Suspension

Need some advice. I have an ‘04 TRD Xtra Cab Tacoma completely stock. I am searching for which suspension will best fit me. I have a set of 285/70 BFG KO2s on 17x8.5 0 offset Method 701. From the research I have done, I see that I need to be around the 2.5”-3” to clear with some minor trimming/hammering/ect... My question is:

First, for the front, would you recommend Bilstein’s 5100’s or 6112’s? I am not doing major off-roading or rock crawling, just an everyday truck with some fun trails/camping on the weekend. I know 100% I will be getting SPC upper control arms. I am not looking to add weight up front (front bumper) until a ways down the road (which is still an IF). Will I need spacers? If so, what size?

For the rear, i’ve looked into blocks and i’ve looked into AAL and I am just not comfortable with doing either due to ride quality and age of the stock leafs. I believe I am going with all new Dakar leafs (new bushings and U-bolts). I assume it will ride pretty stiff at first but I am looking to either add a bed rack with an RTT or a camper shell with a drawer and sleeping set up. I would go with 5100’s in the rear as well. Would I need break line extensions and extended bump stops? Would/should I remove sway bar?

SO, would you guys change anything in my situation? Would you recommend adding anything else? Do I NEED the SPC uppers right now? Or is that a no brainer? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

remove sway bar

 

Responses in bold within your quote.

You've got it all thought out.

Really you're asking about things that a ton of people run on this forum. Not much else to add that hasn't already been said.

Oh and yes, I opted to remove the sway bar.

 

No new coil springs up front?

 

Yes I would be getting new coil springs up front.

 

Imo.
If you are going with new Dakar leafs in the rear, I'd just get 880 or 881 OME coils up front with OME nitrochargers on 4 corners.

Some people have run stock shocks (tokico) with 880/881 and factory UCA'S for a little while with no issues. I ran a couple years like that. But I would recommend getting uca's at some point.

I run the Dakar leafs + the extra leaf with nothing more than my spare tire on the back. Sure it's a bit stiff. Rides like a truck.

Yes on the extended brake lines if you eventually are going to flex off road, they are cheap enough.

Also you'll need to fab up a brake proportioning valve or order one.

My setup is complete OME and I'm pretty happy with It. (My 2nd set). I hit some local trails and it gets me to my fishing spots. Obviously being a prerunner, I don't do any hardcore wheeling but that doesn't stop me from having some good fun occasionally.

Otherwise, yes...it looks like you've done your homework.

Check out the "OME" thread and make your own decisions on front coils. There are a few other options besides OME.

 

Good catch on the brake proportioning bracket. I forgot it this time around.

 

Duh, bracket, not valve. Thx for correcting that.

 

I installed mine at the same time I installed my lift so can't say how it'd feel without it

 

Same here. Doesn't need to be fancy.

 

As you can see @harris_taco you may need to relocate your exhaust end...or hack it off like us

 

I would do what @Kwikvette said, but i would extend the brakelines in the rear as well. Not 100% necessary, but better safe than sorry

 

The only comment I have to had is this:

Why are you so sure you're getting new upper control arms? With a relatively small lift, you may not end up needing them.

I would hold off on them, and only get them if you aren't able to get the truck aligned when you're done with your lift.

If you want them just because you want them, that's different.

 

I went with OME springs 883 up front, Bilstein 5100 setting zero, since I have an ARB bull bar.
So on the rear- OME full exp pack with AAL and added Bilstein 5125 about 2 weeks later With OME greaseable shackles aft, I now have a slight rake. Should be better when I get a winch installed. I may go with some Timbrens, since I do some towing.
Undecided on an Icon progressive overload pack, to get a bit more lift on the the rear. I have a set of Daystar 1-1/2” shackles that I might use as a last resort.
This is where it gets fun.