Floating on Resource Roads

Hey!
I’m new, not only to the Taco world, but also the lift kit world. I just bought a 2010 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. I live in BC and work as a tree planter. I am thinking about attempting to install my own lift kit and I am looking for recommendations on which one would work best for me.

I’m thinking a 2.5” lift and 33” tires. My main objective is to get a kit that provides a smooth ride while cruising down logging roads. I find that the stock set up is really stiff. Even a small speed bump makes me feel like I just stepped into a washing machine.

if anyone has an advice I’d really appreciate it!

thanks!

 

From what I've read 33's require some hammering no matter the lift. I have 3rd gen suspension with 1/4" spacers in the front and tsb leafs with icon aal with the overload removed in the rear. It rides about 1.5" taller than stock. That being said the truck is going to be harsh at stock psi. On fire roads you will dance all over unless you air down. A lift isn't going to make the ride better, just give more clearance and with bigger tires a little more sidewall compliance. Try running 24 psi in the bumpy stuff and see how things go before spending thousands on new suspension.

 

the sports do ride stiffer than any other model tacoma. they were made for “sporty” on road ride. im not sure the spring rate on the sport model but most aftermarket strut combos are probably softer ride unless its a coilover which some do have stiffer springs but way better dampening. dobinson makes nice fairly inexpensive spring strut combos. personally if using it for work a 2” front lift with 1” rear would work well and just run a 265/70r17 or 265/75r16 depending on you’re wheel size. 33” tires will effect fuel economy so not great for a work vehicle. plus you will deal with rubbing with 33” and stock wheels unless you run wheels spacers. lots of variables here. how much do you want to spend? its always a question i ask cause you can only do so much on a certain budget.

 

I am going to call false on this. Airing down is important, yes I agree.

Yet if you spend real money on suspension, like 2.5" coil overs with reservoirs. You are going to feel the difference instantly.

I had Bilstein 5100's all around until they stopped being shocks, now I have Elka 2.5 DC on the front. What a difference.



I could not go down a logging road before with out airing down, it was very harsh. Now these Elka's just eat it up, they make it so damn smooth it is unreal.

Then when you air down with them, it is like a dream ride.

 

Can confirm what llamasmurf said. I've had 5100s, Fox 2.0 Resi, and now Elka 2.5 DSC. Elkas are drastically better, largely due to the compression adjustment but the 2.5 body makes a noticeable difference as well.

First things first, swap the factory leafs for something like Dakars or Deavers. It doesn't matter what shocks you get, the factory leafs are stiff and flat and will ride harsh. Then get the best shocks you can possibly afford. Elka is a no brainer in Canada, even if you can only afford their

$977 2.0 IFP Fox 2.0 Performance Coil-Over Front Pair compatible with 2005-2016 Toyota Tacoma

2.0 IFP shocks. It is a pain in the ass trying to get anything else shipped up here right now. Give Baja North in Kamloops a call, they are an Elka dealer and know their stuff.

 

Ya I guess I should have said the lift isn’t just for a smooth ride. The clearance will be useful I just meant I won’t be rock crawling. And it looks cool .

If I do use it for work, they pay for gas. And at the risk of sounding douchey, there’s the cool factor coming up again when it comes to larger tires.

Dumb question here but when you guys say air down do you mean in my tires or in the suspension?

Okay sweet. I’ll start trying to price out some darka leaf springs and Elka’s for the shocks. Can you reccomend any specific darka’s

To be honest I need to do more research in general. I’ve done a decent chunk of basic mechanics but suspension I don’t understand. Like what is a cool cover with reservoir! Haha

 

Airing down means tires. It's a common off-roading practice to increase traction and comfort. But you don't want to run low PSI at high speeds so you need to add air again before going on the highway.

For the Dakar's I went medium duty on my TRD Sport. I'd go the same route unless you carry a lot of weight in the box often, then go heavy duty. The only difference is that the heavy's have an extra overload leaf which makes them a bit stiffer.

Go 265/75/r16 for the wheels/tires. It's a 32" tire but still looks sick and you shouldn't need to worry about cutting anything for tire clearance (other than maybe removing the mudflaps). The 16" wheel gives you more sidewall on the tire which will be smoother off road. You can get the same tire size in a 17" wheel too, but smaller wheels make the tires look bigger

 

There are many factors that will affect ride quality along with the costs of it. Going big and doing it right will always cost more. Front spacers with rear single aal/or blocks is the cheapest route that comes with the worse ride quality. IMO, the best quality lift with much improved ride and performance quality is front CO's with rear full leaf pack.

As for 33" tires, choose an All Terrain vs. a Mud Terrain in a C or D (if you can find them) load rating will also yield better ride quality. Unfortunately, majority of 33's in 285 AT are in a E load tire. Running them at a lower psi (28-30) will help.

 

hey welcome to the forum! already got lots of input for your question eh that is great! =) glad there is community support !! btw post some pictures eh

 

Thanks! I’ll make sure to put a before and after photo up later.

 

Okay I think CO’s are coilovers? Took a little googling. I’m still not sure of the benefits. Also could you recommend a model for my truck? I’d like to google some howto’s and reviews!

the other thing I don’t understand is would you not have coilovers in the back as well as the leaf springs?

Last, thanks for the tire tip. I’ll definitely keep that in mind.

 

I have a canopy, bed, camping/climbing gear, two bikes, bike rack, and IF used for work I’d put a quad in but that would only be for a few months of the year at most. Do you think I can get away with the medium duty? I would prefer to be less stiff.

I watched a how to install video of the Dakar’s didn’t seem too bad.

Noob question alert. Can I get will 16” rims fit on my truck if I currently have 17”? I didn’t they were interchangeable. If this is true it’s ingenious haha.

 

I would go with the heavy duty dakars in your case. You can always take them off and remove a leaf if they are too stiff, that's actually all the medium dutys are anyway. I've swapped them myself, it's a fairly easy job.

And yes, 16" wheels will fit. That's what I'm running on my 2013 TRD Sport.

 

Trucks suspension consists of coil springs in the front and leaf packs for the rear. I highly recommend calling Headstrong off road and they can guide you to what you need based on your needs or usage of your truck. @HeadStrong Off-Road