Newbie- help with Suspension lift decisions- 3rd Gen TRD Sport

Hi there,

I am new to the Tacoma world. Finally got my Taco after years and years on my wish list. I, by no means, have a lot of knowledge when it comes to mods so needing help from everyone on selecting the best suspension lift for my needs. Please forgive the lengthy message but I feel it is important to share full story of the shops, different recommendations, etc so you can guide me in best direction.

I have read SOOOO much on tons of threads but still a little confused as to what is best for me. I think I read too much and am mixed up lol. I am sure it’s out there somewhere but I haven’t found discussions with my exact set up of 285/70/17 Nitto Ridge Grappler, Fuel Vapor 17x9 -12 offset (I’ll explain that hot mess in a minute). My Taco is a Sport w/2WD 6 cyl auto. I do not off-road but maybe couple times a year and when I do, it is nothing major. Camping, slight rough terrain in the country where my family lives, etc.

I want to have a nice, smooth ride on road since this is my daily driver but also have the ability to drive in semi rough terrain like for camping, dirt roads, and family farm with some dips and muddy holes. I LOVE 3” lift but in reality, from everything I’m reading, 2-2.5” is the best fit without getting into too much mods and cost- that is if I understood correctly. I felt like Bilstein 5100 was best option at first, but many are saying it is not a very smooth ride and to consider 6112/ 5160 set up.

So, here is what I have been through with trying to mod but having issues. I was referred to a shop that “specializes” in lifts here in Waxahachie, TX where I live. To what I understood, they are professionals and do nothing but lifts etc. I talked with owner and told him I wanted to upgrade my tires and wheels as well as look at suspension lift options. He suggested rough country which was an immediate no for me based off of the many negative reviews. I told him I was interested in Bilstein, maybe 5100 and would also love to do 285/70/17 IF it would fit without major mods like CMC. I also asked if I would need to upgrade UCA with the bigger tires and also to get correct alignment. He said as long as I go with a 17x9 -12 offset wheel, I will not hit cab mount and don’t need UCA or alignment, but if it does need alignment, they will take care of it. Seemed odd to not need alignment but I thought, well, these guys are professionals and do this every day.

Bilsteins were on backorder so I waited until they came in. Then they called two weeks later and said they were in. Dropped truck off. They put tires and wheels on then called me and said bilsteins weren’t in like they thought so they put roughcountry on temporarily until bilsteins come in. I was NOT happy. When I went to get my truck, all that was on my truck were $40 spacers on the front. My steering wheel was waaaay off due to alignment. They said I need to take truck to a muffler shop they use for alignments. I had no idea I had to do this and was not happy. I thought they did alignment themselves. Took truck next day to alignment shop, 20 min later they were done which was odd to me that they completed so quickly. Truck still pulls to the right pretty hard. I told them and they said it was my tires because steering wheel was centered (it is not centered still). Went to back to lift shop, told them what alignment shop said, and they said no, take to dealer to align. They said it was common for muffler shop to have issue with alignments on lifted trucks. I WAS PISSED. Why the hell would they use them if they aren’t good with lifts????? So, I called Dealer and they said they will only set to factory specs and with my setup, they won’t work.

I decided to take to All Off Performance in North Richland Hills, an hour away, have them look at it and get opinion on everything. They told me they would have recommended a 17x8.5 with 0 offset wheel instead and the current wheel set up is making rubbing worse. He looked at front end with me turning the wheels hard left and hard right. He showed me that I’m EXTREMELY close to cab mount and may have to do a CMC. That concerned me but he assured me they do them all the time and it is very safe. There is just something that makes me nervous when you mod to that degree. I know a lot of guys on here do CMC but that is last resort for me.

So, his recommendation was the Bilstein 5100 front and back, adding block in the rear so I’m properly level (I want rear even or slightly higher than front), another alignment, and possibly cmc if still rubbing. I don’t like the idea of a block in the rear but I’m not hauling anything heavy typically. If I do decide to haul something of significant weight, will the block be an issue?

