Getting some armor, and a special suspension situation (I think?)

Hi all,

So, I've lurked for a while (pretty awesome group, thanks for the content), and finally joined today.

Hoping you can help me pick a suspension kit, given that I have a bit of a “unique” situation (maybe?). I have a 2000 Tacoma 4x4 SR5 V6 w/TRD that currently has stock TRD front suspension, and some after-market Gabriel HiJacker air shocks on the back (and stock leaf springs), which allows me to inflate the HiJackers to haul heavier loads.

I’m getting some new armor on the front (Relentless, in the ~200lb range) and as such, am looking to replace the front suspension. In doing so, I wouldn’t mind raising it an inch or two, but I like the forward-leaning stance that I have on the truck now (I don’t want to level it), and so I probably also need to raise the back an inch or two (but I think I still want air shocks back there, for heavier loads).

What would you guys recommend? Both for the front and back, as well as any “accessories” that would be necessary such as exhaust spacers or UCAs (I think I don’t need those with a 2” max lift), etc. (Note that I'm currently liking the idea of coil overs on the front, if just for ease of install/adjustability.)

If there are options (price ranges), I’d love to hear them.

Thanks!
turbodb

 

I think it really depends what your wanting to do with the truck. Are you going to be offroading it or more like a utility truck?
I recommend getting bilstein 5100 for the front as they are adjustable to 1 and 2.5 inches. With the added weight it will sag so these numbers will vary. Coilovers are nice and simple but expensive.
I have no experience with air shocks, but for the rear the 3 leaf aal's are pretty well used with many tacomas and will give about 1.5in of lift.
As for "extra's" as long as your going to be staying below 2in then there is no real need for uca's or exhaust hangers. No need for a drop diff either under 3in.

 

Thanks Dave. Mostly this is a utility truck, with "a few times a year" offroading.

I'd love to hear what others say about air shocks - that's the piece I'm really interested in, since I definitely take advantage of the additional load capacity those offer on a regular basis. I know that Monroe MA-727's are widely recommended for the rear - do I get the rear aal, and then a slightly longer MA shock? (if so, anyone know the part number?)

Cheers!

 

Welcome to TW.

Don't waste money on the AAL. If the rear works for you now, I'd leave it. Perhaps change the leaves if you decide so AFTER you work on the front. This will give you an idea of height difference front & rear after the front has time to settle.

As for the front, many CO brands to choose from. Purchase what suits your needs and wallet.

Tire size and wheel backspacing will dictate whether you need UCA's. If running OEM size tires, UCA's are not needed for the 1-2" lift you mention.

I suggest deciding what you want to end up with, post your decisions and then we can help you out.

Good luck.

 

OK, so after a bunch more reading and research, I'm going for a 2" lift front and back, maintaining the rake I've currently got with my stock front and air shock back via:

• ToyTec BOSS Coil Overs in the front
• ToyTec AAL and new, longer Monroe MA-820 air shocks in the back (The MA-820's have essentially the same dims as the Bilstein rears used on a 1-3" lift)

Might be overkill doing the back now, but I don't mind overkill.