What Are the Best Performance Lowering Kits?

Hi, I have been trying to look for lowering kits for my 05 tundra. But everything I find is not exactly what I am looking for. I am looking for either a 2-3" drop. I'm trying to lower this thing and make it for performance, but there are some things, like the front struts and rear absorbers, that are super rusted and I just wanted some insight. #1: What are the best performance lowering kit for an 05 RWD tundra? #2: When buying said kit, should I replace the struts and absorbers with OEM ones? Finally, #3: Are both the front and back the same height as each other, if not, what is the best height drop for them?
Thanks

 

So there's a front air bag kit, but then you'd have to figure out the rear. There's a few drop shackles out there. Then there's the only full kit option, SOS 2" front/3.5" or 4" rear kit.
I've got the 2/3.5 kit on my 03. SOS recommends Bilstein 4600 shocks front and rear. But if you want it stiff, go for the Bilstein 5100 shocks. You can also add a Helwig rear sway bar to stiffen the rear and an add-a-leaf.
https://sosperformance.com/products/tundra-racing-lowering-kit-fits-2000-2006-tundra

 

On my 2wd 03, I've got the Bilstein 4600's in front, but if I did it over I'd do the 5100's.
In rear I've got Bilstein 5100's, my old 2006 4x4 leaf springs, with Wheelers Off-road add a leafs, and the TRD rear swaybar (discontinued).

Normally an add a leaf would lift the rear, but because the SOS kit converts the rear from being spring over axle to spring under axle, the AALs shouldn't yield any or much lift. On my setup, it did lift the rear some from the previous 2wd leaf springs and SOS kit setup. But I have a 1 inch block I plan on adding to the rear to lower it an additional inch.

 

I contemplated this for a while as I was going to lower the rear to level my 2WD truck. Planned on using the stock 2WD front springs on the lowest setting on the 5100's and the 2" drop shackle from SD truck springs. In theory, it would lower the rear to closely match the front with a little more rear rake.

Last I checked SD site was offline but Amazon sells RTZ 1-2" drop shackles.
RTZ- Compatible with Toyota Tundra Truck Pickup 02-06 Rear Adjustable (1-2") Lowering Drop Shackles 4wd 4x4

$90 RTZ- Compatible with Toyota Tundra Truck Pickup 02-06 Rear Adjustable (1-2") Lowering Drop Shackles 4wd 4x4

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H5Y5K9V

I use the Adco rear sway bar, and I cannot recommend that mod enough. Amazing change in handling and confidence. Matches the front factory bar perfectly.

 

If you need new shocks/struts to go with your kit SOS can option those in on their 2" fron 3.5" rear lowering kit.

https://sosperformance.com/products/tundra-racing-lowering-kit-fits-2000-2006-tundra

 

They can, but there are better prices on Bilsteins elsewhere.

 

All the bases are covered up there, but I gotta ask: Knowing these trucks have such massive problems with frames breaking in half or snapping, eroding from the inside out ... if your shocks are currently rusty, is your frame in any shape whatsoever to dump ~$2k into lowering the truck?

 

Hmmm good point. Maybe worth it if doing a full bagged build with custom frame from after the cab.

 

Speaking of which, here's the link to the bagged front kit

https://airbagit.com/products/airarm-to20xx