Don't Make The Same Mistake I Did! - Westcott Designs TRD Lift Kit - Toyota Tundra DIY Overview

Dive in with me on this DIY installation overview of the Westcott Designs TRD lift kit on the new shop Tundra! I not only discuss the installation process but also offer a few helpful tips in getting the ride height to the correct levels.
I was running the Westcott Designs lift kit on the 4Runner TRD Pro and now it was time to outfit the new Tundra with a lift. Naturally I was looking at Westcott as I was really pleased with the results on the 4Runner. Then Westcott released a new offering that included the "TRD" tuned shocks (which are made by Bilstein) that offered extended shafts which helped the ride quality.
At the end of the video, I show you how to properly align your headlights so you aren't blinding oncoming traffic with your new lifted Tundra.
Link to product:
westcottdesigns.net/product/2...
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[@westcottdesigns]

Great video! Thank you for your support and believing in our products🙏

[@Scoobyfreak86]

Great video man! Very detailed and happy to see you adjusted the cutoff as well. Can’t wait to see it with the new wheels and tires.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thank you! I look forward to it as well!

[@ryandegraw1192]

That’s because this kit was for the hybrid model as well which is 400lbs heavier, you will want to use the top circlip on the top setting because the spring will be more compressed. The lower setting is for the non hybrid models. So when Toyota made that kit it would work for both drivetrains. It’s pretty simple when you think about it. That half inch of difference where the circlip goes is about an inch in height.

[@carrow2250]

Just bought this for my 2023 Tundra SR5 2WD. Didn’t need the axles and just doing it for the look and ride comfort. Currently have a Rough Country 1.75” in front and Cornfed 1” spacers in the rear. I have 315 70 R18 Yokohama Geolandars MTs on it and it has slight rubbing. Had to remove the blocks behind the front tires in the wheel well. Glad I don’t have to get UCAs or extended brake lines for this lift.

[@SaltyDog711]

Great video thank you! I’m torn between the TRD lift or the Westcott lift. Cost is a big factor just want to make sure my warranty is still covered for powertrain

[@steve_ks]

Good luck with the new Tundra, Caesar. I still have my 2015 Tundra and one thing I’m glad I did, especially traveling the interstates 78 and 287, was a protective film like XPEL. Over 7 years later and the retrofit work you did on my headlights still works like a champ.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Film is a must! Luckily this one came with factory film package. It's not full front end but it covers all the major areas. Once I get the color matched mustache on and new lights, I will bring it to the local installer for more coverage. Thank you!

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

@@LightwerkzGlobaldo you guys offer headlight film protection???

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Do not, but we have a few great installers locally that we recommend. I'm sure you can find someone in your area. Look up Xpel installers. @@JoeyLovesTrains

[@JoeyLovesTrains]

@@LightwerkzGlobal thanks for the advice!

[@caneanguidry3581]

I’m gonna have to comment on this video,I did a westcott lift on a sport tundra that had the lowered suspension,my truck came up ALOT,looked almost too high in the front and I thought about tearing it all down and taking the top shim out but glad I didn’t,I did not want rake,my truck had a lot of positive camber just like it’s clear this truck in the video does,after alignment using the specs given my truck came down a lot in the front and sat perfect,I know a little different situation than here because he used the shock kit but I almost tore all my truck back down and glad I didn’t,it’s clear the truck in this video needs alignment and just want everyone to know it makes a drastic difference getting all that positive camber out,so do that if your truck seems high before tearing it all back down,my sport sits perfect,

[@georgefromiami]

this was the info I needed, thanks

[@fashionrider712istunthi9]

Usually you loosen the control arms upper and lower at ride height so your bushing arent getting overly twisted. That is probably what is holding ur truck up. If u tightened the lowers at full droop it would be higher than specified. The control arms usually have some serations to bite into the mount.

[@nickc.5173]

Great video. I wanted to point out that I think the reason for your differences in height is due the the change in struts. If you look at roughly 7:45 in your video you can see that the lower part of the new strut is taller than the one you replaced. You started with a measurement from the old one and added both the Westcott and a new taller/longer strut.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes, these new Westcott preload collars are specifically made for these new "TRD" struts. My confusion was really regarding the paper that came with the kit. As Westcott mentioned in the comments below, that paperwork was not to be included in this kit.

