ReadyLift SST 3-inch Lift Kit( 1 Vote ) Posted by Benjamin on July 7th, 2010 from Toyota Tundra Blog There are no shortage of lift kit options for the Toyota Tundra. The Tundra – like most Toyotas - is quite popular amongst off-roaders and those who just like the look of a lifted truck. Not all lift kits are created equal, however, which is why we take notice when one comes along that claims to be the “only complete kit on the market.” When you see that kind of claim, it makes sense to investigate.
While the ReadyLift 3.0-inch SST Suspension Lift System for the 2007-2010 Tundra is NOT the “only” complete lift kit on the market, it certainly does seem as though ReadyLift has thought of everything. Since the ReadyLift SST kit is designed to both lift and level the truck, the front end is lifted 3? while the rear is only lifted 1?. The kit includes: One-inch lift blocks designed to raise the rear suspension, along with the required U-bolts and hardware that are needed to secure them to the axle. Front strut extensions that don’t require a spring compressor to install. Using a combination of increased strut length and spring pre-load, these extensions raise the front end of the Tundra by about 3? (will vary from vehicle to vehicle). A 1? front differential drop kit designed to preserve the factory CV joint angles as much as possible. According to ReadyLift, the 3? SST kit is able to accommodate tire sizes as large as 35 inches, although trimming of the factory skid plate to prevent rubbing. ReadyLift recommends a maximum tire size of 35? x 12.5?, a maximum wheel width of 9?, and 6? of back-spacing. One nice touch with this kit is that ReadyLift designed the rear blocks to fit the exact shape of the Tundra’s spring pack and axle pad, making for a snug, custom fit. Not all kits go to this trouble.
Interestingly, ReadyLift mentions that not all Toyota Tundra’s present the same rake, even going so far as to say parking one stock Tundra beside another will often reveal a difference in rear ride height. The company singles out TRD editions of the vehicle as being the most level, but goes on to say that the difference in rake can be as great as one inch. The information accompanies a pitch for another one of ReadyLift’s products designed to level out TRD Tundras, so this could simply be a cause of self promotion combined with a disclaimer should buyers not get the results they are looking for with this kit. However, in terms of ease of install and quality of components, the ReadyLift SST kit looks simple, solid and worth its very reasonable price.
Lift Kit Specs
The kit itself:3? in the front, 1? in the rear. The kit uses powder-coated steel, similar to the Truxxx lift kit we reviewed a couple of years ago. As we have said in ourToyTec lift kit and Low Range Off-Road lift kit reviews, aluminum is probably the best material for lift kits because of aluminum’s light weight and corrosion resistance. Finally, the kit includes 1? differential drop hardware. The install process: This is an above-spring spacer kit, which means that install requires a little bit of muscle. However, there’s no need to buy, rent, or borrow a spring compressor. The fact that ReadyLift provides a nearly comprehensive install video is a very nice bonus. Tires: The SST lift kit will accommodate 35? tires according to ReadyLift. Very few lift kit companies will guarantee tire fitment like this, but evidently ReadyLift has done the research. Their leveling kit will accommodate 33? tires instead of 35’s. Warranty and Pricing: ReadyLift offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects on both the SST lift kit and the less expensive 2? leveling kit. The 3? SST lift kit can be found for $329 on a variety of websites and The 2? ReadyLift leveling kit can be found for a little less than $200 as well. Bottom Line: The attention to detail seems excellent. The install video is great, the suggested tire size info is precise, and the fact that Toyota used this kit on a concept truck is a strong endorsement. If ReadyLift used aluminum spacers instead of powder coated steel, this kit might be perfect. In any case, the kit is definitely worth considering. |
