Stock ride height with upgraded suspension?

I'm long over due on installing new shocks. When I drive it is either commuting to work in Salt Lake traffic, or with a fully loaded bed and cab going about 2000 miles. That twice a year trip is now going to include pulling an enclosed trailer.
I don't know how much longer I'll have this pickup and I've learned the hard way that modifications don't pay for themselves when you sell, so I'm trying to keep this cheap while doing it right.
My main requirement is keeping my gas mileage up so not increasing drag and tire size is important, and my tires are new so I don't want to buy another set.
So, anybody have a suggestion for a setup that will fit these requirements? Budget and performance friendly, new front and rear shocks plus an add a leaf to help stabilize my load?
Maybe just some stock replacements and adding an overload leaf?

 

I'd probably go for stock Billstien 4600s and some General Spring HDs.

The 4600s are a direct replacement unless you had the Tokio alternative like I had.

The HDs will give you a front rake over stock so maybe just their standard springs with an add a leaf.

All in you'd be right around 600 bucks depending on springs.

Labor would be another few hundred I suppose.

The only reason I suggest new springs vs just an AAL is, if your shocks are worn I guarantee the rear springs are.

Are you 2wd or 4wd?

 

This is my plan exactly. I believe from my research that the 4600s are a slight improvement over the 02 originals. The general hd springs also have higher capacity than the stock ones. If you do go this route let us know what happens.

 

Sounds like your scenario might be a valid one for checking into air bags for the rear. That way you keep a nice ride unloaded and then when you tow or haul, you can level the truck.

 

Thanks for the response.
Truck is 4x4. (Not sure why i didn't put that in my signature). I should be able
To do the install myself as long as this 50 degree weather holds out.
By staying stock height I will also save the money and time on the diff drop.
I've never heard of general spring so I'll
Look into them!
What about the upgrade to 5100s and running them at 0? Is it Not worth it if not doing much off roading these days?
Air bags on the taco never even crossed my mind. Sure were sweet on my 2500 Cummins.

 

The 5100s would be a nice alternative to the 4600s if you set at them at 0 for a stock height. If you upgrade springs to the General HD you could bump the Billies up to a .75 ride height and lessen the "rake".

Link for General Springs. I have the HDs with a Rancho Quick lift shock and front coil overs

http://www.generalspringkc.com/Leaf_Springs_Toyota_Tacoma_2001_2002_2003_2004_s/1932.htm

 

Have chosen a setup yet?? I'm looking at doing the same thing as you

 

Not yet! trying to make sure my 1990 Dodge Cummins sells first. Tacoma wont be pulling a trailer if it doesnt sell, instead it will be riding on one. lol

 

Love those early 12V Cummins engines

 

Cummins sold so now its time to get to this. I'm down to 10 days till I move, so need to get this ASAP. First IFS lift so there is a small learning curve.

With either the 4600 or 5100s, should I also replace the stock coil springs too? They have 175k on them, assuming they have never been changed.
and what else would I need purchase to complete the install? any more hidden fees? Do I need bushings, ubolts, etc?

The lift I have in my shopping cart is
General Spring HDs with Bilstein 5100s front and rear.
total cost is about $815
360+60 shipping for leaf springs
365+30 shipping for 5100s

was the best deal I was able to find

deciding factor was that after 20% off the 5100s price between them and 4600 was the same.

 

Since some of you asked me to update with what I went with, I did some soul searching and thought why the hell would I ever sell my first gen taco, which changed my suspension plans. I went with

Bilstien 5100 all four corners. set at stock in the front

General spring Hds

The biggest change of plans came with the OME 882 springs.

To improve ride quality, function, and looks I'm adding an arb bumper and a topper.

I towed, 3000 lbs with another 500 in the bed, 1300 miles. The combo worked great. It was about maxed out because of having a single axle trailer. Tandem axles would help the tongue weight.

With the truck empty I went out to utahs west desert and did some wheeling (actually was forced to use the e locker) and drove pretty fast on a rocky, washed out 4x4 road. The ride is little stiff but much improved from my worn oem setup. Hopefully a shell in the back and a bumper on the front soften it up a bit.

 

L

Looks great! Did the HD springs lift the rear much when empty?

 

Thanks! Yeah it did. The move settled them. At first it was like 3 inches. Now it's about 1.5.
I need to find actual stock measurements to get accurate data. My suspension was sagging bad