Lift, Air-Bag, Tire Questions

I'm sure these questions have all been covered eleventy billion times, but I've tried the search function and it doesn't work well on my phone. I have a pretty good idea on most of the questions, but I just want to get some confirmation. 85% of this trucks life will be spent on pavement, the other time spent driving on gas roads & through cornfields hunting geese.


I have a 2014 double cab 4wd TRD with a set of Firestone ride-rite air bags on it.

I just ordered an OME 3" front lift with an AAL rear leveling kit & bilstein 5100 rear shocks and have a few questions.

1. I won't be using the truck for any serious off roading, but should I still add the Daystar cradles for the rear air bags?

2. Should 285/70X17 tires fit without rubbing on the stock wheels? Is there enough size difference in the 285/70 compared to the 265/70 to justify the added expense. Are there other sizes that I should consider that are larger than stock, but more popular/cost effective than the 285's

3. How will I know if I need the diff drop kit when I put the lift on? I ordered it with the kit just in case, but I'm not exactly clear how I'll know if I need it? Are there any risks installing it if it isn't 100% necessary?

Thanks for everyone's patience as I'm sure this has been covered to death....like I said....I searched but could get 100% clarification on these topics.

 

If you're 2005+, you won't need the diff drop. Does more harm than good.

 

I bought the cradles when I bought the bags, so I'll just throw them on when I have it lifted.

Why does the diff drop do more harm than good? Not doubting you guys, just trying to understand.

Carrier Bearing Drop looks like I can just make spacers (1/4") to take care of that.

That hunt was one of our better early season hunts. 3 man limit (24 geese) in about 12 minutes in a field, all birds shot on the wing. Collectively we only shot 45 shells to finish it up too.

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/118545-remove-differential-drop-your-05-tacoma.html

It rotates the diff causing internals not to get lubricated as they should.

 

Thank you!

 

happy to help

 

Geekhouse....did i see somewhere that you ran 285s on stock wheels and had rubbing issues with them?

 

I ran 265s on stock rims with a 3" lift for a while. Obviously no rubbing lol

I am running 285s now on 16x8 4.5 backspacing Wheeler's Steelies. Had to do the usual; remove mudflaps and minor trimming for on road rubbing issues. For off road issues, CMC for sure. Still have to take it off pavement and see what else I have trim I'm guessing I'm not done

 

Are your 285s an aggressive tread?

 

The Duratracs are an aggressive AT tire. Very little to now road noise. I hardly notice it.

 

I'm looking at cooper at3s & Bridgestone dueler at revos & I'm wondering if an AT tire will have less rubbing issues on stock wheels than a more aggressive tread pattern.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! Thought I had my wheels & tires picked.....WRONG....called a last minute audible and went with WORX wheels over the pro comps & duratracs over the at3s.

Installing the lift in a heated garage with a lift made all the difference in the world!