Rock Crawling with leveling kit - Assistance required

Good afternoon TW,

First post, be gentle.

I'm currently in the process of remodeling my 1999 Access cab into a more capable rock crawler and I am in need of some suspension help. I've searched the forums and a lot of it is greek to me as I'm not sure of all the pieces in play here.

Right now I have a 2.5 leveling kit with an aal.

Wants:
1. Good travel for rock crawling
2. Strength to hold up all the steel i'm bolting to the bumpers, sliders, skids
3. Comfortable/smooth road travel

Questions:
1. Should I put in "non" lift shocks/springs and keep leveling kit or scrap the leveling kit all together with a new suspension?
2. What types of suspensions are suited for rock crawling?

Overall strength and relability are paramount for my intended uses.

I know there are some great idea's out there. Lets get them giong!!!!

Thank you

 

If you're going serious with it and dont have a budget, this \/ \/

 

remove leveling kit and use as a paperweight. it has no place in rock crawling.

 

Since you sound new to this I vote you get a 3" lift with new suspension, others know more about this than I and they will chime in.
The Solid Axle Swap is a great idea but I think you learn more by building up to that point and time. Wheel your IFS truck until you max out it and your ability then move to a SAS. Just my $.02

 

This ^

My OME suspension does well on the rocks. It's a good, reliable, and inexpensive way to get started.

 

Agreed, remove sway bar for maximum wheel travel.

 

For starters, take a look at JLee's build. Short of SAS, he has fabbed up quite a capable rig so far.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-builds/114345-jlees-build.html

 

This. OP you want to play in the rocks? Get armor. Sliders, skids, bumpers. I went with coilovers up front to "level" it out after I got my bumper. I already had sliders and then got skids and a rear bumper. I am still stock in the back but its not hindering me enough to change it.

Also a locker and some 33s would help.

 

Armor and lockers are the way to go. Then lift/suspension and tires. Shortly after that Gears. After you master all of that and need more do a SAS. Next up would be a truggy of sorts but by is time you'll know what you need and want, and will be teaching us a few things.