New guy questions: Tire size, 5100's, painting stock rims?

Just bought an 05 Taco (very excited as I've wanted one forever). White 4 door with 2 wheel drive. Before you chastise for not using the search function... I have, and have read a ton of what you guys posted.

1st - I would like level it out, take away the factory rake. From reading it looks like a set of 5100's up front is in order (instead of a spacer). Does this require anything other than an installation and an alignment? Will steering geometry get messed up? Will the ball joints or anything be affected? Tire lean? I'm just looking for added issues that I might have missed.

2nd - Tire size. It needs new tires. Of course I would like larger tires but... like with the 5100's I don't want to cause unforeseen issues.

3rd - Wheels. I don't like the look of the stock silver wheels with the white. I would rather have black or grey metallic. Any issues with painting the stockers? I know I'll have to buy the right materials and do great prep work, just don't want to do all that for something that will flake and chip off regardless of how well the DIY'r does it.

Thanks in advance from a proud first time Taco guy!

 

1) 5100's will level it out with the right sized springs but a cheaper option would be to throw suspension from a 3rd gen up there. If you decide to replace the fronts with 5100's I'd do the rear as well - they can be had for under $150
2) you can fit up to 265/85r16 without rubbing issues. Bigger and you'll need
3) you sure can! there are quite a few members who have painted their stock steel or alloy rims.


The search function on the site is pretty hit or miss. Mostly miss. I use google to search tacomaworld. In the google searchbar, type site:tacomaworld.com followed by what you want to search

example: site:tacomaworld.com painting rims

 

What's the deal with the 3rd Generation suspension for a leveling lift? Is it a direct bolt on? Which of the two (5100 or 3rd Gen swap) has the better ride? I'm good with spending less as long as I'm not creating a problem down the road.
Thanks for the reply and info.

 

I don’t know 1 and 2 but 3 I have experience at. I chose to plasti dip (Napa brand) mine with the tires on. What I regretted was reading the directions. They said that overspray will peel off-false. I’m still driving with mine on the tires. At least I painted them black...
Anyway I don’t have any chipping or wear that I have noticed in a years time. But I will use cards next time to catch the overspray. When I do it again, hopefully by the end of the month I’ll post pics of how I do it. Easy and only takes about an hour and $40.

 

I rolled around on painted stockers for a while. Used Duplicolor wheel paint with good results. Just prep em well.

 

Those look good! For whatever reason I just don't like the factory silver on my white truck. There is some bubbling on the wheels so I'm sure prep work will require more than just a good cleaning and scratch, but it will be worth it in the end.

Never mind the question about swapping in 3rd Gen parts, I did a google search like suggested and found tons of stuff out there.

Thanks guys!

 

Those were super bubbled and corroded. As long as you get rid of all the corrosion and dance, they’ll turn out well.

 

Do you remember what color you painted those? What it was called?

 

I realize it's a generation thing, but those wheels look like someone got paint from Wal-mart & vandalized a pretty nice looking set of wheels. Please understand, I was a kid a long long time ago.

 

Graphite or anthrecite is the color I believe

 

We may be closer in age than you realize... I think Cragar SS's belong on everything! But... I don't have the drive to buy new and the factory wheels aren't chrome, they are silver. In my opinion there isn't much cheaper looking than painted silver.

 

Thanks!