I also wonder if I should get UCA due to the larger tires, regardless if I only go 2-2.5”. I just don’t want to tear up my truck that I busted my rear to finally get.

Again, I’ve read so much but hoping you guys will look at my specific situation and give me some advice. Which wheels should I be running with 285/70/17 P metric Nitto Ridge Grappler. Also, I don’t have to do Bilstein, but thought it was great option for the price. I love ICON, Fox, and King as well but not sure I can afford them or even need them for what I am doing with my truck. OME I’m hearing mixed reviews, mainly about rear AAL crapping out quickly. I really want to stay at or under $2,500 with installation if at all possible.

All Off Perf shop- $1285-$1450 for everything with labor.

Waxahachie shop- $700 with labor (no rear block or cmc) NOT using them but giving price for reference.

Thank you all so much for taking the time to read this. Please don’t brow-beat me. I’m brand new and obviously have a ton to learn

 

285s are gonna probably rub without a CMC. I would plan on it if you want to run 285s, that's just the way it is. I'd also run from a shop that tells you that 285s won't rub, or tries to push RC or spacers. Rear block spacers are more sketch than fronts IMO, but I don't care for spacers anywhere. I don't know that OME makes an AAL for the stock pack. The OME

$44 EL46XL EXTRA LEAF SPRING

EL46XL AAL is for the OME leaf packs. Look at Headstrong, Deaver, or Icon AAL if you don't go with a full pack. I run 6112/5160 and really like them, but 5100s should be fine. OME Nitros and coils are another option. If you stay at ~2" lift up front, you may be ok without UCAs. I could use them at 2" for a better alignment, but that's up to you. They would help clear 285s though (still most likely need CMC).

 

Rear blocks are sketch because they add distance between the spring perch on the axle and the spring, allowing room for things to go wrong. That's an area where you don't want things to go wrong. I would go with 5100s, and AAL of your choice. I run 255/85r16s to have a skinny 33 that doesn't rub and doesn't need a CMC. You won't find any P metrics in that size though, probably only E rated LTs. If you go with 285s, I would get some SPC UCAs to allow more adjustment to move the wheel forward - less cab mount to have to chop. 255s have done really well for me off road, so I'm sticking with them until I move to 35s and chop and hammer everything.

 

Amanda post up in your regional thread and ask for recommendations for a shop and which direction to go from here. I’m sure there’s plenty of peeps in Texas with the knowledge. Just need to find them. This is the forum for that

 

Forgive me.but what is cmc

 

Cab Mount Chop

 

Thank you so much. Very helpful information!

 

I agree on the blocks. I just can’t understand why a off-road performance shop would recommend rear blocks. My gut said that was not a good idea.

Do you have any recommendations for AAL? Trying to make smart decisions the first time and I’ve already messed up there. Scary how many shops that “specialize” in off-road suspension systems are not giving the best advice.

definitely doing UCA’s, especially since I have to do CMC now. Less cutting will make me feel a little better about my tire advice and selection from the shop. Tires and wheels are already purchased and on my truck so can’t change it now.

Thank you for all the help!

 

I say get a full leaf pack op! Maybe OME Med pack or even HD! Med would give you a 2inch lift

 

I would also (and did) go with a full pack. The Dakars are ok (but noisy), Deaver would be better. If cost is an issue, go with an Icon or Deaver AAL. I went Dakar medium pack, but I don't think they support enough weight. I have the AAL on the way to make a heavy pack. Have to take them back off and add the leaf though, so that sucks.

 

Put on some decent tires and drive it stock for awhile. Then you'll know what you really need.

G.

 

Can anybody comment on the right wheel offset for the 3rd gens with 33" tall tires?

 

If you’re doing 255’s, 25. If you’re going wider, that’s a tough call because you’re not likely to get by without rubbing somewhere.

 

For the love of God, make a sticky for these thread please...

 

It gets better. I got an answer and still don't know. What does 25. mean ?

 

25 = 25mm offset. The stock OffRoad wheel can usually handle a 255/85/16 without rubbing. Usually, according to the collective posts in here. If you’re using a wider wheel, all bets are off.