Kevin McNulty
Former Editor, Mud Life
In this tough economy we've all had to cinch our belt a few notches, but that doesn't mean we should neglect our cherished 4x4s. If you're on a meager budget and looking to increase your truck's off-road capabilities, there are ways to modify it without breaking the bank. Obviously you can't purchase a coilover suspension dirt-cheap, but you can find a budget lift that isn't just a compromise.
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Sticking to a tight budget, we recently lifted a '01 Toyota Tacoma that's used for minor trail running and desert exploration. BDS Suspension offers an economical 2-inch lift for the Taco, which consists of front strut spacers and add-a-leaves for the rear leaf springs. We also ordered BDS 5500 shocks (optional) for the rear and splurged on a set of redesigned Yokohama Geolander M/T tires. The suspension kit is straightforward and easy to install. We had our longtime friends at T&J Performance Center in Orange, California, install the kit, and they knocked it out in less than two hours.
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