OME vs. Fox vs. Toytec vs. Bilstein

Hey guys/girls...

I have a 2019 Taco DCSB and looking to lift. I'm in Colorado and planning on primarily overlanding. While I understand there is going to be some rock climbing now and again, or perhaps more frequently, but I don't plan on seeking out really tough rock features. Also, do plan to install a minimal front bumper w/ bull bar and winch!

So, considering one of the above. With install, I would like to stay within $4k.

Suggestions...input would be appreciated!!

Thanks!!

 

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/s...OME_Dakar_Leaf_Packs_-_05__Toyota_Tacoma.html if I had the money I'd go with this

 

For $4k, you pretty much open to the high end stuff.
You forgot ADS, Elkien (spelling?), King, Icon and Radflo.
With that kinda budget, I wouldn’t even look at Bilstein or OME or toytec.
I have 2.5s with remote Resi + compression adj all custom tuned specifically for my weight, configuration and driving feedback by Radflo themselves for a little under $4k.

 

That setup would keep me within/around the $4k price including install??

 

Depends but it’s on the edge. I high end shock setup is about $2300 add in UCA and a decent leaf pack and that’s another $1200-$1500 and install will probably be another $1500

Suspension is pretty easy, can try installing yourself to save some cash.

I have no idea what you mean by overlanding but a cheaper OME, Bilstein setup etc will likely suffice

 

So, $4,500ish. If this is that much better of a setup, worth the cost!

 

It depends on your definition of overlanding. Is it worth it? Yes absolutely. Will you actually take advantage of it? Depends on how you drive your truck, it could be completely wasted.

 

Planning a trip from MOAB to Flagstaff to Overland Expo, all off-road/overlanding as well as seeing much of Colorado and Utah offf-road. Not sure all of that qualifies as "overlanding"? Point is, I guess, is that I don't intend to seek out really aggressive rock crawling features. But, I kow that also comes with the territory (No pun intended!!). And, probably better to have more than necessary in the event I find myself in a situation!!??

 

Or look into OME BP-51s as well, that setup is beautiful.

 

Actually watching a video on that setup as we "speak"!!

 

I'd check out Elka, https://us.elkasuspension.com/produ...ta-tacoma-4x4-2005-to-2019-2-in-to-3-in-lift/
Then you have money for some SPC UCAs, Headstrong has special pricing if you PM them.

 

So overlanding is a pretty loaded word these days and pretty much means I like to build my truck to look cool for Instagram and overpay for low quality camping products, kidding, don't worry, I initially bought in as well but you can go over-landing in a Subaru Impreza if you wanted to.

Being frank, you can pretty much overland now with the stock suspension. I drove all over UT, AZ, and CO on the stock suspension to include rock-crawling trails, my suspension became more of a risk factor when I started adding significant amounts of weight and only then did I upgrade.

People upgrade for difference reason and with different components. OME, Bilstein etc use struts in the front with blocks, AAL or leaf packs for the rear. Your higher end shocks are typically larger 2.5, have better valving, offer remote reservoirs and adjusters, and are adjustable for specific ride heights. People typically pair these with leaf packs in the rear.

OR you can go crazy and install hammer hangers, rear shock relocation, bed cages, etc.

Bilstein, OME, Toytec ect will give you a little extra performance offering mild lifts with good overall performance. It really depends on what you need, how much weight are you carrying, do you like to drive fast over g-outs, whoops or are you crawling.

 

This 100%

Plenty of other places to put that extra money on that truck instead of a higher end suspension you might not need.

Have they fixed their valving issues? Or are they still doing the great customer service thing of replacing the shocks as much as you want, but they blow out.

 

Wheelers off-road has 15 percent off Icon suspension now, ICON15SALE is coupon code.

 

So, no bombing over trails! I already did wheels and tires, so I have to life just so that I don't rub and bottom out the tires. I am going to do rooftop tent on topper as well as Dometic fridge a a few other additions which will require increase in payload capacity. I don't want/need to do Stage 9 Icon just for the sake of having it. I prefer to have a capable truck with minimal - if that's possible - maintenance/repair.

 

So lifting won't help with either of the situations, if you rub now you will rub while lifted and maybe worse which is likely attributed to your tire and wheel choice and possibly your alignment.

An RTT with a topper and fridge is about 400 lbs, assuming you add gear and some other stuff you are looking at 500-600 not including any armor which will need a decent leaf pack, Deaver, Dobinson. Dakars may be ok but there are mixed reviews on them with heavy loads.

The Stage 9 kit looks neat from a marketing perspective but Icon are digressive shocks, have issues with leaking and customer service and you don't need delta joints or billet UCA. I good set of JBA or SPC will work just fine.

You might be able to get away with a Bilstein or OME setup, but a lot of people upgrade later because they want/need better performance. Also look into Dobinson as they are well respected internationally @Crikeymike

 

Bilstein 8112 With 650Lb springs for the bumper and winch in the front,
8100's with Icon RXT in the back.


Better ride than a Raptor or a ZR2, both on and off road....
Lot of really nice built in features than means you don't need to worry about hydraulic bump stops or limit straps...
You would not know it's the same truck.

 

Okay, all good information! I don't want to upgrade later, would prefer to do it right the first time. I don't have any rubbing now on street, but the trail would change that, I believe!? I went to a 17" wheel and a 275/70/17 trying to not get too carried away. I'm pretty new to all this, so trying to come in conservative while allowing for some capability.

 

try looking into this, was on sale for $3000 for the whole set up

 

You also have to think about the Offset and backspace of the wheel itself when it comes to rubbing.
If you don't have weight now, you will need to change your suspension again or at least upgrade the springs when you start adding. I went with the more expensive route and change my suspension for the second time.