300k miles suspension upgrades

I’ve just recently hit 300k miles on my 03 4x4 3.4 taco and I want to start chipping away at my suspension.

It’s completely stock, I was thinking of adding a 2inch lift. Bilstein 5100 all around with OME 2880 springs. I’m in between adding a leaf or getting all new leaf springs. What would be best for getting a an even 2” all around? Not a huge fan of the rake look. I’m planning on throwing a camper on so that would definitely add some weight.

besides that I’m planning on throwing all new OEM upper/lower control arms, OEM upper and lower ball joints. Jumping through the suspension rabbit hole has been making my head spin lol. Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated!

 

What’s your goal and budget for the truck? Are you planning on (and budgeting for) replacing the engine and transmission when they go? If this is your daily driver and a $3-6,000 repair bill will be an uncomfortable hit for you, don’t spend a lot of money on the suspension. Wait for some good condition used 5100’s to pop up for sale or replace with OEM style shocks. Just do an add-a-leaf in the back if you are lifting.

On first gen trucks, prioritize the lower ball joints as preventative maintenance, especially if you are on the originals. That’s really important — more important than the shocks — as LBJ failure is catastrophic on first gens.

 

I’m taking it in next week for the engine to be thoroughly inspected. Only known issue it has is a rear main seal leak which I’ll be taking care of soon and changing the clutch just since I’m down there. Honestly don’t really have any goals just kind of want to make it ride smoother, add a slight lift even tho it’s not really needed just a want. Get rid of some creaking. I’ve had the truck for a while now and want to switch it up

it’s my daily driver and not as often as I used to because of work but I’m pretty rough on it getting to my hunting and camping spots.

 

Some unsolicted advice... pull the seperator plate and poke a screwdriver at the core plug while it is apart. There were no external drips, it evaporated before it got to the belly pan.

 

My engine in my last 1st gen was totally fine until it wasn’t. Having 300K on it, you are not likely to make it 4 more years without needing an overhaul. And with >300K, the overhaul may cost more than the market value of the truck. That’s not to say it wouldn’t be worth it to you, but you need to expect it and plan for it.

(Otherwise, you need to be saving for a down payment on whatever you replace your truck with when it dies.)

Regarding suspension, replace the LBJ’s at the same time you do the shocks (and lift, if you do it) so you don’t have to get an alignment twice. Whether you do the entire LCA’s and UCA’s/UBJ’s is less critical to safety than the LBJ’s, but everything is probably due, and you will need an alignment after replacing any of those components.

Regarding a smoother ride, 5100s will make the ride firmer. A single leaf AAL will as well. 3-leaf progressive AAL’s that replace the overload leaf tend to be the smoothest lifted ride. (Aside from lowering your tire pressures, I’m not sure what would make the front smoother outside of expensive adjustable coilovers. It’s a 20 year old pickup truck.)

There are lots of bushings you can replace all over your truck that will help with creaking. You want to specifically identify which ones are creaking (if possible) so you don’t waste time and money (or commit to replacing all of them, given the age of the truck).

 

where are you pulling 4 more years from

 

Yeah, Im curious about that as well. My buddy has almost 500k on his and drives it everyday. Runs and drives like a top.

 

60K miles, given an average of 15K/yr. Yes, everyone knows someone with a Toyota that has gone 500K but that is exceptional. The vast majority of 1st gen Tacomas don’t make it to 400K. Speaking from experience, I was religious about checking fluids and performing scheduled maintenance on my 2000 Tacoma, and lost compression on cylinder 1 at 175K. 2.7 MT. It neither burned nor leaked oil.

That my engine gave out that early is also exceptional, and, with a few caveats like the 3.0 v6, it is reasonable to expect a Toyota that is treated right and has a lot of highway miles to go 300K, but beyond that is really a matter of luck.

 

Meh...