First new Tacoma, questions. Upgraded from 98 prerunner

Had a 98 for 14 years and just got this beauty of a plain ol' 17' sr5 Tacoma 4x4. I've been reading several threads when it comes to leveling kits but hoping for clarification. I am an absolute beginner when it comes to after market parts and upgrades. I've gathered that the rough rake between front and back in the 3rd gen is roughly an inch. I also learned that if one wants to do any off roading not to use spacers to level out the truck. I go camping on rough and rutted fire roads and snow camp in the winter 7/10 times a year but no real crawling or crazy wheeling.
Is the correct move 5100's in the front to level it? I'd like to fit some slightly larger tires but nothing extravagant. Also, if I don't raise it the maximum 2 inches available do I still need to get a spacer for the front diff to account for the cv joints? Do the stock springs accommodate the 5100's or should I also upgrade those? I've read differing accounts and realize that if I choose to raise it much higher with the 5100's an AAL in the rear would be beneficial. In terms of general wear and tear, is there anything that I could do alleviate future problems? Are all lifts harder on the truck than no lift at all?
Thank you.

 

Congrats on the new truck!

 

5100's and aal will do you fine.

 

I did the 5100' and OME 888' up front with a 2" AAL out back and it's been great. I do pretty much what you do with the occasional "medium" off roading and have been very pleased. Only thing I wish I had is a pair of sliders.

 

Thank you both. So.Taco, when you added two inches in AAL to the rear what height did you have the front set to? Did you incorporate diff spacers?

 

Spacers will work fine for the kind of driving you described. That said, 5100's will be much better.

Realistically, I'd suggest looking around for take-off TRD OR suspension and putting that on your truck. It'll improve the ride and will be dirt cheap.

If you do lift, don't install a diff drop/spacer - it'll cause more problems than it'll solve. Plenty of threads about that on here.

You can install tires in a +1 size (265/70/17, or the 16-inch equivalent) without any mods.

 

Good thread. I'm gonna check back because I've got the same questions.

 

Excellent advice. Thanks.

 

0210- I like your rig I was looking at it yesterday. In regards to your rec for looking at OR take offs I found some on TW. Is this just an upgrade for comfort or will it add height? I am prepared to be told this is a dumb question and will promptly return to hiding under a rock until I wise up.

 

The OR suspension will be a comfort upgrade. Height will remain the same.

 

I set the 5100' at 0. I do not have a diff spacer, been on about 8K miles and no issues. I've also done some decent off roading, nothing hard core, but plenty of flex situations.

 

Just some pictures doing work.