Hi All,

I have had my Æ98 TRD for two years now, and have to decide if I am going to use it for what I bought it for, or keep babying it. (it is the nicest truck I have ever owned, so have been chicken to really use it off road)

What I notice first every time I get off-road is the departure angle. I am forever dragging the rear. Luckily I have a hitch which absorbs the abuse. Second is high-centering. So it seems to me like I am going to have to lift it, but not sure how much I want to alter the truck.

Are the 3ö spacer kits a good route to go? Will the ride suffer from the lift? Will I need other mods with the spacers? Lower the transfer case?

I know nothing about what affect lifting has on the other components on the truck, what concerns there are about wear and tear on the vehicle because of modifying.

I have also wondered about selling the 98 while I can still get some money out of it, and try to find an early 90Æs regular cab to fix up a bit for off-roading.

Any advice for a new guy?

Thanks for all replies.

I did a 3" spacer lift on an ex's 98 tacoma, and I would not suggest it again. The only reason way is the spacer/cheaper lift kits don't come with all the parts to lower the front axle, which causes the CV boots to tear in no time. The ride was the same as stock from what I could tell, it was just a pain in the ass changing the boots about once a year. the kits that cost alittle more will keep all the geometery the same and your parts will last longer.

and for the pros: they are considerably cheaper. and a "stock-like" ride.

just my .02

Yah definately use a diff-drop spacer if you do a spacer lift.
I'd get an old beater if you really wanted to use it offroad tho, it's so much nicer not having to worry about paint n ish..

If that's the only problem about it that concerns you, then just buy a diff-drop spacer from someone like 4Crawler. They are only about $30. I wouldn't be surprised if his kit is better than some other diff-drop kits that are included with popular kits. Or I made my own from Ace hardware for about $12.

coil spacers, especially at 3" on a TRD is rough onroad and worse offroad... pro of a coil spacer is cheap cost for parts, but you get what you pay for...

non TRD coils with coil spacers on bilstein HD replacements would be better, but still pretty stiff ride quality...

From my own experience (not my truck, but my buddy's truck) and all that I've heard, the coil spacer will not change your ride quality one bit. This is because it places no additional preload on your suspension parts; it just adds a few inches of height to the mounting surface (however, that also means you aren't actually getting any additional travel or suspension lift out of it). If you just want to get a little extra clearance or add some bigger tires, there's nothing wrong with a spacer lift/leveling kit.

However, I agree that you should get a quality diff drop kit if you have a 4X4, especially if the lift is over 1.5"

Good luck! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

By the way, my buddy used the lift kit from truxxx and has said it's a great product. Check 'em out if you're still not sure what brand to get.
www.truxxx.com

top mount spacers like the one described above is way different than a coil spacer which DOES preload the coils in the assembly... that is the type of suspension lift that is stiff...

the top load spacers from truxx and the other ebay lifts can be bad for your lower ball joints as they make your assembly longer (giving lift) but the amount of down travel stays the same, which puts more stress on the lower ball joints and arms as they end up overextended... with a preload coil spacer lift, the amount of travel stays the same as the spacer is inside the assembly with the coil and the shock... i way suck at technical explanations, but if you search on TTORA.com or customtacos.com, you can find more technical explanations of the pros and cons of top load spacers...

if the truck is just a mall parking lot queen, you shouldn't have too many issues, although recently, someone complained that his truck had issues with that lift just going over speed bumps...

if the truck is planning to wheel, best of luck to the owner..

I stand corrected! Well put, Mike. Thanks for the explanation! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

So could the lower ball joint wear-and-tear be the reason that some spacer lifts supply limiting straps with their kits? I'm a bit new when it comes to lifts, so the whole concept is a bit confusing for now.

But that customtacos.com site had some good info in their FAQ section (not near the quality of 4x4wire material, but ya know... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)

For awhile I was looking at getting just a 2.5 - 3 inch spacer lift up front and maybe a 1 inch block in the rear, just to fit some bigger tires and get a beefier look, but now that site has me second-guessing.

I know its been discussed before, but never with much clarity. Is there any way to have my cake and eat it too?? (like get a few inches without breaking the bank OR my truck??)

Any brands specifically?

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

its hard to get your cake and not pay the baker...

top out spacers can do a number on your ball joints... pre load spacers can be really stiff...

i been runnin donahoe coilovers with deaver 8 leafs and donahoe resi's for a couple years now and have no issues...