Suspension lift (Under $4k with parts/labor)

Check out the Fox 2.0 coilovers they're pretty much in your price range

Toyota Tacoma – Dirt King Fabrication

 

These are all excellent reads when researching and deciding what kind of suspension setup to go with. I’d shoot @AccuTune Offroad a message for some professional advice on how to get the most out of your budget based on your needs.

Shock types: https://accutuneoffroad.com/ifp-vs-remote-reservoir-shocks/

Preload on adjustable coilovers:
https://accutuneoffroad.com/preload-adjustments-on-oem-fit-coilovers/

From the sounds of it, you’ve got the right budget to “buy once cry once” if truck is going to be seeing dirt. Go with 2.5 remote resi’s up front for sure, not sure a 2.0 or even 2.5 IFP is going to suit your needs. Someone else chimed in about the leaf pack and I totally agree! Get a full replacement pack if you’re going to be carrying around weight. The stock Tacoma leafs are weak and AALs don’t make them much more resilient, ask me how I know lol.

 

Weak is right, these things do not like a constant load. After a year my leafpacks sat almost inverted on my Tacoma with a constant 220# load (canopy). Still haven't bought new leafs lol.