(Recs welcome!) Slowly evolving DD to weekend warrior

Hey all, I've had my '07 Tacoma TRD Sport since I got back to the States in late '06, and have loved it ever since. I finally started putting some modifications into it this year (#thankscovid), and realized I want to increase its off-road capability a bit from the DD it's been for the last 14 years ... if for no other reason than I'm moving from FL to PA next summer. I've mainly used it to launch kayaks from sandy spots over the past 8 years, but imagine I'll have more snowy roads and trails in my future.

Bottom line, although I've been pouring over the forums, I'm definitely looking for any recommendations of what makes sense next, more to keep it operational and less about aesthetics. I move a lot with the military, so my tools are pretty basic, and I'm still a novice at DIY. I've kept up with all recommended maintenance (169K mi), but not done any major repair/replacement work (outside of manifold, drive shaft, rear diff, and warrantied rear lefs), so wondering what else I should have inspected/replaced when I take it in for a dealership frame rust inspection.

Original specs:
2007 Tacoma TRD Sport V6 4x4 DCLB with Towing Package

Tweaks:
Pioneer AVH-4200NEX stereo + midrange speakers + back-up camera
Cali Raised Tacoma Bed-channel Supports
32" LED Light Bar - 5D Optic 32" OSRAM Lower Bumper Flush LED Bar (Combo Beam)
Cali Raised LED Fog Lights (3X2 18W LED Pods)
AlphaRex PRO-Series Projector Headlights w/ DRL converters
Bullet Proof Fabricating Skid Plate + Tow Hook + 3/4" shackle
MAXTRAX MKII - Gunmetal Grey
Yotashop Rear Differential Breather mod
TRD Pro 17" Wheels
BFG 265/70/R17 T/A KO2 (C-rated)
(Not pictured) Extang Trifecta Tonneau Cover
(Pending delivery) Cali Raised DCLB Rock Sliders w/ Kickout (Line-X'd)

 

Quick sanity check for the masses. I’m thinking that the next logical work would be to update the suspension, which hasn’t ever been touched. I’m not trying to do anything crazy like long-travel, but I’m having a hard time discerning what might be a good approach from the other build threads. Does anyone have any recs for suspension threads that might help a relative newb learn more about the components and upgrade options?

Thanks!

 

All gonna be dependent upon needs

 

Unless you actually plan to use it off-road or you just want it to really look good keep it close to stock as possible

 

That’s a great point. I’m definitely not doing crazy wheeling with it ... at least not in the near term. I’m hoping to make it useful for reaching back country trails, campsites, and fishing holes, with the added ability to navigate northern (Penn) winter trails a bit. So I don’t know how to break that down to a capability range, but hope it makes sense. Thanks!

 

NY here and ill tell ya not many backroads that a good set of tires can't handle. and the best mod is driver, learn up on how to pick lines and navigate trails and until you start getting into harder stuff can get away with tires and some recovery gear

 

That’s awesome, and totally makes sense. I’m not looking to submerge my truck in mud anytime soon, but I am probably lacking on the recovery front. Looking at the More Power Pulley that another dude posted, which looks pretty portable for some peace of mind.

 

If you're just looking to update your old suspension, I would recommend buying a slightly used set of shocks and springs from a 3rd gen. Should get you a 1" lift up front.

If you've got some coin to drop there is the Bilstein 6112/5160 combo. It was what came on the TRD PRO's from factory until they switched to Fox.

There's also the eibach pro truck kit. It's like $600 I think, and you can choose your lift amount up to 3". I would personally go with this one.