Some advice for the lift and tires on my new Tacoma.

I NEED SOME ADVICE
I recently bought a new 2017 Tacoma Sport Twin Cab with the long bed. I put a Snug Top shell on, with a bed liner and a surf rack. I want a lift and new tires but wanted to drive the truck a bit before I decided what to install. Which I have.

Some info on how I will use the truck...
-This is primarily my surf truck. It always is loaded with gear for me and my boys.
-We live in LA so the truck lives mostly on the road unless we head into the mountains in the winter, down to Baja for a surf trip, or some fire roads for camping.
-I don't plan on using this truck to crawl. Not unless we had to to get to something cool. But that was not the reason to buy the truck.

What I'm debating - Lift/Leveling kit
My mechanic says get the leveling kit. Something like a nitro kit that does 3 in front and 1 in the back. Friends are pushing me to get a lift. They said I need that for the tires and they say I'll regret not getting it once the truck starts getting off road more. They are generally saying skip OME and get the ICON lift. I'm a but torn here. It's less about money and more about doing the right thing.

TIRES/WHEELS
I'd like to get the BFG KO2's in the 285 70 17's. The big issue with this is I'm not sure I can get the spare to fit under the bed. Not sure I'm willing to risk this. If it doesn't fit, I'd go with the 275 70 17's. But the 285's look way better.
I'll likely stick with 17' wheels and will probably go with METHOD.

So that's where I'm at. I appreciate any advice you all have for me. Thanks in advance.

DERO

 

This is a fantastic kit. If you give Marie a call, she'll get you all set up. The new leafs will be able to support all your extra weight, and still ride nice on the road.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/st...mu_Kit_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_2016__Tacoma.html

 

I'd skip a leveling/spacer kit because even a big pothole on the street can break your stock shock with a spacer lift.

I personally run Icon stage 1s because I like the digressive valving on them and don't do any fast prerunning through the desert. 90% of my driving is on the street with a few wheeling trips sprinkled here and there.

I've heard good things about the Bilstein 5100s though. Will give you the lift you want and retain basically a stock feel. That plus a new rear leaf pack like dakars should hold your canopy and gear just fine.

 

Look through here why you are at it.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...2016-tacoma-presented-by-toytec-lifts.395798/

 

I have a 2017 DCLB with 3" lift on it and currently run ko2 275/70/17. But I'm bout to make the change to G2 jus out of preference and go to 285/70/17