Best 2.5 inch lift using existing Tacoma TRD Sport suspension?

Hey Guys,

I'm a long time Taco owner (1997 4x4 extra cab with a Downey 3inch suspension lift).

But, now I'm on the verge of purchasing a 2016 (or 17) Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Long Bed.
I've read a bunch of threads and even contacted Toytec about their Boss setup,
but with that suspension you basically discard the TRD system you paid for. Ugh $.

I would love anyone's input on the best way to salvage the TRD suspension you already paid for while adding another 2.5-3 inches to the truck. Probably look to swap out the tires for some BF 275 70 17.

Thanks in advance for any helpful advice!

Christian

 

The stock trd sport suspension is a joke. Ditch it.

 

And its only the TRD Offroad that has the "better" suspension

 

Better yes, good, no.

 

My TRD sport feels like a dump truck with these stock hitachi shocks.. I can't wait to get a new set up, currently thinking bilstein 5100 shocks paired with ome 888 coils for a 2-3 inch total lift.

 

SR5 and Sport have the same shocks. Off road has upgraded shocks.

Only way to use the stock suspension is to add spacers otherwise you are going to have to upgrade the shocks like said above bilstein is the go to.

 

There is nothing wrong with the 16 TRDOR Suspension or the sport depending on your taste and use....question is better than what....
using the stock sport suspension and looking for a good 2.5" lift is near frankenstein.,..but you do have options.

The cleanest is puck and play $200-$500 using you existing setup. Read about the pros and cons...and the cons some more...

Buy an aftermarket mid travel, mid priced setup such as OME, or Bilstein and do it right....cost is more, better performance and satisfaction...the sky is the limit when you get into the performance setups, KING, FOX, ICON.....

There are threads of those who installed new coils on their existing shocks, and made a run, blocks or AAL in the rear...in the end I really dont think they were happy for there waste of time and $, but it does work for some.

I dont have any saved threads on this but hey...do a search there are those who have gone this route, just not sure how it all turned out.

Many, many discussions to peruse...good luck..

 

When I first lifted my off-road I used 5100s set at 2.5" with stock coils and a block in the rear. After switching to an AAL in the rear, setting the 5100s back to 0" and putting on some OME 888 coils I wouldn't recommend my first set up. The ride was pretty harsh. It's your truck but I would recommend bilsteins in all 4 corners, OME coils, a 3 leaf progressive AAL and some after markets UCAs at minimum.

 

Good to hear someone support the concept of doing it right. Gaining lift by preloading coils is not the optimal plan. Especially on a 35k truck.

To the OP. Do it once, do it right.

 

I'll second Clearwater Bill

 

Thanks everyone for chiming in!
That's what I needed to hear.
I plan on having this ride for the next 20 years, so I rather spend a little more and do it right.
With that said, is there a retailer/suspension package that covers all the basic needs that you guys recommend over another? 4wheelparts pushes the Pro Comp, I know a lot of guys on this site like the Toytec?

 

Stay away from pro comp. I'd compare the different offerings from toytec and headstrong that are in your budget.

 

Just exactly what is wrong with it? I have a set of 5100s that have been sitting in the garage for months waiting to go on my OR. Truck gets run on fire roads, washboard gravel, beach sand in the Outer Banks and is my daily driver with 8k miles on it. Ride so far has been surprisingly compliant.

I haven't installed the 5100s specifically because I've been happy in the truck'S performance now.

I don't suscribe to the notion that higher is necessarily better in every instance.

OP, if you're dead set on lifting the truck do it right the first time, new springs and longer shocks. OME springs with 5100s and leaf packs will last a long time if you need to lift. But before you pull the trigger on a new suspension, spend some time with the OEM installed first. You might find you like it more than you think you will now.

 

OP wants bigger tires, the only way to accomplish that is with a lift or bodywork. If your going to lift it, pretty much any suspension widely used is better than the stock trd offroads.

 

Lift has nothing to do with fitting bigger tires.

 

Thanks guys!
Mostly superficial, I just like the look of the truck with a little more lift and bigger tire option.
I'll check out my options!

 

People can't grasp this concept. Lift is only a bandaid if all you do is mall crawl

 

No mall crawling here, mostly snowboarding, surfing , camping adventures, some light off roading but not crawling rocks either.

 

I'm referring to the notion that lift is required to fit tires. If they don't fit stock height. You're going to rub them off-road when you are lifted

 

As for where to buy, go to headstrong offroad. Marie is the most active vendor on here and I've never heard of a bad experience with them