Suspension Advice Needed

O.K., since we have lots of helpful folks here and I’m looking to only do this once... here goes:

I have a ~stock ‘18 OR DCLB that gets 80-90% highway duty and 10-20% mud, farm road, timber trails, sand, low hills driving. I had an SR5 and liked the handling a bit more for my main use. I thought I would compromise and settle on exchanging the front struts/springs and rear shocks with a Sport and swap in the thicker SR5 sway bar.

I’m finding a lot of OR parts, but not much of what I’m looking for without getting pricey (w/shipping). So, I’m thinking about alternatives, since the costs put me in “do it from new” territory. I also really can’t follow most builds because the purposes are different.

What should I consider for a Highway King with part time low impact off-road duties?

 

Bilstein 5100 on all corners with Dakar leaf packs.

 

I see this ALOT, but it’s mostly a recommendation for rock crawlers. So, I’m not so sure a leaf pack is necessary? I don’t usually haul much on those road miles (unless light or TWE) and the ass end doesn’t give me too much issue. Most hauling is in town. What makes the 5100s such a strong recommendation?

 

The 5100's are adjustable up to 2 1/2" of lift. If your going to lift your truck, you'll want to use springs in the rear to accomplish the lift. If you're going to adjust the 5100's to stock height then you won't need them.

By the way, my truck in my profile is lifted using BP51's. So don't use it as an example of what your 5100's will look like.

 

If you lived close to me Id swap my sport equipment for your OR. I Personally prefer the handling of the Offroad suspension

 

That’s a good note, I should have mentioned that I’m not looking for lift or increased tire size. I’ll move to 17” when I find the TSS rims I’m looking for, but will put a stock size moderate tread, since - highway.

For the vintage folks... remember when small rims were all the rage? 12”

 

I think relatively small is coming back in the trend. At least on trucks.
My 08 sport had 20s on it. I wouldn't dream that such a ludicrous wheel size could go on my 18.

 

I’m the only highway king on TW? Hard to believe...
I guess Sport/SR5 wins.
Anyone in GulfSouth with low mileage want to swap?

 

Mine's not lifted but I've researched this a lot. The bilsteins and their adjustable lift up to 2.5 means that you can keep it stock height and still upgrade your suspension. The stock OR bilsteins are just non adjustable 5100s and the pros are non adjustable shocks but with 1" of lift.

If you're in the south, someone in the georgia for sale has a full OR suspension for sale for $450.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/georgia-classifieds.283267/page-80#post-19329376

 

Not looking to trade but gulf south?

I been thinking I may need to raise my ass end up after the cap

 

I appreciate the info, but I currently have a stock OR and am looking for more street.
From what you’re saying, I won’t really gain anything by going 5100 other than lift adjustments, which I have no current plans to utilize. I definitely appreciate the input!

 

Gulf South is a term for the area along the Gulf of Mexico. I’m referring to lower LA/MS/AL, but would certainly expect those from lower TX and panhandle FL to consider themselves same.

 

Gotcha, I’m in the panhandle

 

@NoOne Is this your local region
https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/south-central.48/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/louisiana.129/

 

I make it that way on occasion, but usually only once/twice a year.

I follow the Louisiana one, but the activity is thin. The other would be more northern LA, since AR/MS... which explains the name “central”. I do look at the AL forum too, but it gets a more northern following as well (TN/GA, Huntsville, Birmingham).
I mentioned to OPs about a new forum, but they said the plan was to move to statewide instead of regional forums.

I’m starting to do a lot more suspension reading than I had hoped for. It is starting to look like just replacing the front shocks with 3rd Gen 5100s and stock springs might slow the nose. Also, going SR5 sway will stiffen the roll (which was my original thoughts). Unfortunately most info seems to indicate I may pick up an 1” of lift, which will look stupid. If so, I’ll be buying rear to attempt to offset. Might just do all around to compensate. Starting to read more about other brands/types and springs/rates. Getting a new education...