inch body lift might get you where you want to be within your budget

 

Bilstein 5100s with OME 882 springs will get you about 3" lift up front, put a 3 leaf AAL pack in the rear with longer rear 5100 shocks and you've got a solid lift setup that's much better than a Skyjacker or Rough Country kit. Gonna cost closer to $800 or so though, but still far cheaper than a front/rear King setup.

Also be aware that 3" of lift on a 4x4 is going to likely cause issues with your CV boots rubbing apart. 2 - 2.5" is much better for a 4wd. Also at 2.5 - 3" you will likely need new aftermarket upper control arms or your alignment will suck

 

IMO a 2" lift on a 4wd is best and then put larger tires on for more lift/clearance.

Bigger tires are the only true way to gain actual lift and clearance anyhow

 

Solid advice

 

Gone through a couple setups now myself, been through the whole song and dance lol. Used to run a 5100/OME kit with 3 leaf AAL before getting Kings and Expos and it was a solid setup.

Also with 3" rear lift he will need to get extended rear brake lines... you can get by without them if you don't do much offroading but the stock lines will be sketchy with that much lift.

It's definitely worth waiting and saving up for something decent rather than spending what you have now on a sub par incomplete kit

 

Keep saving your pennies a little while longer then. Or get that kit you linked. Whichever you think will make you happier. Im sure that kit will work fine and lift your truck, but there are better options in the $600-$700 range.

Edit: Always leave a little cash left over in the budget. Never know what you'll need in the process of installing it. Longer brake lines, new sway bar links (if you want to keep them), new tie rods/ball joints etc.

 

Thank you ALL for this advice! Decisions Decisions... One more Question if i need to spend $600-800 as y’all say... should i just get a 6inch lift that cost around the same or is it bad? i plan to travel in this truck a lot on urban roads and some highways. Let me know! Also Hope your Christmas was blessed!

 

6" lifts can only be achieved on a 4wd with IFS like Tacomas by doing a drop bracket lift...drop bracket lifts don't give you much clearance because they leave the front drive train on the stock position, and they require cutting out the front cross member which makes them more 'permanent'... can't go back to any other setup unless you reweld in another cross member.

If you plan on offroading I would avoid drop bracket lifts due to the lack of front end clearance. Do a 2.5" suspension lift and fit larger tires to gain more height

 

So would my 285/75/17s fits on my 2002 tacoma with a 2.5inch suspension lift?

 

Also on top of that could i just get a basic 2.5 inch lift without new shocks and struts and be fine?

 

Most likely. But those are some pretty big tires. The bigger the tires the worse fuel efficiency. The 285/75 tires are around 3” bigger in diameter then the stock tires size which if I’m not mistaken is 31x10.5r15 at least for me