Which Coil with 5100's and Progressive AAL

Ok, I'll probably get flamed for this, because it's one of my first posts, but I've been a long time lurker on here and other Tacoma Off Road sites for years, and I've done a lot of research to make sure I'm doing the best and most reliable upgrades I can to this truck. I've searched for hours and even days on here, and other sites to get the best answers regarding this and other questions.
I recently traded my '06 Access Cab in for a '15 DC SR5 4X4. I had a Toytec spacer lift and TSB on the '06, and it rode like sh*t and had binding issues at full lock, so I don't want to do that again, ever. I'm an avid hunter, shooter and hiker, so most of my off roading is in farm fields and fire roads, though I wouldn't mid getting out to Rausch Creek (PA) in the Spring. I like my trucks to ride like trucks. I didn't buy a pickup to have it ride like a Caddy, and if my Wife or Mother tells me the truck rides nice, that means its soft. I like a sporty, controlled ride without losing my fillings over bumps or feeling like I'm driving on a cloud. I plan to run 265/75-16 Cooper AT3s.
I love the idea of an Icon Stage 1 setup with Camburg BJ UCAS and a progressive leaf pack AAL, but I am hesitant to pull the trigger because I'm in the salt belt (Delaware) and the idea of rebuilding (and losing road time) vs. replacing shocks is bothering me, even though I have full, anytime access to a shop (though not one familiar with C/O rebuilds). So after repeatedly talking myself out of the IVD setup, I'm leaning more towards 5100's and a Eibach or OME coil, while retaining the Camburg UCAs and progressive AAL. I'd rather not preload the coil at all if possible, and the only spacer I want to use is the 1/4" DS spacer for taco lean.
I'd like the truck to be as level as possible without "bro lean", so my question is this:
Which coil (885, 887 or Eibach 2.5), and why?
Or am I just insane for not pulling the trigger on the Icon Stage 1?
Also, what are the thoughts on running hub-centric 1.25" spacers (on stock OR rims) to widen the stance a bit?

A preemptive thanks to all who help me out on this one, and a sorry for those who are tired of hearing what sounds like the same question for the 3,873rd time...

 

Which coil (885, 887 or Eibach 2.5), and why? Eibach. 5100's are not designed to handle the OME coils. If you want OME coils, get OME shocks.

Also, what are the thoughts on running hub-centric 1.25" spacers (on stock OR rims) to widen the stance a bit? As long as you go with a quality brand; Spidertrax, Bora or All-Pro, you should be ok. NEVER go cheap:
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/wheels-tires/59184-had-wheel-spacer-break-me-tonight.html

 

Lots of ppl run 5100's and ome springs with no ill side effects. Only thing recommended is to keep your 5100's and 0 setting.

Also do not forget there is 2 types of toytec/eibach springs..
1.6" 650lb spring
2.5" 600lb spring

Either setup you can achieve a full 3" along with the .5" spacer you mentioned.

I cannot speak about too much on ome springs.The 885's are a 590lb spring rate I believe.

 

This chart would probably help with OME spring rates

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886's are designed for a bumper/winch. 887's are designed just like the 885's but slightly longer to give you a full 3 inches without having to stack spacers on top. but the 885 and 887 share the same spring weight of 590#.

 

Thanks for the replies! The chart is perfect. I think my ultimate question is which coil, without preloading with spacers, is going to give me the closest-to-level lift, and best overall ride quality with the progressive AALs?

 

but my .02, Iv been running 885x on 5100s for a couple of years with no problems. I feel there is many many miles left on the shock itself. I was getting 2.5 inches prior to ARB and about 1.85 - 2 inches after ARB install. just enough to give it a deal level stance without any lift in the rear.

 

well as long as you keep your stock front bumper id about put money on it that the 887x will give you the desired amount of lift in the front to be level (set at 0")with a progressive leaf. are you wanting to keep your overload leaf in the rear or remove?

and as for the wheel spacers, spidertrax is the way to go. good tried and true. iv been running the same set for like 6 years. (currently on OR wheels)

 

how much rake are you getting with your current setup?

 

Burghlar, How's the ride?

Rooster, The plan was to remove the factory OL leaf to keep the ride from being too harsh in the rear, but I'm willing to keep it if it's not going to beat me up. What's your $0.02? 887 with the OL leaf and 885 w/o?

 

I am not saying people don't or that you can't. I am fully aware that you can and people do. What I am simply saying is that I would rather used parts together that are designed/valved and built to go together. My money is on the full OME setup lasting longer..

 

The spacers dont technically add any pre load or affect ride. Just lengthens the assembly.

My progressive aal from wheelers (deaver 3 pack). Is pretty harsh with the over load leaf left in. If you remove, remember you loose .5". I chose to keep mine for towing reason and for extra weight in the bed

 

In my opinion, I'd leave it at closer to 2.5" of lift because 265/75r16 are gonna look a little silly to me on a full 3" lift in the front. Even how I'm set up now (5100s at 2.5 setting w/ 1.5" AAL) makes the tires look too small, especially as they wear. If you're really wanting that 3" of lift, go with 285s or 255s.

 

yes. with my stock bumper I had the 885s and a one inch block in the rear. I sat right at .25 inches higher in the front. I didn't want to go 1.5 progressive because then id be around .25 to .50 higher in the rear. but its up to you. but as far as the harsh ride in the rear with the OL leaf I personally don't think it will effect you ride much since it don't make contact until your leafs are at a negative arch.

 

So what I'm taking from all of this is that 885's and the progressive AAL with the OL leaf removed from the stock leaf pack should be pretty close (within an inch) to level, without being nose-high, and it shouldn't be so much lift that it looks silly with 265/75-16's.

Which Progressive AAL do you guys suggest? Icon? Deaver? Wheelers?

And as far as the 265/285/255 debate goes, I'm with you. I definitely don't want to be so high that the 265's look ridiculous, but I also don't want to totally kill my gas mileage or have to start chopping cab mounts and plastic. I had 265/75's on my Access cab with 2.5 in front and a TSB. It looked pretty good until the TSB settled... Then I was nose-high and really pissing off the oncoming traffic.

 

Bingo! from my past research wheelers seemed to be the best bang for your buck. and also if you stick with only 2.5 inches there is a less chance you will have to purchase aftermarket UCAs, (but always suggested)

 

Awesome!! You guys have been a great help! Thanks for not beating up on the noob! Now to price it all out and kill the stock Dunflops (worst tires EVER) to the point where I don't feel bad getting rid of them!

Purchase list will be as follows:
OME 885's
5100's f/r
1/4" DS spacer
Camburg BJ UCA's (w/ Moog BJs)
Wheelers progressive AAL
SpiderTrax 1.25" spacers
265/75-16 Cooper AT3's

What're your thoughts on a diff/carrier drop or rear axle shims with this setup?

 

Don't spend the money or the time. The diff drop doesn't necessarily drop the front diff it just rotates it at an angle where internal parts that need to be lubricated don't get lubricated causing even more damage.

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

If you really want one as a just-in-case, I will sell you mine just pay shipping.

 

For me, the Bilstein/OME debate comes down to my preference for the on-road responsiveness of a high-pressure monotube shock design vs the OME low pressure, dual-tube design, and the digressive valving in the 5100. From what I can tell, the 5100's should offer better on-road performance, and equal off-road performance to the OME.

 

Perfect!! Thanks for all the help gentlemen!