Another suspension thread... Sorry. 5100 vs OME vs stock Offroad

I KNOW that suspension threads have been done to death. The irony about this question is that I still have never found a definitive answer. If you don't like the subject matter please turn around and leave before you get offended.

I have a 2016 Limited and the suspension is hideous. I think I may have ruined it driving on the beach on the Outer Banks. Anyway, it was always pretty crappy and now it feels so loose-goosey that I have no faith in the truck to do anything but go to Lowes. So I have a really sketchy suspension setup and I am looking for something (the right thing) that brings this truck back to life. I just bought a set of wheels/tires (16" TRD Pro wheels with 265/75/16 D-rated Nitto Grapplers) and that threw the already squishy suspension for a loop and I need something more beefy ASAP.

I have identified 2 options that seem to fit the bill: What I'm looking for: I do NOT want a bunch of lift- I like a lower stance where the wheels fill the wells, I like a good ride but NOT too hard- I want to be able to do 50 on a fire road, not climb rocks, and I want to feel like I can do whatever I want to do and not worry about suspension failure/ sketchiness.

1. OME- I really dig the hardiness of the OME concept. I could do 885 springs, the light shocks, and a 3 leaf AAL from Headstrong
   
2. Bilstein- I could do a 5100 kit from Headstrong with the 3 leaf progressive spring

What the F-ing F should I do? I have read that the Bilsteins give a harsher ride. Have also read that the OMEs have questionable build quality (some thread on these boards...)

I have called Headstrong but got voicemail... I just want a truck that straddles being a decent road car and being off-road capable. Anyone?

 

Recommend posting in the suspension forum

 

Bilstein 6112s in front for 1.5". 3 leaf progressive AAL in rear for 1.5". Pair with 5160s in rear.

1300 to 1500 in parts

Don't forget ecgs bushing to replace needle bearing for any and all lifts.

5100s ride rough

 

If u do not want any lift, I would get someone's stock off road setup just because they are cheap and readily available. 3 leaf aal will give u at least 1.5 lift in the back.

 

If u do not want any lift, I would get someone's stock off road setup just because they are cheap and readily available. 3 leaf aal will give u at least 1.5 lift in the back.​

I am cool with this idea. I actually found a full set of Offroad shocks with less than 50 miles for only $100 on Craigslist but I got distracted with the 5100's as being a better choice. Honestly, I can get a full 5100 kit with a 3 leaf from Headstrong which seems like a definitive end to my angst. If you had $1300 to spend, what would you do?

 

Stock TRD OR suspension will ride better than 5100s based on everything I've read and seen here....just sayin

 

I want to lift my truck. So I would spend the money if I had it. But it would be the 6112/5160 kit over the 5100 kit or the ome 888 kit, both with a set of UPC's.

 

Where would I find a low miles stock TRD Off-Road setup? Anyway, I am not opposed to this idea at all (less $ here means more $ for other stuff) but I still have seen threads that talk about how much superior the 5100s are to the stock TRD Off-Road shocks which makes me question the strategy, even though it's probably a perfectly acceptable solution...

Also, a new question pertaining the OffRoad setup: What is the spring rate on the front coiler on the Off-Road? Would IO need to have that coil as part of the package or is it the same as the Limited?

 

Go look in the classifieds https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/3rd-gen-tacoma-parts-marketplace-2016.202/

Section for your region here: https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/regions.36/

Craigslist might have someone near you selling them too.

 

Also i would not run a aal on these shitty stock leafs. I know alot on here will disagree, but I don't think they are worth working on. So I would get one of the full leaf packs OME, Deaver, or all pro.

 

My only problem there was that most aftermarket leaf packs are said to be stiffer than stock, the progressive 3 leaf seemed like a fairly proven and well-priced solution. If and when that shits out I'll probably go to Wheelers 8 leaf pack. If you don't haul a lot of gear I think the aftermarket leafs are not really ideal? ??

 

I had 5100's set at zero with OME 885x on my 2014 AC and loved the ride with P265/75R16 tires. By the time I removed them (40k KM) to trade the truck in I had about 1.75-2" of lift, so they definitely settled. That might have only equated to about 1" of lift on a 3rd gen though, seeing that it's taller stock.

Bilsteins preloaded might be a rough ride? but set at zero they are awesome.

I will be throwing this old lift on my 2017 this week. If the height achieved is less than I'm hoping for, I will add a small 1/4-1/2" top plate spacer and if that doesn't work will definitely be buying the 3rd gen 5100's with OME 887's

Does your limited have the same Hitachi shocks as the Sport? Far too bouncy in my opinion.

 

SR5 and Limited have same Shocks.

TRD OR Bilstein

TRD Sport Hitachi "sport tuned" pogo sticks

 

I had the Icon progressive 3 leaf add but left the overload in for just over 2" of lift in my 2014. Loved them! Definitely stiffer than stock but not jarring at all, and I could put some heavy items in the bed without any noticeable sag.

 

They are Hitatchis and they might be the worst shocks ever made. Driving on the beach on the Outer Banks I swear my head hit the ceiling. At one point we hit a minor groove in the sand and bounced up and down for 10 seconds after I stopped. Truly terrible. It might be the mall-rated Limited Edition but it should still be able to drive on the beach without getting whiplash lol.

 

I am actually considering the Dakars since I have read multiple posts about being able to remove leaves to lower the lift AND it would give me the ability to add the leaves back in if I ever get a cap.

 

After speaking with Marie @ Headstrong (she was as awesome as everyone says), I opted for the Bilstein setup (she alluded to a 'thunk' that was possible with the OME setup :-\). Anyway, I pulled the rigger on this setup:

Thanks for the input and feedback. Cheers.

 

I did exactly this setup. Thanks for the input!

 

Research ECGS in this forum using search function. You'll thank me later.

Plenty of folks here running this setup with lots of good experience on it. Search 6112 and you'll find a lot of feedback.

 

I watched the video earlier today. BTW, I'm paranoid about the loose needle bearing setup already... With 1"-1.5" lift is it something I actually need to worry about?