Ideas on suspension and mods

Hey Guys,
I recently became a Taco Owner and already my mind is racing on what to do to my truck. I plan on doing some southern california and AZ trails but do drive to school everyday so don't want anything that is going to hurt my mileage. I just wanted to hear your more experienced opinions on; how tall a lift to do without voiding warranty or messing mileage up, what brand to use for such lift, and any other suggestions.

Info about my truck:
2014 TRD Taco 4x4
if you think the suspension that comes with this model is good already for a while then what else could I do to fit a bigger tire? Body lift any good?

Im sorry this thread seems so scattered just want to ask as much as I can now so I don't bother you guys with a similar thread down the road. Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing all the wonderful ideas you have to offer.

 

Biggest tire you can fit right now would be a 265/70/17. Any time you lift and get bigger tires your mileage will suffer to some degree. Any price range you're looking at? You could go with Bilstein/OME if you're on a budget or Kings/Icon/Fox if price isn't and issue.

I'd stay away from body lifts.

 

Start here:

http://www.tacomahq.com/66/tacoma-leveling-lift-kit/

Body lift and spacers are generally frowned upon. People who do it or have done it have regretted it and upgraded. Save the time and money and do it right the first time. Buy once, cry once.

You can find more reviews/RAGRETS here:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/359482-strut-spacers-who-started-them.html

Might be a little biased, but I would go full OME and 265 as you are concerned about mileage.

But, do you research and check out some builds to find what looks you like, some reviews on what the buyer thinks etc. There's tons of info out there. I know it's a lot of information, trust me, I spent almost a year researching before I pulled the trigger and I couldn't be happier. All that time spent each day paid off.

Let me know if you have any other questions particularly about OME.

 

I'm sure someone else will chime in with a link, but modding your truck will not void the warranty unless Toyota can prove without a doubt that any failure was directly caused by a mod.

Depending on what kind of off-roading you plan on doing a set of skidplates would probably be a wise investment.

 

From the first link in my post:

"The Magnusson-Moss act makes it illegal for an auto manufacturer or auto dealer to void a warranty just because a vehicle has been modified. The only way that a vehicle warranty can be effected is if the lift or leveling kit is the direct cause of a failure."

 

Bilstein 5100s, General HD Leafs, and OME 884 coils will get you about 2" all around on a DCLB for ~$1000. Not too bad for all new all around (no AALs) while avoiding pre-loading coils IMO. Also, it'll align fine with those changes.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/suspension/357147-general-90-297hd-4-leaf-packs.html

I think I'm the first to do that exact combination here, but I'm very happy with it. IMO, it's what the truck should have been stock. Rides better, handles a load much better, and sits a bit higher. My mileage has stayed the same, but I'm also still running the stock tire size.

 

I put Icon coilovers on my last 2 Taco's that are DD and they ride really well. Great off-road and excellent customer service which is the biggest seller to me.

 

hey js312,
That sounds about the way Ive wanted to lean toward. I was planning on going 1.5-2 inch lift and had an idea about new coilovers , rear strut, and leaf pack. thanks for the input! Any pictures you wouldn't mind sharing?