What do I need to replace first?

Hey y'all. Been hesitant about my first TW post due to the overwhelming amount of info out here and not wanting to seem lazy. I've been doing my research for weeks, finding lots of advice helpful but leaves me with more questions. I've come to the conclusion that it would be of benefit to describe my particular situation as everyone's trucks / needs / desires are different.

I've had my full stock (to my knowledge) 2014 SR5 dcsb w/camper shell for a little over a year. Currently at 68K miles. Had it hauled to VA from MD (snow and rock salt exposure.) It's my daily driver, rides on pavement 90% of use (sees some dirt and gravel roads about 3x/year during my Shenandoah trips), no hauling / towing. I took the taco to a local shop to have it checked out to see where I should put some attention to while possibly considering a 2 in lift.

I was quoted $4,200 for the following:
TOPHAT FOR COILOVER X 2 - $100
DRIVERS FRONT INNER TIE ROD - $70.96
CLAMSHELL BUSHING - $95
FRONT LCA X 2 - $553.44
FRONT CAM BOLT KIT X 2 - $150
2" REAR BLOCK KIT - $103.93
FRONT 6112 SHOCKS + REAR 5160 SHOCKS + FRONT 6112 STRUTS (??) - $1,419

Some added hardware I have taken care of myself, alignment, plus all the labor puts me at that $4200

I can provide pictures to give more info. Anyway I'm not sure where the hell to start. My goal; fit 265/75/16 tires comfortably, gain about 1.5-2in of lift (I'd like Bilstien 5100s), and to keep the ride smooth all while aiding in the longevity of my truck. Trying to stay budget friendly. I have a buddy with knowledge and experience willing to help me install for free, as long as I know wtf I'm going to install and come prepared. I prefer to learn from exposure anyhow.

What is suggested here?

Before I start making it "look cool", I want to make sure I'm replacing the necessary parts that'll keep me and my family safe and again, aid in the longevity of my truck.

Side note : Recently had to plug a tire which has me wanting to buy new, bigger, tires. And I've been used to Silverados prior to the taco so I'm used to sittin up higher and do prefer it.

 

I just bought 6112s for $550. Rear would be 5125s at $200 for the set. Why do you need LCAs? I think you need a 1" block kit (ebay for $50). If you want 5100s they are sale F and R for $350.

 

This is why I leave it pretty much stock

 

Even if I was going to, I'm more so curious about what "should" be replaced out of the write up I was given. Can't say I trust the shop so I don't know what's actually necessary.

 

No idea on the LCAs. Would pictures help? I think I will opt for the 5100s, not sure if I personally can keep the stock coils.

 

I just went through the same thing at a shop here. The mfacker started telling me about tie rods and ball joints needed to be replaced. This is before he even looked at the truck. I just went elsewhere and got a qoute of $400 to install 6112s in front. 5125s in rear with a 1" procomp block kit. Then install a drop kit. They normally wont do shit like this but I buy tires from them yearly. Of course I will betting new paws and an alignment. Honestly I can't wait. 2" lift with 33s. Moab here I come.

 

If it was me I would go for the 6112s over 5100s. The amount of upgrade you get from the 5100s isn’t worth the effort in my opinion. Also avoid the block lifts if you want actual performance and aren’t just going for that lifted look. Spend your money on an add a leaf or stiffer leaf spring pack.

 

Welcome aboard

 

I doubt you would need new Lcas. Check your tie rod ends for leaks or rips in the boots and visual inspection. Pull and push to see if they have any play. I am not a mechanic but its a start. Honestly I replaced them last year 220k. Toyota makes a quality front end.

 

Good point. I am going for a block lift for now. I hated my last add a leaf for my light truck. Too stiff. I may need to find a happy medium

 

Yea i think unless your LCAs are in real trouble usually u see ppl getting UCAs to help with caster after lift vs replacing LCAs. (Just replaced my ucas and it opened a whole new can of worms for me so i would stay hesitant.) Instead of the block kit go with a leaf pack so u can support the extra weight in the back. U can install yourself and they arent that expensive for the performance you gain. Also e rated tires will give you peace of mind from nails and tire blowouts. Ive pulled many nails from mine after being on jobsites and none have punctured yet. Good luck with the project!

 

Also it’s usually the upper control arms that need to be replaced with lifts. Around 3” the geometry really changes and you need different UCAs to prevent premature wear on the suspension joints.

 

That was really insightful.

 

OP, have you done all the high mileage maintenance???

Frankly, that is the best place to spend $$ for your goal of "....keep me and my family safe...."

Suggest to hold off on the "cool" factor until you have mechanical confidence in the truck. Generally, problems arise post-lift.

 

I say take it to another shop to get another estimate. IMO, sounds like oversell for a truck with only 68k miles unless you have excessive undercarriage rust. How did they came to the conclusion that both LCAs need replacing? Post some front end pics.
As for the lift, usually 265/75/16 does not require a lift but if you still want a small budget friendly lift, go with front Bilsteins 5100s and rear wheeler's progressive 3-leaf pack. Front spacers and rear blocks is the worse and cheapest lift you can choose for your Tacoma, especially that you mentioned the importance of longevity and ride quality.

 

Welcome!!!

I had to replace my LCA. It’s $1,500 - $2,000 for brand new & dealer installed. Eccentrics too. Take some pics & let us c. At those prices you def want aftermarket goodies. I live in Denver & went with Toytec so I didn’t pay for shipping & it saved me a lot. Buy local always.

if you want to be safe first buy new tires & brakes. I just got new tires, rotors, pads & rebuilt calipers. Drives & brakes sooo nice now. I went stock on my rotors & pads cause I don’t tow. My family tent camps & uses the shell.

 

Why did you replace them? How many miles? Trail damage? Bushings? Etc?

 

I was going to go with TC & but went with stock instead. They were @ 60k & had some age. I wanted a better alignment with my SPC UCA & toytec lift. My truck before me was on gravel roads some. The new eccentrics has been awesome too.

It desperately needed some TLC

 

Completely forgot i started this! Thank you all for the information.

update : 6112 up front, 5160 in rear with 2in blocks. Happy with it.

now I need to pick out a wheel n tire combo because these stock 245s look freakin ridiculous.

 

After Nutri-system…he was better looking when he was fat.