Adding ARB Bull Bar Winch Bumper - Suspension Adjustment Needed?

Current Build: Purely Stock 2017 Toyota Tacoma Dbl Cab Long Bed TRD 4x4 Off-Road

Goal: Add ARB Bumper for wildlife endurance and winch advantages during off-roading

Problem: ARB Bumper with Steel Cable Winch will add approx. 250 lbs to the front end of the truck, suspension adjustments seem necessary. I plan to use the truck for off-roading purposes and highway travel, as well as towing and loading. Other additions may include full skid plate protection along entire length of vehicle, rear steel bumper, and a steel bed rack.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

I had a 2G with the ARB bumper and the stock Off-Road suspension for a time. People claim it's prone to bottoming out and nose diving under braking. My experience wasn't that, but I didn't do a lot of off-roading with that setup either.

I lost about 3/4@ of height with that setup, sans winch. I ultimately decided to raise the truck, initially to level the nose. However, with the 5100s, the OR progressive springs were not recommended, so I went with the Eibach 112-620 springs. Granted then with options I had I lifted the back and that's a whole other story but that's my personal experience.

 

Upgrade for sure.
I have fox 2.5 and with all my skid plates it is already lower than without.

When I do ARB bumper eventually I'll be upgrading to 700lbs springs

 

did you go with steel or aluminum skids? and how did you make your decision on the suspension?
I'm trying to figure out what i'll need to still be able to off-road, tow, load, and drive on the highway without things acting weird or malfunctioning, like bottoming out or resonant bouncing at specific speeds.

 

All steel
And talked with Marie at @HeadStrong Off-Road

 

Thanks for the reference Joe!

Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road would you be able to help me with some suspension questions?

 

I've been doing some research and it seems the top options are King, ADS, and the Bilstein TRD Pro and Baja shocks.
I'm still new to all of this, so I'm also trying to learn about each of the suspension components, how they work, how they influence the ride, and which stock parts actually need replaced.
I'd like to get some actual substantial lift on the truck for the purpose of sucking deer under instead of over... which components will need to be adjusted or extended? I have heard the brake lines are a must.

 

We recently made the switch. Haven’t noticed any changes so far: running BP-51’ set heavy.

 

Goddamn that looks beautiful. What is BP-51 set heavy?

 

Thank you.

We are running the OME suspension with BP-51 shocks and struts. They are adjustable for different conditions.

 

Gotcha, what all needed to be changed to incorporate the OME's? I've heard break lines, UCA's, and other components sometimes need to be replaced or extended.
Regarding the adjustments, are those more for load carrying capacity or for bump absorption capacity (stiffness)?

 

It is a complete kit. Nothing further is needed.

They are adjustable for compression and rebound as well as spring pre load.

Simply stated, the extra weight can be counteracted by adjusting them, spring pre load or height can be adjusted to a certain extent as well.

 

I see, so they can be tuned for more highway/daily road use and then adjusted for off-road on the weekends?
Was there any change in lift or travel compared to the stock parts?

 

Yes, very proper height and plenty of room for 33’s

 

Fantastic, thanks for the insight Jeff.

 

You are very welcome.

 

Hi, I am new here as I just got my truck.. Have similar truck and similar goals. Did you figure out what suspension system you are going with?

I read Jeff's responses and they were all very helpful.

 

I still have not made any purchases, but it seems the OME kit may be my best option, I recommend looking at all the options before making a purchase.