OME vs Bilstein?

So after weeks and weeks of research and combing through pages and pages of opinions, success stories and nightmare stories, I've narrowed it down to two different set ups, and I just wanted to see what the general consensus was for these two types.

I have a 2014 DCSB 4x4 base sr5, looking to get about 3" of lift, while supporting a camper shell and lumber rack and the occasional heavy load with the occasional off road camping trip.

I've been leaning toward the Toytec ultimate kit with Bilstein coilovers and Boss rear shocks, but now all of a sudden, I'm reading about how some people with them are reporting back that the ride is really stiff, which is what i'm trying to avoid.

So, in comes the OME suspension kit idea from Headstrong, which those who have it say it rides a lot smoother and is the better set up, can anyone confirm this? Is there that much of a ride quality difference between the two?

Lastly, what do you prefer for the rear set up, add a leafs, blocks, or the add a leaf mini pack? Sorry for all the questions, I know these topics are beat to death, I'm just looking for the right set up to fit my needs. Thank you in advance for the help

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/st...t_with_HS_3-Leaf_Add-a-leaf_-_05__Tacoma.html

 

So I am in a similar boat that you are in with the camper shell setup looking for 3" of lift with similar driving needs. I drive mostly pavement with 2-3 long-distance camping trips each year and off-roading in the Colorado mountains. I am by no means an expert, but this is what i have gathered:

As for the bilsteins (i.e. the 5100's you mentioned) you are able to adjust the spring height on the shocks, which allows a "customizable" ride height/stiffness. Many people run bilsteins with OME springs, although adjusting the springs farther than the 2nd notch may give you a much stiffer ride. Add-a leafs are good for lift and may provide a better ride in the back, but with your added load of a wood rack and a shell, may sag more than you'd like.

From what I've gathered the OME kit is softer on the road with spring selection (like 885's), but is not adjustable like the Toytec kit. Furthermore, OME shocks generally have a 3 year warranty, while bilsteins have a lifetime warranty. However, the dakar full leaf spring replacement that comes in the OME kit is a significant upgrade over stock, with 3 spring options (light, medium, and heavy).

I chose the OME setup with 885's and LR UCA's up front and the medium leaf spring in the back. With the camper shell and loading it down for trips I wanted a beefier spring than stock with an add-a-leaf or a block kit. The smoother ride up front is nice to have for pavement and long-distance driving. This kit fits my needs off road as I'm not doing any vertical rock crawling but have just enough lift to have a little better clearance and performance off-road.

Choosing either kit would be a significant upgrade from stock and both are well-known and loved by TW members, but everyone's needs are different. Think about what you're using your truck for and how often you travel off road, and this may help you decide.

Hope this helps!

 

You have the same set up I keep debating over as well. How much lift did you end up getting up front with the 885s? I don't want to go too big and tire size will be kept at 265/75R16 on the stock TRD wheels.

I've been looking for pictures of 3rd gens w/ the 885s but haven't really found any. If you could post a few pictures that'd be great as well.

 

That did help a lot @kap1425 thanks a lot! I'm with you and will probably end up going with the OME setup and a new leaf pack. I've done the bilsteins before and know what to expect, so I think I'd like to try something new. Thanks again!

 

Smart call!
G

 

Good call! Was gonna recommend the OME with a full leafpack since you have all the extra weight in the rear.