Upgrading 2nd Gen Suspension - About Time...

Aloha, I've been an avid reader of this forum for many projects to my 2010 4wd V6, however first time posting. I have been having trouble finding a concise guide towards helping me select the right upgrade for my Taco. As is, I've got no lift on it, and it's sitting on 265s and looks nice. The tires are relatively new and in good shape replaced just 2 years ago, so I'd like to make a strong upgrade to the suspension without incorporating too much lift so I don't have to change tires. I've been doing more work with the truck and notice as you push on it, it wobbles back and forth just parked for more than the acceptable one, two, stop. When I jump up in the back you feel your feet shake.

There is almost no rust underneath, but my leaf springs look flat and weak. Figured after 130k miles and a road trip across the country, its time for an upgrade. I was looking at the billstein 5100 front and rear shocks, but wasn't sure about replacing the front coil, or getting a new leaf spring set. Ideally I'd like to re-do the entire suspension on the truck, raise it 1" in the front and back, keeping the nose down a bit as is to accommodate load travel.

If anyone has a build suggestion, or any comments about what else I would need to build from the 5100's, it would be greatly appreciated! I recall years ago i looked into this build before and found a helpful link, however cant seem to find it now. Any information provided is greatly appreciated, mahalo!
NF

 

A good cheap option are 3rd gen suspension. I was able to get a 1in lift in the front. I also swapped out my old 2+1 leaf for the newer 3+1 leaf from a 3rd gen and it gave my back a 0.5in lift. I also added a 1/4 headstrong spacer lift in the front and a 1/2 toytec flat shim in the back. Overall I was able to get 1.5in lift in the front and 1in lift in the back. I like the look and the ride quality alot and it was very cheap. I'm also running 265/75/16.

 

+1 for a great recommendation. Inexpensive, effective and will look good on your truck. If you want to spend more money then 5100s + OME springs + new top hats in front and and OME Medium Dakar in the back also with 5100s is next price category up. If you have made 130K miles on the factory truck I think you will be more than happy with 3rd gen take-offs + small spacers.

It's really easy to get sucked into the "I'll just go a little better spiral" and then you quickly get into much more expensive shocks and more parts (such as UCAs).

 

Thank you for your replies, certainly has given me a better place to start!

I'm putting the list together and would like to hear feedback as to whether I would be missing anything before I get ready to jack up the truck. So far I have the following:

- '16-'20 Front & Rear Billstein 5100s
- OME 2″ Rear Lift Dakar Leaf Springs - I've tried looking for stock suspensions from 3rd gens around online but came up empty... these Dakars are at the top of my price range for sure..... (any insight there would be helpful as well!)

It seems rather straightforward, as the Bilstiens are adjustable to the ride height I'm looking for, which my only concern is making the space for my 265's not look weird. Will step up tire size next time I have to buy if need be.

Big question is the leaf springs don't seem adjustable, as in you put them on and the rear will sit 2" higher. Is that a correct assumption? And with the Bilstien's, I'm able to accommodate up to 2" on both the front and back. As is, the front sits lower, and the entire suspension has 130k miles on it, and the rear springs are rather tired. So if I raise both the front and back bilstiens to 2" to match the leaf spring, the front will still sit lower, correct?

Anybody have experience lifting their Taco 2" and keeping 265's? Or is a step-up to 285's almost expected because it looks weird without it?

Any and all information is greatly appreciated!
Mahalo,
N

 

Hi, 2nd Gen, 265/70-17 K02s, 2" front and rear (pulled the top overload from the medium Dakars). It works for me.

 

One of the reasons I stayed under a 2in lift was because I was afraid my tires were going to look too small and I also didn't want to have to buy new UCAs.

 

Why would you need to buy new Uca’s for just 2inches? Never heard that before..

 

2 inch in the front (5100) everything stock in the back with a 1 inch block... for now. Truck only has 31k miles on it so she ain’t worn out back there yet but I will be putting medium Dakar’s back there this fall with the coinciding rear 5100’s as well.
tires are 265 70 16, Ko2’s. And at this angle I think it gives you a precise idea of what you’re asking yourself.
I’m, personally not over the moon with the look. I have 265 75 16 st maxx arriving Friday going on the truck Tuesday. This will take the tire from 30.6” to exactly a 32”. Am anticipating it will look perfectly proportioned

 

don’t know anyone putting 285’s on a 2 inch lift, unless you’re just driving in a straight line on asphalt. Everyone’s experiences tell me you need at least 2.5” and even 3” having trouble clearing without modding things.

 

Just base on the stuff I've read on this website, any lift 2in or higher might require new UCAs.

 

I have 2 inch lift and 285s and wheel the hell out of my truck I've done all tha cutting needed.

 

Shit son, fuck ya...

 

I did a Fox upgrade last year and I'm really happy with it. No UCA's needed. I did 2.5" coilovers in the front and 2" w/ remote res in the back. The front shocks came set to level the truck. They are adjustable from 0-3" over stock height.

Check out if there are any group buys as it might save some $$$.

The ride quality improvement was immediately noticeable both on road and off road. Lifts are not really needed unless you plan to do rock crawling or something. Off road driving is more about picking a good line than having a lifted truck.