Help with Suspension Ideas

Ok. For the last couple months I have been reading through this board trying to figure out what exactly I want to do with my 2014 DC (4X4). I think I have pretty much decided on my goal but need help with the specifics. I am far from being any sort of gearhead so I often get a little confused on this board with so many options and opinions. And I figure I will get some different opinions in response to this.

So I do enjoy the outdoors and get out as often as I can. With my work schedule the last few years it hasn't been as often as I like but am finally able to get weekends off and with my new truck plan on hitting the dirt more often.

I like to be able to hit all the back roads. I definitely would not consider myself the rockcrawling type and don't plan on doing that. But I like to be able to take on the roads rougher then just a graded dirt road.

My budget is for me is to be reasonable. I want the most affordable and best deal out there for my suspension. I want a nice one but can't afford to spend the big bucks.

I plan on staying with 265's (since my truck for now is my daily driver as well). I want to go with a 2.5 to 3 in lift. Don't want to go any higher. My understanding is if I stay just under 3in I don't have to buy and install UCA's. Correct?

I do plan on putting some armor on. Still trying to decide what I will do with that. For sure I will be getting the BAMF bolt on sliders. For the bumpers I am looking at either the AVID Offroad light front and rear bumpers.

Or I may save a little more and go with the full bumper replacements with either Pelfreybilt or AllPro bumpers. I know aluminum is more money but I think I want the limit my weight and like I said. Don't plan on doing any real rock crawling but I do want the protection if I ever find myself in that situation. Plus I do prefer the looks of those full bumper replacements but they certainly cost a lot more.

So considering my budget, my type of offroading, and the future weight of armor what do you guys recommend? Like I said, I am no gearhead so your input would be greatly appreciated.

SJP

 

Anything at or above 2.5" of lift you need new UCA's

 

OME. You'll need UCAs, most likely - that 2.5" or less is a generalized rule that doesn't apply to every truck. It didn't apply to mine at 1.75".

Whatever you end up with, check out @HeadStrong Off-Road for the best prices.

 

K. So do need the UCA's. And what exactly is OME referring too?

 

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/ome-lift-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

 

This..

Marie at HeadStrong is a goddess, she'll take care of you and give you the best price available. Customer support is the best I've ever had and I've bought from 4 other vendors.

 

Now that kit doesn't include the UCA's. I see I can add it for a total of $1499. What is it referring to about strut assembly?

 

Yes she is just placed a nice big order with Marie

 

Ditto. Hoping she can help with something I am looking to purchase soon.

They assemble the coils onto the strut. Worth the fee IMHO

 

They'll assemble the strut for you for a fee so they're ready to be bolted in. It's an easy to install option.

UCAs can be added.. talk to Marie.

 

I just ordered rear Icon 2.0 shocks, Icon 1.5 Progressive AAL with 3 degree shims, and OME Carrier Bearing drop kit. Front OME 887's assembled with Bilstein 5100's and Camburg Ball Joint UCA's from Marie. ( UCA's were from DownSouth Motorsports )

 

How much was did this option run you?

 

Just a side note...don't you think the truck will look a bit off with a 2-3 inch lift but still the same ol' 265's? I imagine the wheels looking dwarfed with all the room in the wheel well.

 

Total shipped with everything was under 1600.00

 

Not really. I actually just stopped and talked to a guy in the Chipotle parking lot last night who had a 3in lift and 265's. But I do want to stay under 3in because of that. I probably would be okay with a just a 2in lift. But I just don't want to have to do some big changes down the road if I ever decide to go up to 285's.

 

Nothing to do really for 285s

 

Cool, I just wanted to make sure you had given it thought and consideration. Sometimes things get overlooked, and when you're on a budget the worst thing can be realizing you need to invest 500-800 more on tired to get the look right.

 

So brother if I ever want to do 285's on mine what will I need to do? Will I be able to use my Bronze Beadlocks? Or have to go aftermarket wheels

 

Remove mudflaps, cab mount chop, trim a little plastic, and beat the pinch weld in (flex for wheelin). I believe I have seen guys on here run 35's with those. You should be ok.

 

3" really isn't a ton of lift. There's an entire thread of (mostly 3 inch) lifts with 265s, though.. you can judge for yourself. You'll notice some trucks don't look at all like they're running too small of a tire, some builds look huge.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/lifted-on-265s-show-me.366397/