[@shortythefrenchie]

Awesome video, man! I have been debating on this lift or going with some fox takeoffs from pro. I want a rake and not a huge lift. I think this is exactly what you were aiming for, and I would not use a spacer on this kit either. Did it settle anymore in the front? You stated ride quality is better than stock. Do you still feel this way?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes it settled to where I thought it would. Right now the rear is exactly .5" higher which is perfect. The ride quality is 100% better than it was stock. I am very pleased.

[@stevieray1828]

You can use the shocks only and get 2"... Good option to consider

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Good to know!

[@christopherpepek1375]

Do the top bolts have a torque spec?

[@eurospek]

Two great companies. When are the TE37-xt coming?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

I have a set of forged Relations Race Wheels coming !

[@seamuspdolan]

When can I bring mine in? 😊

[@jdjames997]

Just got my Wescott TRD lift for the SR5 Off-road. I noticed you ran the collar on the top clip on the TRD shock up front, if you run the clip on the bottom for the collar, and run the spacer, would the truck be about level? Your’s appeared to have a rake rear to front rake without the spacer, and running the top clip on the shock- just trying to determine which way is closest to level with this same kit….thanks

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

According to Westcott you want a bit of rake. The rear should be a little higher. When you say level, you aren't looking to have any rake? It's hard to give any more feedback since I havent tried the other configurations. However I would be tempted to try the lower clip on the front TRD shocks. I would imagine the ride would be a little softer.

[@jdjames997]

I know this video and install has been several months, but how is the lift after driving on it a for a few months? I am thinking of getting this Wescott kit or the TRD 3" factory lift, but like this kit has less parts, and seems to allow for a shorter lift in the front if you leave the top spacer out. The Toyota TRD lift is actually almost too tall for my taste, and the amount of parts that get swapped is substantial- I saw one in person recently. Did you have the red Toyota axles on your truck when you installed this kit? (supposed to be standard on TRD off road trim). My biggest concern is how the truck drives on road after the lift, and if it actually is somewhat equal to or better than the factory ride set up comfort wise? Let me know, thanks for making this video, it was very helpful on the install and ride height!! Lastly, what size tires did you end up with, and on stock or aftermarket rims?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Working on putting on the new wheels and then will have a new video out. Very happy with the ride quality. Yes the off road trim models have the red axles. My ride quality is better than factory.

[@hnsn8250]

Did you run into any issue with camera and safety calibration after the lift? I’m looking at the same exact one right now. Appreciate it man.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

NO issues. Did not require any calibration.

[@westcottdesigns]

Did you alignment yet? How much did it drop with the alignment?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

It’s getting aligned next week. I will report final measurements once that’s done. ☑️

[@westcottdesigns]

@@LightwerkzGlobal again super sorry this paperwork was in the box. I just my shipping manager that it is my bad for not communicating this with him.

[@westcottdesigns]

Sorry my shipping department was not suppose to put have that paperwork in this kit. The paperwork is for our standard kit. Sorry this happened to you. The alignment will drop it between a 1/4 and 1/2” and this will also really make the ride even better

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

No worries at all. End of the day it truly is all personal preference. I’m sure many will keep that top spacer. Understand that this kit is a new offering and what comes along with that. Been modifying cars long enough to know how these mods can go. I’m really pleased with the outcome though. Really can’t wait to have it aligned.

[@westcottdesigns]

@@LightwerkzGlobal so if someone runs it on the lower clip with the collar it will be the softest of the ride but will loose height. But if someone runs in the lower clip setting and runs the 1/2” shim they will regain the height and retain the softer ride. The ride on this set up is designed to be softer then the TRD kit as toyota designed theirs.

[@shortythefrenchie]

@@westcottdesigns Jeff on the lower clip without the spacer any idea how much lower?

[@fkdpw028]

@@westcottdesigns I'm seriously thinking about this kit. Can it be the softest setting (lower clip and no shim) for front and leave stock for rear to get leveled?

