$4k to spend on suspension for 2001 PreRunner

So… I’m looking to change the suspension on my 2001 Tacoma PreRunner. It’s on factory suspension I have $4k to spend

 

What is your end goal on your Tacoma? Overland? Update worn out suspension? Mall crawling over the curbs at the local mall? Off roading? Looks like tucking bigger tires?

 

I’m thinking about Off roading it

 

When you say off roading it- do you intend on it being a dedicated trail truck or a daily driver that's capable off road?

Being a pre runner... I'd suggest some Bilstein 5100s all the way around, maybe on the 1st perch (some lift) 1.5" 3 leaf AAL in the rear to level it, new brake lines, LSPV bracket.. and use the rest of your budget to do a 4wd conversion. A lifted 2wd truck is going to get smoked every day of the week by a stock 4wd truck.

 

Have you tried off-roading" it as is? How much off road driving experience do you have?

These trucks, even pre-runners, are perfectly capable "off road" 100% stock.

There are a million ways to spend $4000, but only one is the way that suits your needs and driving style, and is appropriate for your skills.

Hell, you can spend a 1/4 of that and still end up with a truck far more capable than your average novice driver.

 

Ive tried off-roading it but I get a lot of slippage and the stock suspension I have right now is very rough. Like I will go over a pot hole and you feel it pretty bad

 

I live in Florida so there are no mountains , I’m looking to improve the suspension of my truck and the traction. The truck will be driven daily

 

Describe "slippage".

Where have you gone off roading? What type of terrain?

You stock suspension is worn out (especially if it's original). You could go a long way just replacing the shocks. In all likelihood don't need to spend anything close to $4000.

 

I'd suggest a lot of research to not over spend your $4k and know exactly what you want. That being said, you can take the time to look for a used set of coilers, rebuilt them and you'll save yourself some $.

 

Tires and a rear locker if you don't have one already then look for skid plates.

 

$4K? I can help you spend your money.

This: https://camburg.com/shop/suspension...rg-toyota-tacoma-96-king-2-5-performance-kit/

or this: https://camburg.com/shop/suspension...urg-toyota-tacoma-96-fox-2-5-factory-dsc-kit/

 

For your needs? Eh a pair of Bilstein 5100's with stock non progressive springs, rear 5100's and AAL would be around $550 or add some Eibach 620 springs if your springs are shot.

 

Ur gonna skip around in 2WD.
Better tires are first, look at duratracs
Then play with lower tire pressure for better tractions. Take it slow, dont blow 4k on Kings thinking it will solve your issues

 

Having gone on many off-road trails in a Prerunner, both solo or with friends, I will suggest the following in the order listed -

Maintenance, obviously.

Quality tires, and a means of airing down and airing up.

Rear locker, whether it's a rear axle housing swap (complete with 3rd) or aftermarket locker.

With those alone, you will get pretty far I promise you.

Once you have enough experience, then you could look into doing a 4x4 swap which isn't difficult at all really. It's just sourcing the parts that becomes hard.

Do all that before you even dump money on suspension and show people that you can wheel where others are throwing it into 4Hi.

 

New phone so these are just a few old pics.

 

As fun as a prerunner can be off road in the hands of a capable driver (or @Kwikvette for that matter... ), they will always be less capable than a 4x4. Sure, get a locker, but an open diff 4x4 will have more traction and be more capable. Personally, I'd go 4x4 before a locker.

In the end, you'll more than likely end up on one of two tracks: Ending up wanting a 4x4, or going full hog on a long travel desert runner setup. In the 2nd, you can sneeze and throw $15k at your truck. Or spend $15k and get a 4x4 Tacoma. 4x4 swaps are a good option, but as Kwikvette said, the hardest part is finding parts.

IMO, you'll be better severed temping the idea of throwing $4k at your truck's suspension. Some decent replacement shocks (5100s) and just get more seat time for now.

 

Im just saying, ripping down gravel roads in 2wd makes you break traction and flot dangerously a helluva lot more often than in 4wd

 

< $1,000 right here. Wheels and tires and a rear locker should put you at about 4k

 

Was there a prerunner SR5 and TRD (locker)?

You're in Florida? Just need a 6" bracket lift.

If it were me and I had $4k and didn't need 4wd, I'd go Bilsteins, OME springs/leafs, tires and spend the extra $3.47 acquiring the addition 4x4 parts.

 

Prerunner is just a 6 lug without being 4x4.

SR5 is just a trim, just like an LX is basically a stripped down model, and a Limited is the most loaded.

TRD is a package (option).