I need a mall crawler lift

Dudes before we start let me clarify I have zero interest in offroading.

I just like the look of a semi lifted tacoma. Currently have leveling kit with 2" front spacer and 1" rear block and had zero issues in 3 years. Truck drives like stock except for the 265/75-16 Wilpeaks maybe a little more harsh. But not by much.

Found a new set of Bilstein 5100s for $75 on facebook so I got them hoping to switch to them and gain an inch and ditch the spacers...then moving to 285s on my SR5 rims.

What springs do I need for road comfort and about a 3inch lift in the front?

For the rear how can I lift it about 2" keeping in mind I have a camper shell? I also tow my small teardrop trailer occasionally.

I have Spidertrax 1.25" spacers on the wheels.

 

The 3rd gen IFS only had about 3” of down travel from the factory. You don’t want to push that limit. 2” is about all you can get. To go higher you need to spend the cash for mid travel, long travel or drop bracket

 

5100s on stock coils is what Bilstein recommends. 2" Max with your 1" rear block is all you need.

 

Keep the spacers IMO. The 5100's are not going to give you any more lift unless you go with 888 springs and the 5100's set on the 5th notch. I would think that ride would be about like a pogo stick. As far as 285's, you are getting into the gray area.

 

Go full cred and get tuned/valved ADS/Fox/King, and Deavers leaf pack. You’re asking for opinions on TW, Don’t settle for less. Anything else is trash.








I’m being sarcastic, before y’all light your torches.

 

If anything, I'd replace the pucks with some better struts and UCA's then call it good. For added weight in the back, AAL. There are tons of options, but if you know you don't need it, don't overspend on it. Go the Toyota route and get those good looking red struts and UCA's.

But honestly, your truck looks good. If it works, probably no need to change it. Easier said than done, right?

 

Just Saying, maybe some more research first...

 

Towing with spacers sucks. Already the suspension is pushing down and with load on the rear it just gets worse.

Most owners don't notice it but the steering gets really light. You need down travel and spacers take that away.

5100's make the most sense. But 3" is asking too much.

It's not a mall crawler if you're towing. Take it seriously.

 

For the rear, given that you have the shell and plan to tow a camper, going with a proper leaf pack replacement seems like a no brainer. Get something designed to support the load you carry full-time, and it will be better while towing as well, especially when compared with a block or AAL setup.

 

Shit, go ahead and add leaf hangers, then Total chaos LCAs to your truck. For extra clout, Marlin Crawler cam tab reinforcement.