Help a Newbie Out - Need to Get 'Lifted'

Hello community, been a lurker for a few months without contributing anything substantial. I went from non-automotive guy most of my life, to a person who purchased a new 2018 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport DCSB recently and have been obsessing over Tacomas ever since. This has taken my wife and friends aback - they are shocked at this "new" me.

Been reading a lot of stuff on TW, and there's a lot of great info. However, I might need some further advice on the whole world of suspension, etc. I'm looking to get a 2.5" - 3" suspension lift, wasn't interested in doing spacers or any of that stuff. I don't want to break the bank, so I'm probably not going to dive into the world of King or Icons. I want a nice leveled-look, I'm not hauling a bunch of stuff around. Essentially my truck bed will most of the time be empty 90% of the time, until the day I actually get a tonneau cover. Even then, loads will be mostly light.

I'm driving this truck as a daily driver, and to go off-roading periodically, no heavy rock-climbing or anything. Just camping, hauling bikes and stuff like that.

Anyhow, I have a friend who is recommending the Bilstein 6112/5160 combo (yea, those 6112s are on back-order).

I'm also getting recommendations to get JBA or SPC UACs. Some folks at TW also mentioned the dreaded Taco Lean and recommended getting a 1/4" spacer? Is that necessary if those Bilsteins are adjustable?

Also, I don't know much about leaf packs/AAL. I hear folks mentioning Dakar and Wheelers.

Futhermore, I'm reading stuff about replacing the needle bearing on the driver's side front differential - you have to get a bushing to addresses this issue.

I'm looking at folks inventory lists when they lift their trucks, but some confusion lies - what exactly do I need or don't need? I know everyone does specific things, but some advice and recommendations would help here.

Oh yea, wheels are 17x8.5, and the tires I'm getting will be 285/70-17.

 

Give the folks @HeadStrong Off-Road a call and they can hook you up. SoCal peeps out of Hemet too.
My Fox's ride smooth & silky.

 

Thank you so much @ThaiChillyTaco

I can definitely help you with your questions @ChoyotaChocoma
If you would like to discuss please feel free to PM me and I will do my best to respond when I am back in the office on Monday

 

5100's with OME 888's

 

I got my stuff from Head Strong. cant go wrong with them.