(Potential) 2016 newbie

Hi all, I'm not sure I qualify as a new member yet (do I need to actually own one to be?) or am just a new lurker!

Anyway, I've been stuck in an economy commuter car for 4.5 years. Loan will be paid off in 6 months... Still have some older 4X4s but nothing I can rely on for long trips. I'd really like to get into a more adventure capable focused vehicle for kayaks/surfboards/bicycles/campgear and ended up here due to the combination of 4X4/clearance/cargo space/RI law for under 7 to not be in front seat/narrow width.

With that said I'm looking at the release of the 2016 tacoma SR5, for the hopeful mpg gain from 2nd gen. If I pull the trigger it'd be specifically for a dclb.

So I will be spending endless nights reading about mods and the obscene amount of info regarding lifts/tires! Although, unfortunately I'm far removed from Anza now and don't have much available to make it matter from a wheeling performance perspective, just looking to make it look more like a truck should. Granted I most like the 6 inch lift 35" tire look, its not practical for my 2X a week 72 mile commute so I'm thinking about the best 3 inch lift and 285 ATs and fog lights that will fit my needs, make that desires as stock will probably fit my actual needs in reality.

One question I already have is, after I put the research time in, where should I post questions considering my intentions - straight to a DCLB thread, or a new general post?

Hoping for specs that read 25 mpg (or more) on the 4X4,

Aaron