Looking for Ideas on what I can do for my 07 Tacoma Double Cab SR5

Ok, so I have been searching around all sorts of threads of what people have done to their Tacoma's as far as lifting and new wheels and tires are concerned. Currently I have installed factory 16" wheels with P245/75. I have been thinking of different scenarios such as sticking with stock height and just getting max sized tires for my current wheels, upgrading to 17" wheels and tires to fit stock height and lastly, lifting 2" and getting 265/70/R17.

Here is my situation. I just moved to Utah and plan on doing a lot of camping and fishing. Some areas I plan on visiting will obviously require some off road driving but I would avoid any terrain that is to crazy. I don't plan on doing any hardcore "Off Roading" like some do. I do plan on buying a RV Trailer to haul around eventually as well. The current tires I have are close to needing replacement and so is my braking system .

I am not one that just wants to go out and buy something because it looks cool (maybe just a little bit), I want to be more practical in this case. I am welcoming any thoughts or opinions that might help me decide on what I want to do.

 

Have you looked here?

2nd Gen Tips, Mods & More

 

SAS

 

Ya I searched a ton of forums and have read all three scenarios of people who are specifically looking to perform and I am leaning towards lift and new wheels BUT with the scenarios laid out was hoping to hear what others thought.

 

Are you on the original suspension? If so, look for takeoff front shocks and springs from a 3rd gen Tacoma. That'll give you about 1" of lift up front. As for tires, if you're getting a travel trailer I'd suggest avoiding E rated tires to help keep your tire weight down and wouldn't go above a 265/75/16 (or 265/70/17 if you go up a wheel size). Also, that size will fit on a non-lifted Tacoma with factory wheels or you could pair them with aftermarket wheels.

 

StickyTaco, Yes all is stock right now. Will doing that essentially be "leveling kit" type of scenario? Is that what you did to yours? Also, just to be clear, which will fit a non-lifted? 265/75/16 or 265/70/17?

 

265/75/16 is the same overall size as a 265/70/17...both will fit on a stock height truck. The 3rd gen suspension swap is popular because you can find takeoffs cheap. Another inexpensive option would be 5100s...they can be set at stock height or adjusted to give a bit of lift up front to 'level' the truck.

I'm lifted a bit with Fox coilovers and Dakar leaf springs...less than 2" of lift with all the extra weight on my truck. I run 265/75/16s because I tow and didn't want to sacrifice towing performance for an additional half inch of ground clearance that a 33" tire would provide (that's what skid plate are for ).

 

Thanks for that. I just went camping this weekend and had some popping noises from right suspension so likely gonna have to swap those out. I think at this point I am leaning towards lift.

 

Well ended up having some problems. With grinding feeling, noises, popping and vibrations oh my! So ended up my right wheel bearing was bad. Had a shop do the work on that one $600+. They also noticed my shocks were bad so had those replaced and since I was there had them level it, $1100. Then right after that started feel grinding again on the steering wheel and pedals, replaced drivers side wheel bearing and both rotors and pads but this time I went to Harbor Freight and bought all the tools to do it myself now and in the future, $400+. Still having the grinding and with some help in these forums it seems it is common to have to change out the Needle Bearing after lifts so that is my next project to get rid of the grinding. Hopefully after that I can start saving for my new tires. Gonna end up getting 265/75/16s in likely Cooper Discoverer ATP or Pathfinder ATs. Both are really affordable with excellent ratings.