New Guy Same Old Question

I have a 2015 Tacoma Sport Long bed double cab 4x4 and want to do a mild upgrade to the suspension. The Truck came with Bilstein shocks, but I don't know if they are adjustable or if they are already the 5100's I have been reading about. Tires are Bridgestone 265/65/R17's.
I have measured from the center of the hubs to the fender and this is what I have now:

Front Driver - 19.75", Front Passenger - 20"
Rear Driver - 21.75", Rear Passenger - 22"

I would like to add a taller tire but stay close to the existing 265 width, or avoid trimming anything, level the truck out, and gain some clearance.

After reading a bunch of threads on this forum, I have seen a recommendation to use the sport models' springs with a 5100 adjustable shock. I am leaning toward adding a leaf spring on the back. I am also considering staying with the stock wheels until they start showing some wear.

Can someone tell me the specific details of what the truck has on it now? Are the leaf springs okay that are on it, or should I put the Dakkar leaf pack on it? Are the Bilstein's adjustable?

If there is a level below 4x4 novice, that is where you will find me.

 

More than likely, you have Bilstein 4600s on the truck. That's what comes stock on the TRDs. If they're blue and yellow, then you know that's what they are.

For tire, I recommend (and run) 265/70r17. Same width, but about 1" taller. You can even run this size on stock suspension and have no rubbing.

I would stay away from using the 5100s on stock coils. It will give you lift, but it's be preloading the shock and you're going to have a rough ride. Coils are about $165, so while you have it apart, you might as well do it right.

The leafs that are on there now will be just fine, unless you plan on hauling around a whole bunch of weight on a regular basis. Even if that's the case, you can get airbags in the back to help with sag.

I'll give you the low down on my set up.

Bistein 5100s all around
Old Man Emu 885 Springs in the front
Wheelers Offroad 2" Add A Leaf
Diff Drop kit

This gained be about 2.5" in the front and 2" in the rear. Any higher in the front and that's where you start getting into the realm of needing new upper control arms (UCAs) in order to get your alignment in spec.

Now for the pics!!


EDIT: All in all, you can get all the parts for this lift around $650.

 

Thanks for the information and the pix. Nice use of the lower grille for the light bar. I put a brush guard and a couple of lights on the front of mine since I drive through a lot of hood-high brush and weeds in Florida. Why did you decide to do the AAL on the back? How much did your ground clearance change, an inch?

 

I decided on the AAL because I didn't need anything more than that. Plus it's a fraction of the cost. If I had an older truck where the leafs were tired and nearing the end of their life, then I would've replaced them. For ground clearance, I gained about 3". 1/2" from the larger tires and another 2.5 from the lift. At least I'm assuming so, because I didn't actually measure anything before I lifted since I was just so excited.

 

Haha...understand the excitement. Thanks for all the info.

 

No problem! Whenever you decide on pulling the trigger, talk to Marie at @HeadStrong Off-Road. They have the best prices around they're very helpful and knowledgeable. She can guide you in the right direction.