New to TW and trucks: Suspension Question

Hi I am new to TW and trucks in general. Just got an 08' Tacoma TRD Off-Road Access Cab. I love this truck; been searching for a long time for one! I want to upgrade some of my suspension components. I want some lift and durable/reliable suspension components than stock. I have searched and read and re-read several threads about what people do. I will not be doing hardcore off-roading, but certainly would like my truck to be capable if an off-road situation arises!

Here's what I would like to do:

Bilsteins 5100s all around
Spider Trax 1/4" spacers - just like the way it looks.

I need some clarification in this department. Do I need additional equipment with this setup? After reading threads it seems that I can order/install these components and keep my front coil/springs and rear leafs stock? Or do I need an AAL or upgraded front coils/springs? I want my truck to look level obviously. Lots of conflicting opinions on here; just want to do it right and be economical!

My tires are TOYO - Open Country 265s 75R16s. Great tires IMO; beefy enough for my use.

Let me know what you think!

 

You'll like how the Billies ride, and the spacers def give the truck a great stance. I think this is a great start to your modding. Buy tools as you go and don't get too far ahead in your build plans - they will change as you learn what you want your truck to actually do. I recommend getting help from a knowledgeable person and do as much of the work as possible. IMO, this is the most fun part of modding - other than driving the truck, of course.

Welcome to TW!

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/367047-cheap-but-good-lift.html

Post #2 in this thread, by bjmoose, seems to fit your need.

 

Thanks for the advice. So, I should be good to go with just the Bilsteins and spacers? I don't need to throw in an AAL or new leafs as mentioned in the previous post? or new front coils? Or are those two things I should add down the road?

 

I'm pretty sure spidertrax doesn't make a 1/4" wide spacer - they make a bolt on spacer that's 1 and 1/4" thick.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with wheel spacers unless I was going to use 285 width tires.

Two cents, adjusted for inflation. Your mileage may vary. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear. Beware of occasional blinding dust storms. May cause drowsiness.

 

I'm running Billies with stock coils and like the ride. When the shocks wear out, I'll upgrade with new springs.

The wheel spacers will work great.

If you want level, go with the front shocks set at .85 (second setting from bottom)
I'm on the next setting and had to lift the rear. You can always adjust the front if you lift the rear later - it's up to you.

I haul and tow often, and do light offroading. My mods have been made to suit my needs. Don't just spend money because someone says you need to. Do your research based on your needs and follow suggestions of people who use their trucks similar to you.

BJMoose is right about the spacers, but if you like the look get them. I have offset wheels for this reason

 

Thanks for the reply. Errr... I meant 1 1/4" lol. I just thought it would look cool to have the tires stick out a little. I've read good things on TW about them. Just was worth mentioning. The lift is more important to me than the spacers. Thanks

 

Thanks for the reply Siesta. Ya I hear ya about not going to insane with spending and crazy mods. I'm not turning it into a trophy truck. So do you have billies front/rear? Little confused by how you had to lift the rear? With what? I am going to get Billies for front and rear right from the get-go, but just don't want the front riding higher than the back with this setup, which is why I had so many questions about AALs etc. If all I need to do is just get the Bilsteins front/rear and leave everything else stock for now and my truck has a decent lift and isn't pitching forward/backward excessively then I'll be a happy Taco owner. Have I missed anything? Thanks for your patience.

 

door ding pointed out, but i'll echo, that 5100 shocks by themselves don't provide ANY lift in the back. (In the front, you can set the spring perch to one of several height adjustments)

So if you want lift in the back, add an "add-a-leaf" to your parts list.

 

Okay, thanks BjMoose. I did not know that. Makes sense. So to match the front height an AAl or completely new leafs may be the way to go... sorry for my ignorance on the matter lol; noob clearly!

 

x2
I have changed my mind several times on finished build. Also the peeps on TW are bloody fantastic for help on pretty much anything but opinions I really like the ride of my 5100's. Eats pot holes for breakfast lunch and dinner. Was crawling last week and I just can't seem to max them out. However, my ARB deluxe bumper and soon (next week) my winch have added a lot of weight and my front end is looking pretty saggy. in my opinion I should have changed out the stock coils which would have likely prevented that. AND with the two AAL in the rear I definitely have the driveline vibration

 

I "lifted" the rear by increasing the psi on my Ride Rite airbags. I already had the bags in for hauling/ towing. I added OME N182 shocks on the rear once the stockers died at 50K miles. The ride is actually pretty good, surprisingly.