No lift wanted just your suggestions

I wanted to ask for recommendations for my 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD offroad. It is an access cab, question: I want to replace the front stock coils and replace them with a heavier duty coil that does not provide lift. I replaced my rear shocks recently with Bilstein 5100s with the stock leaf springs. I would like a spring that will allow for a stock ride height but also have increased load capacity because I want to add a bumper and perhaps later a winch. I plan on going with the Bilstein adjustable 5100s in the front also and understand you can set them at 0 lift. If necessary I can adjust them later to compensate for additional weight and understand that may cause a harsher ride and suggestions are appreciated.

 

I too have the same need. My experience with airbags was not good. I’m having them removed. I bought sumo springs and will give them a try (installing them in a couple weeks) and report back in about a month after a towing trip of about 2000 miles. If they doesn’t work I may try to use the roadmaster active suspension which seems to get excellent reviews. Unfortunately, however, it does raise the rear about an inch on a stock Tacoma per the RAS support team. After speaking directly on the phone with somebody from Bilstein I found out that the 4600s are not compatible with even a 1” lift, so I’d have to switch out at least the rear for 5100s. Of course then it’s an even larger rake and then I’d have to change out the front as well and probably use a block. I have not found any replacement springs or any other setup that would not raise the rear. Damn the suspension rabbit hole

 

That's not how it works. At least not with 5100s. The lowest 5100s go is 0 lift with the stock coils. If you use higher rate coils, the weight of the truck can't compress them as much and you get lift. You have to add the weight at the same time as replacing the coils to not get any lift. Or add the weight first and live with the lower ride height until you can replace the coilovers. That's the route I would recommend as it's hard to guess at what coils you will need before hand.

5100s also aren't necessarily adjustable... You have to remove and disassemble them to change the circlip settings. They are re-configurable, but there really is nothing to adjust. And you need a coil compressor to do this. So not exactly a DIY friendly process.

Also, 5100s aren't really the best shocks for additional weight. They are factory replacement shock meant to be used with factory springs. If you put a heavier spring, you get a more violent topout which can damage the shocks. I'm pretty sure you even void the warranty when using anything other than OEM coils with 5100s. 6112s are better suited for additional weight and are also "adjustable" like the 5100s.

 

You should add as much weighty mods first before suspension changes as increasing weight, front or rear, changes your spring needs. I too wanted low as possible with MOD weight.

Also, the heavier 3rd Gen is going to have different stock springs than a 2nd Gen.

 

^^^ THIS
Add all your mods and then contemplate your suspension and lift needs. Unless you desire to constantly change things like I do.

 

I'm on my third suspension setup. Like others have said, either change suspension and hope for the best. Or plan, and have a reputable shop assess and recommend some options.

I have the Icon RXT with AAL, used to overland with RTT, firdge etc, and now I have a small travel trailer instead. If I had skipped a good leafpack, I would be doing it now.

FWIW, I run Elka 2.0 which gave me a 3" lift ultimately. And it kept the ride level.