Time to build the Dad-Taco: Need input asap

Vehicle: 2012 DCSB 4x4

Goal: Most low profile rear facing convertible car seat (minimal seat movement in center position) and rear storage solution + spring upgrade.

Situation: I have a 10 month old bundle of joy who up until this point has been riding in a base+carrier combo every morning to daycare on the way to work. I have to slide the passenger seat way up for this to fit, but no big deal - after I drop her off the seat slides back and I can now have an adult male ride in the front seat (usually daily at work).

I test drove some 4runners today but dammit! I want to keep the taco and need to make it work. I need a rear facing convertible car seat with minimal bulk / angle that will stay in between the seats and not impact the front seat positions more than 1 click.

I am 6'1 240lbs and can't and won't do the scrunched up driving position.

Since there is going to be a lack of space within the cab - this is a perfect excuse (cheaper than spending $10k to transition into a newer T4R) to get a slick topper and beef up the rear suspension to account for the added weight. I have 5100's all around and the front's set at .85 - i have a minimal rear positive rake and want to bring the rear up 1" to account for the added weight of a topper.

So fellow members please help me make this happen so I can put another 100k on the taco, I ask you the following:

1.) What car seat do I want? I've heard the Diono Radian RXT + angle adjuster will do the trick - is this the one I want? I'll buy in the next 48 hours if so based on your input

2.) I want the most low profile topper under $2k - what brands do I want, need secure and waterproof.

3.) Whats the best course of action to get 1" in the rear? I've departed from wheeling this truck other than access to the range and woods to hunt. Research has led me to this: http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/toyota-tacoma-block-and-ubolt-kit.html
Just want to have a decent ride height to account for weight.

Help save the 2012 Taco.

 

My little guy is now big enough that we have turned his Diono Radian front facing, but he did his time in the Radian with the angle adjuster. While narrow, the Radians are fairly long. With that seat in back, the front seat had to be quite far forward. Like you, I too frequently dropped him off and then had a full grown man take the front passenger seat. To make it work I had to learn a simple trick. When the child seat is not in use, I would slack off the LATCH system a bit, allowing the seat to tip up. This would give the front passenger seat plenty of clearance to slide fully back. I found that the extra step was very easy, and was more surprised at how easy it was to re-tighten it afterwards.

I doubt there is a child seat made anywhere that will allow you full range of adjustment for the front seat, but the Radian was very easy to for me to work with.

Good luck!