Help me buy a New Tacoma... and lift it

Howdy y’all... circumstances in life have changed and a Tacoma is on the radar. Im a long time 4Runner guy but don’t know much about Tacos. This is a 80% city vehicle but will be used off-road in 4x4 on steep rocky stuff 30+ days a year. Ground clearance, approach angle, and smooth ride off-road are important, but so is the technology and a smooth pavement ride for city commuting.

question... which of these options would you recommend and why?

TRD Pro + 285/75R16 KO2s
TRD Off-road + 2/1 TRD factory lift + 285/70R17
TRD Off-road + Aftermarket lift (Icon, Fox, etc.) + 285/70R17

I am aware of some of the warranty issues of aftermarket lifting as well as the BMC/trimming that may need be done to accommodate the tires.

what I am less knowledgeable about is if it is feasible to add an extra 1” spacer to the above combinations and if the stock wheels have the correct backspacing/width to accommodate the KO2s. Reliability is paramount... if diff drop or new UCAs are needed let me know your thoughts. Would love to go to a 4” lift but that is a no-no on 4runners due to CV angles, not sure if an issue of Tacoma’s. Appreciate the feedback and comments.

thanks!

 

Achieving both of your goals listed above is impossible. It's either really good on the road or really good off road. What is smooth on road is jarring offroad and what is smooth offroad is floaty and leans on road. Where are you willing to compromise? Because, Toyota just did that with their stock suspension.
Also know, and this is important, your Tacoma, in its stock configuration, is the most reliable and durable it will ever be. Tires do not count as mods.

 

If I was to lift, I'd go aftermarket and 255/85/16 and avoid the 285.

 

Curious, why would you recommend the pizza cutters over the wider tires?

 

I guess I need to build the truck for the heavy use off road. Mainly ground clearance and a smoother ride off-road, a little stiffer in the city I can live with.

 

Probably doesn’t want to deal the CMC and what’s required to for some 285’s. Some guys are all about there MPGs. Just go with 285s and you won’t look back ever lol. Heck I’d say some 295’s

 

With the exception of drop bracket, long travel, and solid axle lifts, you are limited to 0-3” lifts on the front 4x4 IFS because of the amount of down travel at stock ride height. (I don’t think cv angles are the limiting factor). 2” is IMHO the practical limit if you want to maintain some down travel. The rest is up to your budget.

 

Welcome aboard

 

Buy one of each.....problem solved.

 

255 pizza cutters will get you a 33" tire, without the rubbing issues, or the power loss, and the aforementioned mpg loss. No brainer!

Off Road for the win, if your getting your own suspension lift.

 

There you go. If you need that, then don't waste your money on a Pro. Get the base TRD off road and start building from there. Many of the aftermarket suspension manufacturers have put together packages from $400 to $15K+. Pick the one that best suits your wallet and go from there. It's not hard.

 

I say wait till prices go down . Unless u like overpaying . If you have a 4 runner I would stay with that . The 4 runner is more refined than the Tacoma .

 

If this were my situation......

I'd hold off on any mods until I have driven it and experienced my driving on and off road.

Generally, mods have a tendency to F'up a nice ride.

 

Not always true. I have 255/85/r16 (33" tall skinny) e-load mud terrains and I had rubbing, loss of acceleration, and loss of fuel economy (18 mpg => 15 mpg). The rubbing was solved with an 4* caster alignment using my SPC UCAs. No trimming was required. Fuel economy can be controlled somewhat by increasing air pressure at the expense of ride quality. I went with tall skinny's to avoid having to cut up my truck. There is also some argument that they are better in the most common snow conditions. The loss of acceleration and fuel economy is inherent in any e-load mud terrain tire.

 

Great feedback thanks guys