Need Suspension Recommendations

This might be a lengthy post, but any responses are greatly appreciated, as I am very lost.

I bought a new Taco around a month ago from a small dealer who did not know anything about the vehicle, and was especially clueless about the suspension. The truck is a Red 2012 SR5 DCLB with around 100k miles. The truck appears to have a 3-3.5 inch lift in the rear and a 1.5 inch lift in the front (measures ~25 inches from hub to fender in the rear, and ~21.5 inches in the front). Although they are very rusted, I can tell that the truck has Old Man Emu shocks in both the front and the rear, but most everything else appears to be stock. I wanted to level the truck out in order to fit some XD Monster wheels from my old truck, and to put some beefier all terrains on it, but I am lost in trying to find a solution that is under or around $900.

Overall, I do not mind the height of the rear, and would prefer to raise the front. In fact, I would not care too much if the rear was still higher than the front in the end, so long as I can fit my desired wheel and tire setup. I use my bed a lot and tow trailers somewhat frequently, so in the end I can avoid the "bro lean."

My question is what would you guys recommend to meet the goal of raising the front a couple of inches? I had thought about a leveling puck, but my mechanic warned me against using it. I am relatively new to all of this so I would appreciate any help.

Thanks!

 

My driveway has a decline, so this picture more accurately shows the disparity between the front and the rear.

 

Can these OME shocks be set to a higher lift?

 

You could add a spacer above that strut, but that’s about it. 21.5” sounds close to max lift for the front without other issues. I’m at 22” hub to fender on Fox suspension that is adjustable. I stopped there for two reasons-1) it keeps enough available down travel on the strut, and 2) the inner cv boot fins are not rubbing by being over angled. 2nd gen 4wds are not big fans of 3” front lift without causing cv issues and being maxed on shock travel. If you add a spacer, a 1/4” space on the strut will give you 1/2” at the wheel.

 

Honestly your setup is exactly what I run (OME sports & 884s in the front, OME sports in the back), and looks the same too arse in the air. But I am running the Dobinson HD leafpack, This is the look I prefer but really for functional reasons, every week gotta hall the scrap metal accumulated at the shop and tow a small car here and here, and a 25' camper... Stiff riding empty but perfect control when loaded.. didn't want to make the front end any higher because when towing heavy I like keeping caster on the side for factory, and this is also having the Dobinson upper arms with extra caster..

so basically love it the way it is, looks and functionality .. IMO

 

Since lift usually doesn't add clearance for tires, maybe folks could help more if you offered the wheel specs and tire size you intend to run.

There is something else happening in the rear too, since shocks don't set ride height. There is something done with the leaf pack. Replacement, big block, add a leaf or some combination.

More pics and more details will help folk help you. We have a suspension forum as well.......

Lowering the rear may be a better solution for the truck. And your wallet.

 

Lifting the front more than 2-2.5" will put your cv angles too extreme resulting in worn components and torn boots. Leave the front at the 1.5" height (better for up/down travel) and lower the rear. What's lifting the rear right now?

 

I bet those shocks need replaced