Budget Suspension Upgrade

TW,

I know this topic has been beaten to death, but I still can't find a solid answer for my needs. I'm budget oriented (sub $1k) and am looking for some preference from those who may have similar needs that have been met. Finally got my '17 SR double cab paid off (70k miles) and ready to put some of that money into suspension, currently running stock hitachi and the ride comfort offroad is getting to be a pain for the wife and toddler I drag along on the trails. I frequent mild-moderate and sometimes pretty rough off road trails in the Eastern US. I currently have stock tire size, 245x75x16, on stock rims, so clearance isn't ideal, but works for now. I am planning on jumping up to 265's soon.

I've got a victory 4x4 steel front skid (~40lbs) and 4xinnovation weld on rock sliders (probably 75lbs total) that I've been running for a few years now. I'm installing a bulldog hidden winch mount along with a badlands zxr 9500 winch this week (probably 100bs total).

The adjustable bilstein 5100's seem to fit the bill, good price and performance. I'm curious about the front shock spring rates. Should I run a heavier spring to compensate for the ~150lbs added to the front with the winch, mount, skid, and sliders? Or will the stock springs be sufficient? This truck is my DD and sees trails maybe 5% of the time, so I don't want a terrible road experience, but would like a slightly better offroad experience.

As for the rear, when I daily the only load is from my fiberglass ARE shell (figured probably 150lbs?) When I hit the trails for the day I may throw an extra 100lbs of gear in the back and occasional 150lbs worth of dogs. When I go on extended trips or out west to CO and UT, I load it to the gills, probably close to 500lbs + of gear and dogs. Should the 5100 shock be sufficient for that or do I need to add something like a 1'' block lift to help? Not opposed to AAL if it will help and still offer a decent on road ride. I just don't want it to drive like a old wagon on the road.

I know I'm super long winded, but just wanted to be as thorough as possible as far as what my needs are and what I'm working with now. Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

5100s may work, but you have added a bit of weight to the truck. Hopefully some other members have better insights

An AAL also may help but a new leaf pack would feel and drive better on your loaded down extended trips.

New tires may help as well like an E rated to aid in the added weight.


I would quit adding weight and armor u til you get the suspension upgraded

 

Yeah hopefully someone can chime in, I’m not very knowledgeable on suspension. I don’t plan on adding any more weight to the truck. Just some slightly larger tires on down the road.
Thanks for the reply.

 

No add a leaf for old leaf pack, it will be a waste and sag instantly.

I’d say an upgraded leaf pack and 5100 in the rear would be a good goal.

 

Jumping up to 265s will only give you a 32" tire, which is barely a 1/2" lift. 33" Pizza cutters will give you a full 1" of clearance under the bumpkins.

I would have recommended keeping the same coils, if you don't notice any issues already with your setup, but since your will be adding winch that changes everything. Myself I'm more than content with my 5100s and stock coils, but I don't have all that stuff on the front. They are a bigger better shock then the oem OR Bilsteins.

 

700lb coils may fit your needs with balancing and handling the front end weight

 

I love the idea of more clearance, but don’t want to make it harder on UCA’s and joints, less hp and mpg, and doing any major cutting. Or would the pizza cutter not require as much of as the 285’s?

 

Don’t mind to go to heavier springs, I’ve just heard sometimes the 660 springs are too stiff and make for a terrible ride, even with all the added weight from winches, mounts/bumpers, and armor. Any insight on that?

 

Jumping from 245 to a 265 is merely tire width (across the tread) and a stock trd sport runs a 265 from factory so not sure why you'd have clearance issues running a 20mm wider tire? It's going to add hardly anything to overall height/diameter.

5100's are meant to be used to OEM springs if you read their FAQs. Also, the added 150lbs or so of accessories you added to the front is literally F-All. It's like asking if your suspension can handle carrying a passenger in the vehicle with you.

I have 5100s on my TRD Sport, the max height adjustment of 2" is only recommended for certain truck configurations, like no 4x2 or access cab or something along those lines. I only wanted the added 1" to level the front and my rear is at stock height. The shocks themselves are an improvement to the stock hitachi ones it came with. I run 265/70r17 tires with a 17x9 rim and +1 offset with zero rubs anywhere, not even on my oem mudflaps.

 

Correct.

And, I've heard of members having 33" pizza cutters without a lift, and no rubbing, but I can't confirm this.

I went from 32" 265/75/16 C Load Duratracs to 33" 255/80/17 E Load Wildpeaks, and didn't notice any difference in handling or gas mileage.

 

Just seems to depend on who you ask as some would consider me to be way overweight and get the stiffest springs and some like you say it is negligible. I hope that’s the case and don’t have to go to super stiff springs, but I guess there’s only one way to find out.

I’ll be installing the suspension myself so I’d just like to try and get it right the first time. I’m leaning towards the adjustable 5100’s to try and level out mine as well.
Appreciate the insight!

 

Seems like a lot varies from truck to truck! I may experiment with them one day! Thanks

 

I did the 5100 install myself also. Didn't take very long. About 3hrs to do front and rear. Great video on YouTube to show you how you can do it without needing a spring compressor.

Like I said, Bilstein made the 5100s to be used with OEM springs. I've seen other guys use different ones but goes against the manufacturers own recommendations so take that info and do with it as you want.

 

I'd start with 5100s front and rear with stock springs. I'd jump to a 285/75/16. It's what the stock TRD pros run so you should be ok clearance-wise.

 

Might want to check your sources on that tire size....

The issue your going to run into here is budget. An add a leaf is not going to cut it on those full load days. I run an elka 2.0 set up with an OME Dakar med leaf pack 650lb coil up front.
The 650 coils up front are great with the swaybar removed I would go with a heavy leaf pack if I did it again mine have sagged quite a bit and you notice the weight when fully loaded.
I can't comment on 5100 ride quality but a few friends have noticed the ride was quite rough on back roads.

Tire size and clearence is an entirely different discussion

 

1. nothing good is "cheap"
2. 1st post gave me a headache

 

For budget 3" lift, check out the suspension option @shouldveboughtajeep is running here with pictures here (Tuff Country UCA's for $300).

Links:

https://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/toyot...orce-suspension-package-2005-2019-p33238.aspx

https://www.suspensionconnection.com/50935-tacoma-arms.html

 

I love "check your sources" friendly reminder. I've also seen "negative, Ghost Rider" for all the '80s fans out there like me!

 

incorrect, the TRD pro comes with a 265/70/r16 stock

 

I do not have a front or rear bumper, or winch weight to relate to, however I would measure the front height now before you add the winch next week, to compare the effect of front end only weight. Also drive test it, stop, start, corner.
I too have full skids and sliders but those weights distribute more.