Making my new tacoma more truck worthy

I have been searching photos of different tacomas with plus size tires and wondering what others think I should go with. I bought a new 2014 tacoma about 8 months ago, trd sport dc and want to do something to it to make my own and more truck. Was thinking about just replacing stock tires with 265/70/17 or 275/65/17. Or maybe even adding a three inch lift but I don't want to sacrifice durability of stock ride and performance. I see many people with leveling kits and when they carry a load it looks bad and I'm sure feels bad. I was thinking just the plus one tire size and helper springs just to make my truck more capable of being used as a truck like I do. The lift, I want to do but afraid of taking away from ride quality and where and tear on spindles and all.

Any info on things I can do to make my truck more worthy for things trucks are used for would be nice thanks.