[@JJ_MTB_15]

@@fkdpw028 @westcottdesigns I'm wondering the same thing. I'd like to leave the stock rear and just level the front.

[@gerrybaker1422]

Westcott Designs rides too rough on my trd off-road. I’ve ordered all the King lift suspension instead and waiting for delivery. Too bad cause I really hoped the kit would’ve worked out

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Did you do the TRD shocks ? Mine feels really great. Now that I have more miles on it, I can confidently say it’s better than stock.

[@ChristopherLeback-hz8lg]

Why separate the lower control arm instead of the upper? Is that’s what WD recommended?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thats how all the installs are shown so I simply followed it.

[@artmajor9768]

Do you have an update on the lift did it settle more

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Yes it settled down 1/2" on the front so I have the rack I wanted. if you wanted perfectly leveled I think keeping the spacer in would work.

[@fuzzy176]

Hi like your video Could you do a test for me please . Recently I install a leveling kit on my tundra it gave me 2 " of lift in the front . And now when I turn the wheels full lock on both side I can clearly see the front of the truck squatting and wonder if it normal thankyou

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Sounds normal.

[@fuzzy176]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Does yours do that?

[@Jacbknght]

Did you have to use a sway bar drop or running factory links in seay bar factory location? What was the final lift in the front measurement?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Final for the front was 25 7/8" which puts it at 1/2" lower than the rear. Still looks level to the eye and it's the perfect amount of rake for it to drive properly. Still running factory links. I have seen people bend them when off roading so it's not a bad idea to change those.

[@Jacbknght]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Any idea where to find longer links? I have the TRD factory lift kit and want to move my sway bar back to original location.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Sorry dont have any knowledge on that. You would think the full TRD lift kit would have a solution that is included in that. @@Jacbknght

[@southtxroughneck113]

with this package, will i get away with keeping the limited factory 20" with KO2s?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Of course.

[@an237251]

So do i just need the trd shocks? Or do i also need the collar?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

TRD Shocks, Westcott Designs preload collar for TRD shocks, and red axles if you dont have them.

[@jdjames997]

Great video. Question: I ordered this TRD lift from Wescott based on your video. If I wanted to run just the preload collar and front TRD shocks (in the kit) (no spacer) would this be level with the rear? I just got my truck, and it’s taller than I expected. By running just the lift on the front, would the truck be level with the rear? My thinking is I don’t want the full Wescott lift because I don’t want the truck that much taller. I’m going to be running a 295/70-18 tire, so not a full 35” tire. I called Wescott, but they don’t seem to understand what I’m asking for. Thanks for any response, just wondering your thoughts since you installed the kit yourself as I will be also. Cheers

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

I believe it would still be higher on the front. What I could do is move the c-clip down to the lower notch. Run the pre load collar. No spacer. It should be close to level that way.

[@jdjames997]

Ok thanks for the reply. When you installed yours without the spacer (2nd time round), did you run the C-clip on the upper notch? I may just run the whole kit exactly the way you did front and rear, without the front spacer. Did you end up running the clip in the upper or lower position?

[@jdjames997]

Did you end up running a full 35x12.5 tire? If so, which brand?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@jdjames997 New tires/wheels going on this week. Will make an updated post once I collect some data for MPG

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@jdjames997 I did not move the c-clip to the lower position. Left it as is (upper position)

[@Apple3.1415]

Plan on getting this kit. Just wanting to make sure my front doesn’t end up higher. You used the kit, but didn’t use the shim up front or the bump stop spacer?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Correct.

[@Apple3.1415]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Thanks! Did the rake end up where you liked it?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

@@Apple3.1415 it’s spot on.

[@johntolosa389]

How tall is the truck now? Do you have worries getting into garages?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Will measure but definitely no worries about getting into garages.

[@NateGage-rr7zh]

Question: I've got a Platinum TRD Off Rd Pkg...Does changing to the TRD struts give that much better of an upgrade than the stock ones that come with the Platinum TRD Off Road Pkg? Wondering if it's worth the extra $$$$ to get those as opposed to pre load collar kit only which is around $450. I think it's another $550 for the TRD struts. Appreciate the video!

