What's more important as a first major upgrade, suspension or tires? (21 SR 2WD 4cyl)

I have a Base SR 2.7 2WD.
It sees primarily city/hwy driving but of course i want to be able to take it on fire roads and the like (no major off-roading of course).

So this begs the question, what do I upgrade first? Ideally. I would replace both at the same time but that means I would have to save up twice as long and I am impatient.

As far as tires, I'm thinking of going with pizza cutters (Cooper Discoverer) and as far as shocks, I'm thinking the Bilstein 5100 leveling kit unless I can find a set of gently used off-road shocks.

 

Your suspension components work just fine, try it out for a while and replace them as a wear item. If you are going somewhere out of the ways, I'd suggest getting LT tires and some recovery gear. Look at tire weights as they affect performance BIG TIME with the 2.7's (we don't have a lot of power to spare). I just picked up some Firestone Destination X/T LT 215/85 R16's, as I am in a similar boat to you. They weigh 36lbs, which is relatively close to the P245/75r16's that came stock on the truck, but will have far better puncture resistance (on the tread at least; I'm not doing any serious wheeling where the sidewalls will be in contact or used for traction, I have some BFG KO's for that stuff, but they are HEAVY.) I just bought some 5100's for the front of the truck to level it out, so see the appeal, but I would suggest tires first, and get them mounted on the lightest rims you can.

 

I'd say suspension first, then tires, so you only have to buy tires once

 

not sure about location, but if you are going to see ANY snow, do tires first, stock tires in 2wd are awful for that, otherwise it doesnt really make much of a difference.

 

Socal, no snow unless we make the trip up to Big Bear which is not often at all.

Thanks for the reply, I have the "upgraded" Aluminum rims already, was going to stick with those.

 

Of the two, I'd say tires are a bigger performance improver as a stand alone.

However, if you're planning on lifting it, etc, then you can only go so big on rubber until you lift it so it really depends on what your plans are.

 

Check out cooper at3 4s. You can go with 255/75/17. They are around 39lbs. I ran them for a few years. Good off-road and great on highway with rain.

 

I'd get the tires you mentioned 1st since they do not require a lift.
I think you need a good set tires for offroading, an air compressor and some basic recovery gear.