2017 TRD OR build - looking for suspension/lift/tires with a ~5k budget, need advice!

Hello Everyone! I am completely new to the 4x4 offroading scene but have wanted to get into it for years. I finally saved up enough to get a good base offroading truck and went with the 2017 Tacoma short bed, double cab, TRD OR. I have been saving up since I got the truck and want to to start building towards my bucket list adventure: The Rubicon Trail. After a little research I figured it would be best to start off with a 3 inch lift and 33 inch tires, but have no clue where to start

I should have a budget of about 5k by the new year so want to start looking with that budget in mind. I am not familiar with all the different types of suspensions/lifts and tires out there, currently everything is stock on the Taco. From what I heard it is better to stay away from AAL's and level kits but it is all greek to me. I am hoping for your opinions and guidance on what to start with or what brands are reliable. I have spent probably 13 hours watching youtube on different types of suspensions but I literally cannot tell say an Icon stage 1 against a fox stage 3, what they heck are reservoirs for, and long travel vs short travel (like does long travel mean more lift?)... So much info and it confuses the heck out of me.

Anyways, my end goal is to take on the Rubicon in the next year or 2 so I want to think about what I will need for that, not just what I can afford right now. If the budget is too small please let me know what you think a budget for this type of build should be. Thank you all in advance for helping out a newbie such as myself . If you do have any suggestions could you send a link? It helps me a lot to be able to see what people are referring to, some of these other posts about this subject have lost me that way.

 

You should call the guys at Toytec. They were very helpful when I called. Plus they stock their own line (of course), King, Icon, OME so you aren’t limited to only their own kits.

High quality kits and great customer service...

PS. even Toytec won’t tell you you need an entire leaf pack unless you are towing consistently. AAL kits are fine, however blocks/spacer kits are not.

 

mine ran ~4k, SCS F5's/Wildpeaks Billies/2888's + Dakars, Camburg UCA's,extended brake lines and carrier bearing drop kit. Are there better kits out there for the same pricing....might be, but this seemed to be to one that fit considering I offroad once or twice a week tops.