2012 Tacoma suspension help

Hey all, I bought a used 2012 Tacoma prerunner access cab last year. V6, 2wd., towing pkg, sport pkg, sr5 etc. Just no nav. Truck came with what I am assuming is a leveling kit. Spacer in front and what looks like a block in the rear. Stock springs and shocks. It has 18x10 wheels -24 offset with 285-65-18 tires. No rub what so ever even at full turn. Here's my problem. The ride is completely crap. I have read up a bit on this and have found this type of "lift" is the easy way of doing it. What is the right way? I don't want to go any higher than the height its at. I am assuming I am at a 2in increase. Truck is level front and back. I want to keep the wheels and tires size also. I really want to stay below $1k installed on anything I do. It's a daily driver but want it done right. I plan to install the bags at the rear at some point to avoid the droop when a trailer is attached to pull. Love the truck and maybe I am expecting too much on the ride quality for what it is. Thank you for any help.

- I have read the lift guide on the forum but it has not fully answered my questions on if anything I have already on the truck is of any use.

 

What do you mean by "the ride is completely crap?" Too soft? Too firm? Etc.

 

Also, pics are needed as stated by rock lobster.

 

I wouldn't pay someone to install unless you don't have time to do it. I'm sure a local member could provide tools needed and maybe even a place to do it if you don't have room at your own home.

Labor rates eat into funds pretty quickly, and if the budget is $1000, you should be able do a full front and rear setup WITH airbags and do what you want now instead of later.

Airbags can be had for $290 and installed in your driveway in a few hours. Coils are $160 +/- and 5100s at all four corners would be about $320 or so. Not even close to $1k if you can roll your own.

TW has install write ups on all of those items if you have questions.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ings-on-sale-for-289-19-free-shipping.380638/

Here are bags. $289 free shipping.

5100s front and rear. $319 free shipping.
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/struts-and-coils-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

Coils would be another $160 and found on the same link as the 5100s above.

So you'd be well under $1k and be setup pretty well for the money.

 

Thanks all. I will get pictures of the suspension up tomorrow. The ride just feels too loose. Going over uneven roads the trucks seems like a drunk guy walking on marbles. On a smooth highway its fine. The only off roading I do is the occasional dirt road or driving into a road going to a lake. 95% is highway driving. I want the ride to be firm and tight. As for doing it myself, I wish I had the time. Seems like my budget won't be an issue so thats good.

 

Sorry for the late response, here is what my truck has.

 

Looks like you have a pretty basic 3/1 Spacer Lift. Ride quality is pretty subjective, but most would agree that if you went with a good Shock/Coil combo the ride and performance would improve. You may also be experiencing some wandering at highway speeds due to the low caster. This can also be corrected with some new upper control arms if desired.

 

Looks like spacer lift up front, blocks in the rear. You can definitely upgrade to a much better setup... I'd get a full OME lift kit or bilstein shocks paired with OME coils and an AAL....and UCAs for alignment.

 

Haven't experienced any wandering and very stable at 80-85. Low speeds and city driving is my main concern. Thanks for the advice. Are the oem springs garbage then?