lift kit....or leveling kit ....or both?

[riere77]

new to the awesomeness of off roading and as a result i have noob question!!
SO!....i am looking to lift my 07 t4r sr5 for ground clearance/larger tires and ultimately go hit some crazy trails in the near future so i started to do some research. it all resulted in lift kits and leveling kits....and body lifts ...now, i have a basic understanding of what they are, but why would i choose one over the other or more than one?

thanks in advance!!

 

[MrHall]

I would go with a lift kit if your looking to hit trails and mud etc. a lift kit is going to give you a lot more ground clearance which you can do 4"" + vs a body lift which is generally 1 to 3 inches, it's really what you think your gonna need. A body lift is cheaper but I prefer a suspension lift bc I hit trails frequently but remember a suspension lift will affect the how it rides!

 

[Tooltime19]

When a customer comes in asking the same questions as you, this is the process I take them thru. I ask a series of questions regarding how they are planning on using the vehicle, i.e. fast desert roads where a compliant ride lots of wheel travel is needed and better shocks ect. Or are they wanting a rock crawler. Or do they just want a disco, looks only rig with very light trail slow riding.
I always tell customers to go with a body lift as the absolute last resort. Here's why. A body lift does only ONE thing...It allows for those cool looking bigger than stock tires, and thats it. A body lift does not help with handling performance at all. In fact, the most customer damage I usually come across is that of the customer who purchased a body lift for bigger tires then went out and ended up using the vehicle as an off road race truck or king of the hammers rig, and all with a body lift and 100% stock suspension.
Suspension lifts, and there are a ton so do your homework, can offer excellent on and off road handling, better high speed trail handling, ground clearance, and not to mention are safer as well. Also, if rock crawling is your thing, that too becomes easier and safer.
Bottom line, Safety first, do your homework, be honest with yourself as to your intended uses, dont overdrive the vehicle when you are off road and always start with suspension mods and body lifts last.
Enjoy. If you need any advice, there are many in the 4th gen area, or you can always pm me, and I will try and assist.

 

[riere77]

When a customer comes in asking the same questions as you, this is the process I take them thru. I ask a series of questions regarding how they are planning on using the vehicle, i.e. fast desert roads where a compliant ride lots of wheel travel is needed and better shocks ect. Or are they wanting a rock crawler. Or do they just want a disco, looks only rig with very light trail slow riding.
I always tell customers to go with a body lift as the absolute last resort. Here's why. A body lift does only ONE thing...It allows for those cool looking bigger than stock tires, and thats it. A body lift does not help with handling performance at all. In fact, the most customer damage I usually come across is that of the customer who purchased a body lift for bigger tires then went out and ended up using the vehicle as an off road race truck or king of the hammers rig, and all with a body lift and 100% stock suspension.
Suspension lifts, and there are a ton so do your homework, can offer excellent on and off road handling, better high speed trail handling, ground clearance, and not to mention are safer as well. Also, if rock crawling is your thing, that too becomes easier and safer.
Bottom line, Safety first, do your homework, be honest with yourself as to your intended uses, dont overdrive the vehicle when you are off road and always start with suspension mods and body lifts last.
Enjoy. If you need any advice, there are many in the 4th gen area, or you can always pm me, and I will try and assist.

Im responding almost a Year later .....thanks for the advice I really appreciate it ....it ended up going with a lift .....might do body later on but for now general clearance for hefty terrains ....again thanks for the help ....i actually opened up another thread regarding wheels and tires if you can give some advice on the thread I'd also appreciate it ....thanks again ^^

 

[Tooltime19]

Sure! Where is the thread located? Cant seem to find it.

 

[groove4u]

Hey there, was gonna start new thread, figured I would start here as it sounds like you have some experience with settup..

I have all 4 5100s with front set at 1.75 lift.. made for good ride with less body roll. Trying to figure out what to do with rear end.. Basically is a weekend warrior and kid hauler now.. so want a good ride, not too harsh and
about 1.5 inch lift. Also at times have a small load of work stuff in it.

Looking at Toytec springs..

 

[Tooltime19]

I went with the Old Man Emu 895 rear 2"coils. They ride awesome on and off road. With your gear, coolers kids and dog and the 5100's, the ride and handling feels safe and secure. Our rigs are inherently sprung way too soft for any kind of load and off road playing. I went with the stoffer springs in the front set to 1.75 as well. My truck is great off and on road in all conditions.