What is the difference in performance of doing a lift kit versus adding coils and other parts?

 

Ok, hmmm (Hair flip) Help a girl out?

 

I'm no expert but from studying Yotatech for a while it seems that a spacer lift really only adds height whereas a coil/shock lift gives better articulation in the suspension and consequently better off road performance. Hopefully some other folks will chime in.

 

Do you mean spacers versus springs/shocks?

If thats the case then your either just lifting your stock suspension up or that and messing with your spring rate which will make it a little stiffer depending on the spacer setup.

I would go with a new spring/shock setup. You get more flex because there is more spring in there and not just a block, and ride is a matter of opnion but I tend to like mine stiffer espcially with a lift b/c mine is a DD and I like to feel like I'm in control. But, then off road you could lose flex. It depends on what your value more. At first when I was minorly into wheeling I had a bilstein/HD OME setup with the Revos and my truck handled better than most cars. I would scare the ____ out of people that I took out to work/the lake because I knew the road so well and my trucks limits. I could only get the tires to break out when they were getting close to replacement time. It was a bit stiff, and if you have a wife that puts her foot down it might be a little rough for her but worth it to me. Now I have the downey coilovers and they are MUCH softer. I would really recomend OMEs and the best place to get them is from Mike. His site is http://xtremeoff-road.com

 

Thank you, these are the kinds if replies I am looking for. Keep 'em coming!

 

Generally, the differences in lift kits vs parts for 2nd Gen Runners is this:

Lift kits include steel brackets that lower the mounting point for the lower control arms and have longer rear coils and/or coil spacers. Usually also have extended brake lines and longer shocks (OK, over simplified, but you get the idea).

Building up with parts is less expensive and arguably better by retaining alot of the strength of the stock setup and keeping the COG low. Ball Joint Spacers, longer rear coils (FJ80 rears, Downey HD's, OME, etc.) and a body lift will get you fitting 33's with some easy wheelwell modifications. Add the longer shocks and extended brakelines.

Depending on how high you go, a panhard drop braket is a good idea also. It's important to keep the stock torsion bars if all possible. The front won't flex with the beefier aftermarket units.