Cost efficient upgrade recommendations?

Howdy,

I have a new to me 2010 SR5 4x4 (180k on the clock), replacing my totaled 2000. Everything is currently stock on the truck; suspension, wheels, etc. I am looking to do some minor upgrades, in particular the suspension and the wheels. I am also looking to get the best bang for the buck. This is mostly a daily driver, but I do go offroad a bit.

What would be the most cost effective upgrades?

I was thinking of picking up stock TRD suspension, and some stock alloy wheels from craigslist. Any other thoughts?

 

Suspension off a 3rd gen trdor is a cheap upgrade. Bolts right up and will give you a small bit of lift (about 1in) not to mention better ride than stock 2nd gen. As far as off roading tires might be biggest bang for your buck, but don't go cheap, you'll get what you pay for.

 

The 3rd gen suspension (front and rear) will fit the 2nd gen?

 

Yes.

 

Yep, everything bolts right up no modifications required. I'm running front and rear off a 2020 on mine.

 

and so will the wheels!

 

There's a pretty good thread about it

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/review-3rd-gen-suspension-on-2nd-gen.542

 

A mostly daily driver, no reason to go overboard. I’m guessing the shocks Aren’t very recent. Just get a new set of Bilstein 4600 heavy duty shocks (or 5100’s if you are going to lift which I doubt you are) . I replaced mine around 90000 miles with 4600’s and it’s like a new truck. Mine is daily driver and off road. The $$$ saved you can put into other upgrades.

 

It's very easy to go from just a little upgrade to an upgrade loop where you keep taking stuff on and off and upgrading.

My my last two tacomas I've gone with the Bilstein 5100s all around with 2885 coils and an AAL in the rear. 265/75-R16 tires will fit with no cutting. It really upgrades the look of the truck without sacrificing on road ride quality. And it's also an upgrade for off road. The full kit can be had from Headstrong OffRoad for $830. IMO that's bang for the buck. Plus you have new suspension that you know for sure isn't near the end of its lifespan. Cheap Steel wheels or the ProComp 69 or American Racing Baja are a nice upgrade on a budget as well.

2 cents.

My 2009 in this config:

 

I think the 3rd gen suspension upgrade is the right one for me. I have been seeing many on Craiglist that also include the upper control arms, which I don't think I will need, and an additional rear leaf. Does anyone one know if adding the leaf is advisable?

 

Depends on how you intend to use it. An add-a-leaf is a cheap way to gain some altitude in the rear but doesn't do anything for ride quality and wont really give you any more payload capacity. If you plan to tow/haul a lot you may want to look at some aftermarket spring packs like Deaver/OME/Icon but note that those will probably lift your ass end almost 3 inches and if your putting 3rd gen coils up front you would have some pretty serious rake going on.

IMO, Icon 3 leaf progressive AAL is probably the best option to pair with 3rd gen suspension upgrade. It will lift about 1.5in to match the 1 inch in the front while keeping some rake and it will give you a little better ride and little bit of payload. I have the Deaver 2in single AAL on the rear of my truck which lifted about 1 7/8 and rides basically the same as stock or maybe slightly stiffer. I went with that just because it was cheap and better than blocks but future plan is to replace the whole leaf pack with Icon RXT.

 

Here's a good place to look: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-tips-mods-more.7174/