Getting Ready to Buy a Lift

Hey guys,

I'm finally ready to pull the trigger on my lift. As she sits, I have a 2014 Double Cab, 4WD, stock TRD Sport. Through all the research I've done I've decided I would like to do something along the lines of the following:

Toytec Bilstein Adjustable Lift Kit with 5100 Shocks
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/Bilstein-Adjustable-lift-kit-with-5100-shocks_p_132.html

Add differential drop kit
Toytec AALs

I was recently given 1.25" Spidertrax hubcentric wheel spacers (all 4 wheels)

Wheel wise I've been looking at all these options:
Future wheels with -12mm offset
Nitto Terra Grappler G2 or Toyo Open Country R/T or BFG All Terrain T/A

275/70R18
275/70R17

285/70R18
285/70R17
285/65R18
285/65R17

Questions:
What is the purpose of the top plate spacers?
Do I need non-factory UCAs? If not, how long can I run on the stock system?
I don't plan on buying the new wheels and tires immediately, am I okay running my factory Dunlop P265/65R17 for a bit?
Ideally I would like to go with the 285/70R18, but I don't want to do any trimming aside from removing the factor mud flaps, any suggestions/comments on the tire options I've mentioned?

I've done a lot of research and frankly I end up more confused at points by reading all of the various posts. Before I pull the trigger on everything, can anyone answer my questions concerns, add any additional comments or thoughts? Is there anything I'm not thinking about?

As I'm sure everyone does, I'd like to make sure I'm doing everything right. This is my daily driver.

 

Stay away from the diff drop kit, 2nd gens don't need it. The purpose of the top plate spacer is to get additional lift for a non-adjustable set-up. The kit you're looking at is for 3" of lift and you don't want more than that, but you could get a 1/4" spacer for the driver's side lean if you care about it. For the UCA's, if you're going above 2.25" of lift you'll need them for a proper alignment. If you stick with stock UCAs you'll have pretty low caster and your truck will float/wander on the highway. For the 285's you will have to trim and possibly do a cab mount chop. Biggest size you can go and not trim is 265/75r16, 265/70r17 or 265/65r18, unless you want to get into the 255's which I don't know much about.

 

Thanks @jareebz

Any recommendations on UCAs? That's probably the thing I'm least knowledgable on.

Even with the 1.25" wheel spacers, I'd still have rubbing on anything over the 265?

 

Depends how much you want to spend. The best "cheap" ones are the Light Racing (ones I'm selling). Next step up price wise is the camburg ball joint uca, and then you start getting into to uniballs which are 650+ I think. Just keep reading around on here and you'll learn a lot. As far as the spacers, might want to read around in the wheels and tires section. I don't have an answer for you there.

 

Helpful again @jareebz

I may take the 5100's at 2.25/2.5, and try to squeeze some 275's in (perhaps minor trimming?). I'm feeling more confident in that set-up.

 

Also if you're just looking at a 5100 kit I'd check out this one. Little bit cheaper than toytec.
http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/headstrong-kits-tacoma-05-6-lug.html

With the 884s and the 5100 at the zero setting I think you'll be between 2 and 2 1/4 and then the 885 with it at zero puts you at 2.5. I was gonna do 5100s and 885s and then said screw it and ordered Icons. Still waiting to get them installed though.