Hoping to get some reassurance that I'm not going to do something dumb with my 4x2...

So I've posted one other thread asking about suspension upgrades, and got some good help on it. But I've had more time to mull things over now and I'm a little worried that what I had in mind would be kinda dumb and/or a waste. I hope not...

I got my first taco back in November for a great price on a dealer promotion. She's a '14 TRD Sport PreRunner 4x2 with the access cab and V6. Love the access cab, Sport trim, V6, and she was brand spanking new when I got her. Love the truck. I got the 4x2 because 1.) it was the truck that I could get a great deal on, and 2.) I don't have any real ambition to start off roading with any seriousness just now. Some years down the road when I have more time and money I probably will be, but that's a ways away. Hairiest situations I could get into are unplowed Wisconsin county roads in the winter, and unimproved Forest Service roads in Idaho over summers. I have pretty good confidence in my abilities in both places, and so far pretty damn good this winter here in Wisco.

Here's where my mind starts to wander though. Basically, I'm not looking to go crazy and build a baja truck or anything, but I would like to at least get some more elevation and suspension quality on it so I can fit some beefier tires, possibly some new wheels. Like I said, nothing crazy. At the moment I'm very interested in getting kitted out with OME suspension. Looking at coilovers in the front, and Dakar packs out back. I've been viewing the kits on ToyTec and Headstrong Offroad every day for a couple weeks now lol. I've heard great things about them.

My concern is that this move overall, is dumb. In your guys' minds is it worth it to put around $1300 into new suspension for a 4x2 that will rarely see rock field type roads and boggy fields ? Definitely not looking to make a mall crawler, and definitely not looking to make a rock crawler lol. Just looking for that happy medium of a nicer ride in more versatile shoes. So, does this all sound worthwhile to you guys? Any input at all is appreciated.

Bonus, here's a dad joke:
How do you catch a polar bear?
First cut a hole in the ice and line the hole with peas. When the bear goes to take a pea, kick him in the ice hole. Bear caught.

 

I have v6 access cab prerunner as well.
I've got OME 885 coil in front and Dakar rear. Have OME shocks/struts all around.
Allows me to fit 285/70-17 tire with no issues.(also have 1 inch wheel spacers)

The rear is great.
Front is way too stiff.

If I were doing it again, I might try the 5100/eibach from toytec or an extended travel coilover in front. Maybe OME884. Would depend on budget.

 

You describe your use of the truck being very mall-crawly, but then say you don't want to have a mall crawler.

I think your most cost-effective path is going to be some Eibach 5100's inside of a very soft spring. This way you can adjust them and try them out at various heights/tire fitments.

Once you figure out what you like best, then you can revisit the lift options out there that most closely resemble your desired configuration.

 

I would get some 5100 shocks all around, a progressive AAL pack and re-use the stock coils. Who knows, you might change your mind next winter and trade it in for a 4x4. As another Midwest guy, just south of the WI/IL border actually, I would not want to go a winter without 4x4..just my .02 though.

 

If your current parts are in good condition, I'd say it is dumb to spend the money.

But, if your stuff is worn out and needs to be replaced anyway, not dumb to go for an upgrade.

Before I put in the OME, my fronts were always hitting bumpstops on the normal dips of the highway and rear couldn't hold more than about 300 lb before it hit bumpstops just sitting there. I've had ~800 lb in the bed a few times with no trouble on the dakars.

 

I say just keep what you have, just get some use out of it.
Later on when you need new tires then you could maybe do the lift or just do a trade for a 4x4 if you think you want it.

 

I'm in the same boat. 4x2 v6 prerunner. I want to upgrade my suspension but I'm not sure what I should get to have a better ride.

 

I just dumped $1300 in suspension and have a lesser configuration, in some ways.

It is the best money I've ever spent. For $500 you can do 5100s front and rear, with stock coils and a 3 leaf progressive AAL in the rear and have a nice setup. I had that for awhile and loved it until I bought a shell and had a constant load of 225 lbs or so. It still was great, but it was a little too soft with the loads I carry for work (up to 1100 lbs including shell weight).

I went with OME 884X coils, OME Nitro Sport shocks front and rear and OME Dakars. My truck rides better than I could have possibly imagined it would when I ordered the parts. If I got a new truck tomorrow, it would hands down be the first mod I did. I can't be honest enough! It is beyond expectations.

I would really recommend 5100s and the 3 leaf AAL as being (arguably) the best budget setup available if your stock stuff is in good shape and you aren't carrying several hundred pounds 24/7.

I'll add a pic in a minute.

 

5100s, stock coils, stock 3 leaf pack with 3 leaf progressive AAL and 265/75/16 all terrains.



Same setup, with about 850 lbs of cargo in the bed. No problems.



Same setup, with about 1130 lbs total weight in bed.





Same setup, with a shell.



Same setup, front end (for comparison).







Now with my current OME setup.

Front end with 884X coils.



Side 3/4 angle. Dakars and 884X.

 

884x is for access cabs and 885x is for doubles which will make a access ride pretty rough i hear. i did 5100 on all corners of both models, rear is different if you have the tsb 4 leaf pack.

 

884 and 885 have the same spring rates (590 lbs). An AC V6 4x4 and DCSB V6 Prerunner weigh pretty close to each other IIRC.

 

probably.

 

A 2wd that's RARELY going to see any off-road action? Save your money and put a spacer and an AAL on the rear. I'm assuming your shocks are still in good shape so "upgrading" at this point is going to be a waste and won't get you the SUPER MAGICAL awesome ride that a lot of people report when they upgrade their worn out 100k+ mile shocks with 5100's.

I "upgraded" my low mileage shocks to 5100's on my last Tacoma and I couldn't tell a difference. 6 months later they started leaking so then I really felt dumb.

 

Huh. How much rake do you have with that? Did you pull the 3rd leaf? I thought for sure Dakars would be too much for 884's.

(I currently have 883's, but plan on going 884's and an AAL soon)

 

I have a lightweight config. I got nearly 3" (best guess) over stock with 884X without spacers. I expected 2.25-2.5" and believe I'm closer to 2.75".

My results are not standard.

I have the full leaf pack installed, nothing removed.

 

I see. I don't think I would get nearly that with 884's. I'm expecting 2", if I'm lucky. 883's gave me 1.25". Free Height between the 883's and 884's is about .6", so we'll see....

 

Going in for an alignment now at an old shop that's been around since 1969. Hopefully they can get it as good as it can be with stock UCAs.