'97 Tacoma Lift

Hi All,
I hate to pull the newbie "What lift do I buy" question, but what lift do I buy?

I'm new to the forum, but I've been following and reading as much as I can about 96-02 4runners and Tacomas, I was originally looking for a 4wd auto 3rd gen 4runner with a 3.4. After some searching and some luck, I found a 3rz manual 1997 tacoma that's already lifted. I gave it a good shake down and have some opinions on my future with the truck. To give background on the truck's state of suspension, it's lifted and appears to have Bilsteins front and back, I'm thinking its a 3" lift with the highest possible setting. The front end shows signs of bad bushings or alignment or something as once I hit about 45mph I feel a roughness from the front (I've driven a lot of cars/trucks both stock and lifted, definitely felt different from what I expected. Not sloppy, but definitely rough)

For background on my goals/location, I'm from South Jersey and we see a LOT of washed out sandy roads. I want to prevent the thud-thud-thud that occurs on these small bumps, I'll be doing a lot of offroading, but nothing too crazy.

I've been reading about 5100 & EMU combos, I will be replacing the rear leaf packs and I do have intentions of replacing UCA's, especially considering I think the front end will need bushings regardless. I was hoping for some suggestions as to what suspension setups I may look for with goals of having a softer ride offroad without making the truck feel sloppy. I'm not trying to beat a dead horse, just get some pointers in where to look. If I missed anything or need to come back with more specifics please let me know! Thanks!!

Side note, I'm going to get some ATs or MTs as my current tires are street tires. I like the sizing of them with the lift, I'm considering something slightly larger but my main concern is rubbing because I will utilize full suspension travel
My tire size is: 265 70 17

 

To follow up after a little more reading/understanding....It seems like 881's/882's are the way to go whether they're on nitrochargers or 5100s. Advice on 881 vs 882? Currently don't have armor, but considering a front bumper depending on budgeting. 5100 vs Nitrocharger, I understand the nitros wear quicker, I'll have to compare prices, but are they worth it? Seems like the 5100s are more popular, but as I stated I'm attempting to cover washboard type roads without too much issue.

For leaf springs, Dakar vs Alcan (not planning on towing or even hauling much)? I understand the Alcan's a built to order therefore take more time and money, any comparison on use and price difference?
What else am I going to be missing all-in-all?

 

You're def on the right track here.

As for the 5100's being more durable, I haven't really heard that. As far as I can tell, one is yellow, and the other is silver and adjustable. Fairly comparable otherwise.

Main advantage to the 5100's is you can adjust them for free (need proper tool), although all you are really doing is increasing the pre-load on the springs (which can make them a bit stiffer).

LOTS of people are really happy with the OME Dakars, but if your budget is in the $600-$800 range for leafs (and if you are considering Alacans, it is), I'd look at Deavers or All-Pro.

You can get entirely new OME suspension: 4 shocks, coils and leafs (2.5-3" lift) for about $1200. Probably spend that much just on Alcan leafs, lol

 

I was quoted $630.00+tax for stock height Alcans a couple weeks ago. I ended up going with Deavers because they were on sale at Wheeler's.

 

How do you like the Deavers? I saw mixed reviews on them, I was looking at the Dakars, but they seemed to be more so for heavier weight. My main goal is to be able to cover washboard roads 20 or 30 mph.