Overwhelmed By Suspension Options

This increasingly seems like the only sensible route to me.

 

So I am a bit confused again.

Today I went to a (shall not be named) off-roading place to look into 6112/5160 combo with AAL. Out of stock. So I thought about, for now, just bumping up to somewhat more aggressive tires. Now, the person in line had been discussing tires for a G2 Tacoma when one of the possibilities discussed was a "KO2" (this will become an important detail in a moment). When my turn came I decided to ask about possibilities for my stock '16 SR5 Taco for now at 245/75/16, 265/75/16 or something in between. The guy behind the counter seemed to doubt the 265/75/16 would fit the stock '16 SR5 and then told me that my off-road tire options were basically zilch below 265/75/16 and limited even at 265/75/16.

Ok, so I get home and decide to research these "KO2s":
https://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire/bf-goodrich/all-terrain-t-a-ko2

It CLEARLY offers both 245/75 R16 and 265/75 R16. For that matter it also offers 255/70 R16.

So what gives?? He was pushing Bilstein 5100s on me earlier....is he just trying to get me to buy them by making the case for bigger tires??

My stock '16 SR5 can definitely fit 245/75/16, 255/70 R16 or 265/75/16 KO2s, correct?

Thanks again.

 

Looking closely, I just realized that you are doing exactly what they said I probably can't. Which year/model Tacoma do you have? Thanks.

 

NC Triangle.

 

I shall, but 265/75/16 KO2s would definitely fit, right? Thanks.

 

Yeah, I figured he was blowing smoke but I just wanted to make sure. Thanks man.

 

You MIGHT get a little rubbing in that size on the front air dam but it's easily fixable.

 

That ... won't be a problem. To me that air dam is as ugly as sin. If it wasn't raining this weekend removing it would have been my project for the day.

 

Yep, that's the fix.

 

Funny how we all have different ideas of what is best. Here's my few suggestions. Sliders first, eventual exhaust re-route and a skid under the belly.

Budget : 3/4 to 1" thick top strut spacer, 1" block in the back. 255/85R16 STMaxx. Go wheel it and have fun, see if you need to upgrade. Check your offset to see how much they'll rub though.
Bolt on suspension kit: OME 888/Dakars, great ride on a budget. Consider longer shocks and brake lines in the back though, add a 3 degree shim at install.
Some fabbing : Rough Country 4" drop bracket with chevy's out back. Weld it up like diablo169 did, check his build. This is overkill for most people's needs.

I have an OME kit with Dakars and light racing upper control arms and BFG 34x10.5's on 17" 4runner rims. I wound up with a little under 2" from it once it settled. I have a winch and bumper to go on so I have a 1/2" thick spacer to go up front that should give me 3/4 extra. I expect some of that 3/4 to be taken up by the winch and tray. 2" is not much of a lift and it really doesn't affect the street manners at all. With the size of this truck and seeing the results of 2" I now wish I had gone 4". Clearance under the diff means very little to me, tire placement can avoid most issues there. Clearance under the belly is precious though especially with the crappy wheelbase's our Tacoma's have. So with that 4" I'd probably stick to my 34x10'5's that actually measure 33 (pretty close to those 255's I mentioned). But it's hard not to like the looks of the 285/75R17 or the 285/75R18 (re-gear). Anyway I'd suggest starting small and cheap and going from there. You'll read horror stories on here about spacers, understand the limitations and drive accordingly. When you feel you're ready to upgrade then spend the cash.

I should add, there's lots of great advice in this thread already. Feel free to ignore my chatter.