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Definitely worth it. You'll have a much better ride quality. Improved. If you just use the stock struts the ride quality is worse.

[@NateGage-rr7zh]

Ok good to know. I’ll probably go ahead and order based off your video. The tough decision is to leave the spacer off or not. Hoping putting it on the lower setting and adding the spacer will give it a good look and ride.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

That should be a solid plan!

[@ckotterman]

Easy on spinning those struts with an impact or a pry bar. Do that too much and you risk damage to the internals. May not be a big deal to do it once but it would suck to damage your new struts.

[@tomwurdack7040]

Does the front radar unit require recalibration after this lift is installed?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Not at this height.

[@tomwurdack7040]

Thank you sir.

[@floppypancake2439]

So would the trd shocks fit on my platinum tundra or no?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Of course.

[@floppypancake2439]

@@LightwerkzGlobal it sits higher with the trd shocks if I heard correctly as well huh?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Thats what I am understanding. @@floppypancake2439

[@floppypancake2439]

@@LightwerkzGlobal thank you

[@DavidStocker-lb6el]

Now that you have had this lift kit on your truck for a while, are you happy with it?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

Still happy with it! Just put on the new wheels/tires last week. Game changer! Will be releasing a video in a few weeks!

[@anthonyfrancesco3954]

I believe Toyota will void your warranty with any after market lift kit. Anyone have any experience with that happening ?

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

The manufacturer cannot void your entire warranty based on a single modification. Now if I go for a suspension related issue it could pose a situation but this lift is very modest. It’s as close to OEM TRD spec as possible. You can achieve proper alignment and there is no stress on other components. Personally don’t have any concerns.

[@nonipaulette4520]

This is a long video with some great content, but could you please clarify and be upfront with what mistake you made without having to watch the whole 30 min? Still thanks for the upload!

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

best to watch the video in full to understand the issue. Ended up running the kit without the front spacer. Only the pre load collar. Hope that helps

[@nonipaulette4520]

@@LightwerkzGlobal Ok and very helpful. Strongly considering a new Tundra Offroad, and looking into what Westcott has to offer so thanks for putting this together!

[@davidsmith2517]

True off roading , you will run into issues . FYI

[@VietLe-USA]

Simple math would dictate that there’s no way you’re gonna get 2’3/8 or whatever they say in the paper. I would line them up, the spacer and the pre collar, to get a rough estimate of the combined height prior to installation. Mine is in order and will get here in a week or two. Similar to your truck, my truck won’t have the spacer. I just want a little lift on the front to ensure that the 35 in tires wouldn’t rub and a cooler look.

[@jdjames997]

I’m curious if you ended up doing this same lift and how it worked out? Did you use the front spacer or left it out as he did in the video? Also, there is a shim of some kind on the front shock to adjust where the preload collar sits, what position did you end up using? Lastly, did you end getting the truck level or did you have some rake back to front? Thanks for your input, i also ordered this lift and trying to make sure I set it up right the 1st time!

[@VietLe-USA]

@@jdjames997 I did. It's phenomenal. I put everything in so the truck looks a tad taller than I wanted, but I take it anyway. I also put in the 35x12.5x18 because I'm using the stock wheels. My truck is a base model SR5 TRD Offroad, nothing fancy. The first 50-60 highway miles were a bit wobbling, but after it settled in, you can't tell the difference between that and the stock. As for looks, it looks 10 times better than the stock. I don't see any rake to be honest. In fact, when they returned my truck, I almost didn't recognize it because it was so tough-looking. I would highly recommend it.

[@fashionrider712istunthi9]

Usually you loosen the control arms upper and lower at ride height so your bushing arent getting overly twisted. That is probably what is holding ur truck up. If u tightened the lowers at full droop it would be higher than specified. The control arms usually have some serations to bite into the mount.

[@LightwerkzGlobal]

I torqued all to spec it while it the suspension was loaded.

[@fashionrider712istunthi9]

@@LightwerkzGlobal weird, figured that would be the only thing that could settle and lower the suspension more.