Suspesion Upgrade with Minimal Lift

Long time, first time...

I've read a lot on 1st Gen suspensions as mine is nearing the point of needing replacement/upgrade. Info gathered on this site lead me to buying Bilstein 5100 front shocks. I kept the stock coils due to limited funds, set the shocks on the middle placement and it's riding about level right now but I think that's, in part, due to the rear stock shocks that are shot. Leaf springs are still smiling so I'm going to keep them for now.

Everything I have on my 2002 SR5 4x4 Taco is stock except the billies up front. My most significant need is tires but I didn't want to replace tires just to see them get torn up by a bad suspension so I waited until I could do both. I ride on 265 70R 16's but want to bump up to 265 75R 16's. So here's my simple plan:

1. Replace stock coils with OME 881's and bump up the 5100's to the high 2.5" setting.
2. Replace rear shocks with Bilstein 5100's set at the stock or middle setting.

From what I've read and how my truck is riding now, I'm thinking the result with be a rake that's somewhere in between stock and level.

I don't have the funds to go all out with diff. drop, UCA's, new leafs or AAL's, extended brake line, etc. or I'd go for a legit 3" lift and get 285's. I want to upgrade to allow for those other things in the future. So my question is do y'all think I'll have tire rub up front? Do you think the rake will look level or slightly tilted to the front? Are there any crucial components I'm missing?

Thanks for your time!

 

The 881s on the lowest setting should give you 2” or more lift compared to stock height. The less preload on the shock, the better. At least I think that’s what is generally agreed upon.

882s or 883s will give you a little more lift, but they will want a bumper and other goodies to smooth out the ride.

There aren’t any settings for the rear shocks. The ride height will depend on the leaf springs.

You said they’re still smiling, so that’s good

Search for the OME on 1st gens thread and the Eibach for 1st gen threads.

Youll find all the info and pics you need there.

Good luck!