Getting the lift right...

New owner here. This forum is super helpful - thanks.

I bought my taco (2001, DC, non-TRD) about a month ago, and have been enjoying it immensely. However, I think that it is due for a suspension upgrade. The rear end feels soft - the leaves are not exactly frowning, but are just a little above level. When loaded up with a few friends in the bed, it is drags ass.

It has an ARB on the front, which lowers it significantly as well. When I pull up next to an unlifted TRD, my hood is about an inch lower. 21" in the front, 23" in rear right now

I would like a modest 2 inch lift. I plan to install 5100s all around, with the stock coils in front and either a toytec progressive AAL or a in the back.

My questions:
1) What should the settings be on the 5100's in front?
2) Opinions on the AAL vs leaf pack for my purpose?

I am not gonna wheel a bunch in this - just go hunting and get out to some more remote trailheads. I don't mind the rake at all, although if it was level I would probably like that too...

thanks for your advice.

 

AAL's are pretty lame. OME leafs are great. Don't know the part numbers but there are several OME coil springs you can choose from in order to hold up the bumper. I think the one you want is 600lb x 16". If you run OME coils set the 5100s on the lowest lift setting, if you run the stock coils set them on the highest setting.

 

I believe you want the 882's coils for about a 2" lift with the bumper on there with the bilsteins on the lowest setting like Clay_916 mentioned and I would replace the leaf pack over the AAL's. I have an 03 that has about a 2"lift all around with a bumper, and the 882 coils but I went with AAL's over new leaf packs just because.
You might want to contact Marie at headstrong and tell her what you are looking to get out of your lift and she should be able to answer all of your questions and has helped me with setting up both of my trucks.

 

Thanks for the advice - a couple more questions.
What is the difference between running the stock coils at the highest setting and getting the OME coils? Is the ride significantly better with the latter?

And same question with the leaf pack vs AAL. Why is the progressive AAL "lame"? Getting a new leaf pack and OME coils is going to set me back an extra $400, making this lift around a grand instead of $600. Is it worth it?

thanks

 

5100s on the first setting with OME 881 coils gave new 2" up front, Headstrong 3 leaf AAL in the rear gave me about 2.5" in the back