Front suspension fix

I have a stock 03 4x4 Tacoma, and ever since I got it (new), I've been unimpressed with the front suspension. It seems to have very little travel, and bottoms out at setting 1 on the current Rancho 9000s (as well as the OE shocks). I can up the setting, but it gets rough. I carry a popup camper occasionally, and then I dial it up and that's better. Would either adding a 1.5 front lift, or replacing front shocks with Bilsteins (e.g. 5100) give me a bit more travel, or just generally make things better? FYI, I have Rancho 5000s on the rear w/Firestone Airlifts. I have a rear anti-sway bar on the way.

Thanks.

 

if you are actually bottoming out and not topping out the shock or something else, it sounds like your springs are worn.

 

They were like that when I bought them. I don't offroad, but do a fair bit of dirt roads. I had the susp. checked by the dealer under warranty, but they said they were ok (and the dealer was worthless as I found later). Perhaps weak springs, but would a small lift help out, or different shocks?

 

depending on the lift, OME coils 880s or 881s would give you a little lift and solve your bottoming problem, 5100s may also by preloading the spring too.

 

Does the front of the truck sit lower than the rear? If so, I would suggest a set of OME 880 coils, with either the OME shocks or 5100s. This will help level the front out some and improve the ride. Throw in some SuperBumps for those times you are going faster than you should be, and you'll be set.

 

So would just an inexpensive body lift kit (1-2") do the same as replacing the shocks with 5100s? The Ranchos still work.
e.g. http://www.suspensionconnection.com/cgi-bin/suscon/52901T.html The front lift kit is about $95 and I can do it myself (I think), vs $300+ and a mechanic for the above recommendations.

Thanks for your help.