Best tire/size upgrade

I'll be picking up my (first and new to me) stock 04 TRD 4x4 in a couple of weeks and it is need of a new set of tires. The dealer has agreed to have a new set installed before I arrived and asked what I wanted. My 16 year old son will use this truck to travel to school and used at our hunting lease. The lease roads are in pretty good shape and only muddy after a good rain which we haven't gotten much of in the last couple of years. My son wants it lifted for looks but I thought that maybe just upgrading to a taller tire would satisfy him on the looks part and also be more practical since we'll be doing a lot of highway miles. I'm not opposed to lifting it some, but not more that 2 or 3 inches at the most. My preference would just upgrading the tires. Any help with brands/size would be appreciated. Thanks, Robert

 

They aren't cheap but the best tires I had on my 1st gen. were Bridgestone Revo 2's. When its time I am going to get a new set for my 2012 in 255/75 r17 taller and skinnier for looks and function.

 

Also:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/wheels-tires/

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/wheels-tires/67550-largest-tacoma-tire-sizes-stock-suspension.html

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/wheels-tires/38333-tires-tires-tires-tires.html

 

It has 16x7 wheels. I really appreciate the feedback. Glad I found this forum!

 

Congrats on purchasing one of the best trucks ever made, you guys will love it. I second the 265/75s on your truck. I have General Grabber AT2s and really like them. If mud is a main concern they are not the best but on dirt, snow and ice they are great. They are also pretty good on the asphalt.

If you looking for a cheap lift see my classified for 1st gen struts for sale.

 

Even though it was a bit overwhelming greenrustic provided a great link with tons of choices. I still have about a week to decide. It has Pathfinder Terrain on it now but the seller says they are really slick. I will definitely replace with 265/75/16 just haven't decided on which one yet. Like most folks, 99% will be highway miles but that 1% in the mud is important too. Also, another question I have is if shocks alone can get it up 2-3 inches, and if so, what would you recommend? Thank all you guys for the info!!!Man we can't hardly wait till next week!!!

 

If you want a lift then you have several options. Shocks alone don't typically provide lift unless you use an adjustable shock like the bilstien 5100. This shock has a snap ring that can be set at different heights for the spring pearch to ride on thus providing lift for the front only. One of the other options is new coils and shocks for the front. The new coil is longer than stock and provides the lift. You can also use spacers either above or below the coils. As for the rear you will need an AAL, new leaf pack or a spacer under the leaf pack.

I personally recommend new coils and an aal or new leaf pack. I like the OME products and run them on my truck.

There are lots of threads on lifts and a search will get your head spinning but its worth wading through all of the information. Talking to the vendors such as DSM or ToyTec can help too.
Good luck