What lift for my SR5?

My main concern is leveling out the truck. My off roading consist of access/fire roads and the road to my cabin. I would like to be able to safely climb from a paved and snow-cleared road to an unpaved/un-plowed hill, which could be covered with a couple feet of snow. I will not be doing any advance off roading or rock crawling, at least until I own the truck which will be 3-4 years away.


I have a STOCK DCLB 4x4 SR5. I had thought of just getting some 5100s for the front, but some of the threads I have read say that setting them above .85 is unadvised and would be a rough ride?

I wouldn't mind spending the money on a full kit if it would benefit me. I'm just wondering with my seldom off roading for the time being if that would be in my interest?

Thanks

 

You suggest a kit such as this: ?

 

If there's a "couple feet" of snow on that unpaved unplowed hill, your first pass is going to be with a snowshovel or a full size heavy duty (e.g. 350) truck that's got chains on all four wheels and snowplow affixed to it, no matter what suspension you put on.

 

Yeah a couple feet of snow is a shit ton to try to drive through , it better be popcorn fart dry

 

Yea I didn't describe that very well. It kind of grades up to the snow, and I would definitely grade it out with a shovel if it was actually 2ft high drop... it usually just a large speed bump type thing that I've almost considered hitting with my car if I didn't have low hanging trim.

There will sometimes be a couple feet built up under it, but usually 4wheelers and snow mobiles go up it so it's not a straight drop by any means. So yes I'm talking about hard pact snow that has a decent bump to get onto it.

(I'm an idiot at describing things)

 

As far as the suspension you suggest an OME kit? Was hoping I would get your opinion as you know what the hell you're talking about and also have a DCLB (ftmfw)

 

The most trouble free suspension to pick is one that will give you more like two inches of lift rather than three inches. This has several advantages:

1. More comfortable ride since there's more downtravel
2. Less risk of unintended consequences with CV axles wearing out boots or creating vibrations in the front differential
3. Less risk of undesirable vibrations due to rear driveshaft angles
4. Stock factory upper control arms can still get a good alignment with plenty of caster

So, for the most trouble free lift option on a new truck where factory leaf springs are still in good shape, and with no "hard core" offroading in the cards, I'd either go with

OME nitrocharger shocks with 884 (not 885) springs and 2" add-a-leaf in rear

OR
Bilstein 5100 shocks (front perch set at zero) with Eichbach springs (obtained from toytec) and again a 2" add-a-leaf in the rear.

Then I'd put on 265/75R16 tires with a nice agressive all terrain tread - mounted on the factory rims.

Choosing that tire size and keeping factory rims minimizes any potential issues around wheel clearance and trimming, wheel balance troubles, or VSC activation.

 

So helpful, thank you! Trouble free was what I had also thought of as important to me but failed to mention in the post... I don't want to go spending crazy money on a super high end lift that I won't be using to its potential, that could potentially end up causing more head aches or trouble for me as an inexperienced user/installer.

Factory stuff is all brand new condition still so I will definitely consider and research those options you gave me and I really appreciate you taking time to outline them.

edit: helpful tip on the tires and factory rims also... I will definitely consider that, maybe just paint the factory rims. That would certainly make my lift/tire/wheel upgrade way more affordable. Checked out your build and guide and learning a ton from that also...

 

I have a 2015 SR5 DCSB 4x4 pretty much stock like yours. Here is my solution to the same thoughts you are inquiring about. I installed a 3/4 in spacer on top of the strut for the 1 1/2 to level the front. Then I installed 265-75-16 Firestone destination AT tires which are great in snow and have a larger foot print for more traction. They also look great since they are 1 size bigger than stock.
Then for the rear I added Firestone ride right air bags for a better towing height and improved
Rear suspension feel. Over all a combination for everyday driving and a little off road.
Hope this helps

 

Thanks for your input... have you had a chance to use the Firestones in the snow yet? I had considered a spacer at first, but after research and suggestions here I'm leaning towards upgrading shocks/springs like suggested by bjMoose and other. Want to add some function to the suspension along with the look.

I will keep air bag tip in mind as I will be hauling/towing after winter.

 

Yes I have used these tires on my company truck to plow snow. I have used them for years they are great year round tires . That's why they are on my new truck.

 

Toytec has some really nice lifts on their website

 

I haven't seen any reviews where members say the 5100's ride rough set on .85. That's exactly what I'm going to do.

 

They were mentioning specifically about using that with the stock sport trd suspension with the 5100s set HIGHER then .85, they were using 2.0 as example. Sounded like .85 works good. (i don't know anything, this is just what i read)

 

I assume the TRD's have a higher spring rate than the SR5. I'll have mine on in a few weeks.