Overwhelmed By Suspension Options

So, I have spent a lot of time this weekend and this evening reading about suspension options, particularly on this forum. Don't understand all of the technical issues and I am sort of overwhelmed by the options. So I decided to appeal to the collective wisdom.

I have a stock 2016 SR5 4X4 V6 crew cab. I want it to be a pretty good off-roader. I don't plan to do any crazy rock climbing, but I may get on some rough back roads in places like National Forests (e.g. old, abandoned and badly deteriorating logging roads). I feel like I would like maybe a bit more clearance (and maybe the ability to add some skid plates without losing clearance). At the same time I need a truck that is a reasonable highway and secondary road ride for the 3-6 hours drives out to some of the mountains where said off road situations may arise.

So I figured I would just ask folks. What wheels, tires and, where necessary, lift options would you run with my rig? I was thinking about four possible price points: $1,000, $2,000, $3,000 and $4,000 total expenditure. Any thoughts about what you would do at any of these price points with my needs?

I would grateful for any thoughts you have.

 

I have 6112 front with 5160 back and Dakar springs. No UCA replacement. It aligned good and rides great. I think I'm in it for 1600

 

Watching this thread because I'm in the exact same situation

 

Thanks man. What are you running for wheels/tires?

 

Stock off-road wheels and 265/75/16 e rated ko2

 

And you can replace all that with hand tools and good Jack stands and a torque wrench.

 

I do light to moderate off roading so no armor since I don’t rock climb. I went with 5100’s all around with lift coils by Eibach and a 3 leaf progressive pack. Alignment was just fine. No uca’s needed but I am going to get some for the correct wheel travel. My truck rides great on road and so far the dirt roads I’ve driven down have been a breeze. All together I’ve spent $630. Not bad for a daily driver with some capability. As far a tires go I went with falken wildpeaks. Great tires for on and off road. Zero complaints with any of my purchases.

 

If I may ask, what do the King OEM replacements and Dakar springs do? Would ground clearance be the same?

 

Ok, this makes sense. And thank you for this. Last question: how large a tire/much ground clearance improvement could I achieve with this setup?

 

Actually, if I may add one more question: when you say fronts would be adjustable, how much could the front be raised? Thanks again.

 

Subscribed.

I’m rocking 265/75R16 on dark bronze Ray 10s. No lift yet. Thinking about the Fox 2.0 set up. I like the bilstein 6112 too. They seem to be sold out most places. I only drive my truck on weekends. Honestly the 5100s would work for me... I like a little more eye candy tho. Lol!

 

Copy this post and paste it to Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road.
Tell her your story. Also tell her how much you want to spend. Tell her when you need it. Ask her how to or who will install it.

She will answer all your questions.
The challenge with asking your question on a forum like this is, everyone thinks their choice is best. The truth is, depending on factors like money and maintenance, reliability and durability, every choice has good points.
Good luck.

 

When it comes to durability, am I wrong to interpret that King is...well....the king?

 

She just helped me today with my purchase. Great people!

 

I'm in the same boat and thinking of going with ome since the main benefit of a 5100 is the adjustability. I don't need that because I'm thinking of ome 887 coils too. If they come out with a Bilstein 6112 kit for the 3rd gen. Also an option

 

No.When it comes to bombing through the desert at 70 mph and getting air, for miles, then King is one of the top choices. King is high performance, and with high performance comes maintenance. Usually takes a few weeks from the time you take them off to send off for rebuild. Can you let your truck stay on the stands for that long after removing them?

 

So what is the durable choice? Thanks.

 

Man, thank you so much.

 

Any rubbing with this? I have f5 and am thinking about going to this size. Still Stock OR

Thanks.

 

Yep. OME is a solid choice too.
OP, suspensions are like tires... they are designed for certain conditions. The suspension you have right at this exact moment is the most friendly and compromising one you can get. Some are better for go fast desert. Some (Icon) are really good for slow rocky terrain. Some are much better off road than on road, some are better on road than off road (my TRD Sport stock suspension is a good example).
They will all work everywhere, just not optimal.
The Bilstein is an excellent general purpose suspension that is reliable and durable. They will last as long as your stock shocks as long as you don't do stuff (jump) that it was not designed for.

As far as lifting, 2" is plenty. That little bit of approach and breakover angle gained by the extra inch is not worth the pain of aftermarket UCAs in my opinion.

What very few will admit is off roading is 90% driver, 10% truck.
Good luck!