New Taco: Need help with Suspension/Tire/Clearance decision

I bought a OR DCSB last week and freaking love it! This site was super helpful in helping me make the buying decision, and I have been reading a ton here about what modifications to make. I have things mostly figured out, except for the suspension and tire set up.

My goal here is to create additional clearance, I will be taking this on Colorado dirt and rock roads very often. In reading through this site, I now understand that lifting a truck does not actually provide additional clearance, but instead gives you room to add larger tires, which do provide additional clearance. That led me to consider a skinny tire, some people have reported fitting 255/85 with no trimming or lift, but others say this rubs when you go on tough roads.

So, I went to my local 4x4 shop to discuss options, the guy I worked with told me my best bet was to go with a toytec 2.5 suspension, add a leaf, and get larger tires, he recommended Nitto 285/70/17 (although I should have told him I like 16's better). Running this through the tire calculator, it looks like I will get a whopping 2.1" of additional diameter, which means only 1" additional lift. Is that accurate?



I understand that it is an upgrade to the suspension, but spending around $3k to for the new suspension and installation to get 1" of additional clearance does not seem like a good spend. I am not opposed to spending money on this truck, but want to get value for what I spend.

Can you guys help me out here, what am I missing and what would you recommend in my situation?

FYI here are the other mods I plan to do:

Pro Grill - done
Tonneau cover - ordered
Rock sliders - will get RCI installed
Leather seats with heated front - will get before winter
Ray 10's - hope to order once they get more stock

 

You dont tell us the year or even gen of your truck.

Guessing its a 3rd gen? I'd go with the 255s and hold off on the suspension until you use the truck a few times. You may find it fine as is.

If you do need suspension, for other options call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road

 

I thought writing "New Taco" in the title would give away that it is a 2018 but I will spell it out more in the future. I do really like the truck as is, but after going up to Lake Como this weekend I know I am going to want additional clearance, there are some pretty big rock steps on some of the roads I will be driving on.