First Post (3rd gen suspension on 2nd gen)

Hello, first post here.. I have a 2006 Tacoma access cab with a flatbed on it, and am going to put a steel winch bumper on the front. I am looking for an affordable entry point to upgrade my suspension, with possibly a lift or level. (Currently my stock suspension is shot, and my leaf springs are bagged out with the flatbed installed)
I found a 2022 Tacoma SR suspension setup available or a 2020 TRD Sport also for sale.
I've read the lift benefits of the 2020 TRD sport, but I'm curious if anyone knows how that would compare to the 22 SR.
Only obvious benefit to the 22 SR I can see is that it's 2 years newer suspension parts..
Thanks!

 

The only thing you will get with a 3rd gen suspension is a 1" lift in the front. The rear will be in the same state it is now.Look at your leaf springs in that picture, the are completely smoked and overloaded.n You need some seriously stout suspension if you're running around like that and adding a bumper. probably an HD leaf pack in the rear and 650-700 lb springs up front. Could do bilstein 5100 shocks

 

In order to get the 1" or so lift you have to find TRD Off Road, the yellow Bilstein ones. The Sports (blue) and SR (black I think?) won't give you any lift.

I got 3rd gen TRD OR suspension on my RC, great budget option but keep in mind that they're still a "stock suspension", don't go crazy with the expectations and you'll be happy with them. They might not be the best option for this application though.

 

Well I know the rear springs are toast, they were before I put the flatbed on. But I am not even at max payload.. couldn't I do the TRD Pro suspension with an add a leaf? I'm not that worried about lift, more so leveling it out.

 

I found these

 

I'd suggest spending some money and buying slightly heavier duty shocks and springs. You'll just eat those oem parts in a year or 2 with that kind of load. Plus it will still drive like trash.

I'd do a heavy leaf pack from a local company. Many leaf spring shops have tacoma leaf springs ready to go and you can get them to add a leaf to match the set.

Somewhere like this https://gittspring.com/contact-us/

Match that with a bilstien 5100 in the rear or a kyb gas-a-just. Something better than factory.

Or run airbags on those 2nd hand springs. https://www.sdtrucksprings.com/fire...5-2022?zenid=0ee3e1e9462f4a886c13419ec2f500a3

 

I think you can find it cheaper tbh

 

Get yourself some Dobinson EL-113R's for the rear. Your leaf springs are hurting bad with that steel flatbed

 

Hello everyone! thanks for the input.
I found a set of TRD Bilstein take offs with 8k miles on them locally, that came with a 1" spacer lift kit and an add a leaf on the rears.
I also picked up some airbags for free that came off a first generation toyota pickup truck. I am hoping that will be enough of an upgrade to handle the weight of the flatbed, toolboxes, and winch bumper.
My newest concern is my UCA's. I am wondering if you guys think that with the TRD 3rd gen suspension with an estimated 3/4 inch of lift and the lift kit (1" presumably?" I would assume my lift from stock will sit at under 2".
It seems the general rule of thumb is that over 2" lift you need after market UCA's, so I will be right on the cusp...
Is it worth the risk or should I invest in the UCA's now?

Thanks

 

Wouldnt that spacer give you 2" of lift?

 

Hello everyone,
I ended up being able to fit those 3rd Gen coilovers in using the 3rd Gen UCAs without needing to upgrade them. And I have since mounted the winch bumper (no winch installed yet)
My new hurdle is that I added boxes to the steel flatbed, and am planning to add a camper top to the bed as well... with all that I am sitting at max payload. The rear is in serious need of another suspen upgrade. I am wondering if anyone has a recommendation for a HD spring, I will also be adding the airbags and boxing the frame.

Thanks!