In need of suspension ideas!!

Hello everyone.
I’m currently running stock suspension with 32” Nitto trail grapplers. I’m in the market for a new suspension. This is my daily/weekend warrior. I am a novice when it comes to research. I know rough country is the best bang for your buck so I’m leaning towards the 850$ 3” suspension but am worried about longevity and also like the idea of being able to have my suspension rebuilt if need be. So I am also looking at icon stage 3 or possibly a king setup. If there’s a cheaper way to piece together the same quality setup I’d also go that route i just have no idea. I also love the 35” tire set ups some guys have so I think I’m going towards that in the future. If some bored people could send me their opinions and thoughts that’d be much appreciated thanks!! -LeviB.

 

I'd stay away from the rough country lift. It's cheap which is appealing, but ride quality won't be great and you'll probably be disappointed in the long run. Unless those things don't matter to you, i'd say just spend the money and do it right the first time.

 

yeah that’s what I’ve been thinking lately, to go with the higher quality option especially if I end up running 35s. Not sure if you’ve researched much but I’ve seen some guys kind of piece together their suspension and some just run icon or fox. What have you found to be the best in your opinion?

 

Based on my research it seems the Bilstein 6112/5160 combo is about the best middle ground. More $ than the entry level stuff but very worth it for the added performance. And much cheaper than the high end stuff without being thaaaat much less performance. Unfortunately, that setup seems to be backordered everywhere so not sure how soon you could get a set. I have the TRD Pro Bilstein setup, which is very close to the 6112/5160 and I love it.

Then just pair that suspension with a good AAL or full leaf pack based on what your budget and needs are - mainly how much weight you plan to carry and how much lift you need. New bump stops would also be a great idea and if you with around 3" lift a new set of UCA's could be good. I'd look into the SPC's (or better yet the cheaper Mevotech which are exactly the same).

I'd also look at the Eibach kit if you're looking for the cheaper setups. Or the 3rd gen Fox TRD pro suspension. Although the Pro suspension isn't height adjustable if that's important to you.

As for the 35's... making that jump will be more about the correct wheel fitment and trimming stuff to get them to fit rather than adding more lift.

 

Take a look at Ironman as well. They have Foam and nitro suspensions. The foam cells are rebuildable and don’t need a nitrogen charge. Last year I got the Stage 1 foam cell pros, fronts, rears, full leaf packs for about $1500 on sale. The prices have gone up since then but I’m really happy with them. Full thread here- https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ironman-4x4-foam-cell-pro.427407/

 

5100's with proper lift springs and a rear AAL is popular, that's what I did. (6112 is the next step up, few hundred more). This setup is under $1000 if you don't also get UCAs, about $1500ish with the UCAs. I did the UCAs to help get the alignment optimal for highway driving.

I'm happy with it.

 

I agree with @clenkeit bilstein + AAL is probably the best option for a decent price. Are you planning to re-gear with the 35's? That's another important aspect to look into.

 

This.

 

Awesome info man much appreciated!! You just saved me lots of research time. But yeah I’m still not set on 35”, will do 33s first and go from there.

yeah I think I’ve narrowed it down to either the 6612/5160+AAL&UCAs or just going with an icon stage 3 or 4. It’s looking like with those Bilsteins with OME
AALs & UCAs it’s about $2200, not sure what bump stops to be looking for (again I’m a noob). Then the Icon stage 3 is $2900 and stage 4 is $3300 both without bump stops so I’m not sure what that will add onto the total price. So I guess, anyone have bump stop recommendations with either of these setups?

Edit: Which ever setup I go with I’ll run 33s at first then decide later down the road if I want to go the 35s route. Any gear changes needed after the lift and 33s?

 

You can do 33s and not need a gear swap. I’d wait, and if down the road you want to do it later it’s something you can look into it. Just my 2 cents

 

Glad I could help! Would love to see pics once you decide on the lift and wheels

 

Spend a bit more and go with a dobinsons set up from @Crikeymike the build quality is amazing better then ome and bilstien in my opinion and the ride is top notch

 

so with the dobinson it looks like about $4700 I’m just wondering how much better performance that’ll get me than the icon stage 3 or 4 which is about $1000 less.

 

4600 what kit are you looking at
this one is under 1500 https://exitoffroad.com/product/dob...-kit-for-2005-to-2020-tacoma-4x4-double-cabs/

 

I just did a front suspension overhaul on my truck, replacing everything that was rusted and aged at 130k miles. Inner/outer tie rods, camber adjuster, LCA, and worn out shocks. I went with bilstein 6112 shocks/spring for value/good performance. Since Im not interested in trying to get an additional 2-3" lift, I had them set on the 1st clip.

But by replacing all of the aged bushings and setting the shock on 1st clip, I still got 1.25" lift after they have broken in and settled. The 6112 shock is physically longer than the 4100 shocks that are OEM, so you will definitely get a lift no matter what lol.

I would take a look at all of the associated parts with your suspension upgrade like I did. Some of the components that I listed would definitely be easier to replace while the shocks are disconnected.

Ive got 6112/5100 rear with TSB leaf springs. 21.5" hub to fender on all 4 corners. Ive gotta say, the 6112s are amazingly comfortable.