1st Gen '04 Taco--best lift options and tire choices

My first post. My '04 Taco (crew cab, short bed, V6, 4x4) is a show truck, so not looking for extreme changes for 4-wheelin'. Just trying to select the simplest leveling kit and a good looking, slightly larger tire size. 4-Wheel Parts recommended Bilstein 5100s (Part #

$134 24-249928 Bilstein 24249928 Shock Absorber

24-249928) in front set for a 2" lift and Bilstein 4600s (Part #s 24-184960/24-184977) in rear with no lift. Then either a 275/75R16 or possibly a 285/75R16 that won't rub anywhere and not require any modifications.

I like the stock 16" rims and currently have the Bridgestone Dueler H/L Alenza with a 30.6" diameter. I suspect I can't get anything much larger than about 32" diameter (or possibly 33") without rubbing?

I would have done 5100s all the way around, but it would require a 1" spacer in the rear, so that's why they recommended the 4600s in the rear. No modifications required. Thanks in advance for your help...

 

Welcome aboard

 

I did a lift on my 01 around 7 years ago and had the same desire, just wanted a slightly bigger tire and level the truck out with a firm ride. I don't recall a strut that would provide lift without a new coil back then (or I might have gone that route), but the one in the link looks ok.
I went with a 3" spacer over the strut in the front and 1" add a leaf in the rear with ProComp strut/shocks to fit the lift. The lift was cheap, I remember less than $150 and I think ToyoTech brand. I've been happy with it and the truck still rides firm today.
I put 05ish 17" 4Runner rims on it at the same time and did need 1" spacer so the tire would not rub the top of the strut with 255/80-17 (10"x33") BFGs MTs (I had no other rub issues). When they wore out I ended up going down a size to 255/75-17 (10"x32") and it's a better look and fit.
So my point is I think the 275/75-16 will look better than the 285s on your truck and with only 2" lift I'm not sure the 285s will fit without rubbing the valance (you are looking at wider tires than I have). If that Bilstein strut provides true 1.5"+ I think it will work out well...

 

These trucks sit pretty level from the factory, so a 2" lift in the front and stock in the back will just plain look stupid, unless of course you like that ass dragging look.

My 265/75r16s rubbed with a 1" lift (stock sr5 wheels), and they only stopped rubbing when I got Kings and total chaos upper control arms.

They'll rub, it's just a matter of where/when, and if it bothers you.

I had 5100's all teh way around with a 1" lift shackle in the rear, and that worked great for several years until I did my Kings et... Like I said it still rubbed, but only with the wheels locked in a parking lot or something.

In this pic, you can see where they rubbed at stock height (the rusty smear), then the cleaner patch is where they rubbed with 1" lift.

 

My 255/75 R 17's barely rub on the frame. The 265/75R16's rubbed against the frame at full lock.

 

Thanks to everyone for their responses! I appreciate the help. Us 1st gen folks need to stick together. I ended up doing the 5100s in the front with a 2” lift and the 4600s in the rear with no lift. Just wanted to level it, basically.

The Nitto Terra Grappler 265/75R16 tires were one inch larger diameter at 31.5” and slightly wider at 10.75”. The truck definitely sits slightly higher and the tires look more aggressive than the old Bridestones, so I’m happy overall. No rubbing at all.

I think one more inch of lift and one more inch of diameter would have given me the look I was hoping for, but I’m not complaining. It’s still a beautiful taco.

 

Did you also replace the front coil spring since you had everything apart already or just reuse the old coil spring?

 

Ridge Grapplers look really good and aren’t loud.If I was going for a clean street ride I would prolly go with those tires