Looking to Level Up a Stock 2nd Gen

Ok, after doing a lot of reading and trying to sort out all the variables in my case, I figured I'd just start my own thread.

2008 DCSB 4x4 OR
155k miles
Stock suspension
About 2 inch rake (back is higher than front)
Rear has the TSB leafs that are about 1.5 years old right now.

Its my DD with occasional offroading a few times per year. I do load the bed with heavy stuff a few times per year, but don't regularly tow anything.

I'm looking for a better ride and a better stance with a mind to slightly increase my tire/wheel size in the future. Those are my priorities. Eventually I'll add new wheels/tires (hopefully bigger than the 265/70 R16 that I'm running now). After measuring it, I think a 2.5 inch lift up front would be ideal.

From my research, it looks like this would work.
Bilstein 5100 (front only)
OME 885 coils
1/4" spacer for lean correction

Question is: Do I need to do something to the rear suspension if I "upgrade" the front? Especially considering I'm already 2+ inches higher in the back already?
Rear height already seems tall on mine, so I'd prefer that to stay pretty much the same. It would be nice to get a little more carrying capacity without squatting so much when I put a bunch of lumber back there.

Any thoughts, help, or experience you can share will be helpful. Thanks!

 

I would do the front then drive it for a little while and see where it settles before addressing the rear. The general consensus is that Mary at www.downsouthmotorsports.com is also a great resource for info. and parts.

 

I was leaning towards doing that, actually. Now its really a matter of figuring out which coils / struts to use. I've seen info all over the map in terms of what it does to ride quality. Everything from, "Wow. It rides so much better!" to "Going with 5100's is barely any upgrade over stock." So I guess its more like, "You'll have to spend $600 and see what happens."

I'd like to keep this experiment under $1,000 if possible. So my options are fairly limited.

I could do a slightly better front-only setup or go with a 5100 full kit with no rear lift.

 

If you call Mari not Mary I think she could probably talk you thru what you need. At least that is what others have said.

 

I did this exact set up but with an add a leaf in the rear on my tsb springs.
Before I put the add a leaf on I just did the front, parked it level and it had a serious bro lean. So much that my wife looked at it was asked if I was done with a strange expression b/c even she knew it didn't look right haha. So I would say Yes, you will need the add a leaf for the rear at the very least.
And yes, the 5100's and 885's is great compared to the stock trd OR suspension. And mine came off with only 25k miles so it's not like they were worn out. Much smoother ride on bumps, handles speed bumps much better and the front end doesn't take a huge nose dive when I brake anymore. For the price, you can't beat this set up. For the f/r shocks, springs, top plate spacer for lean, and aal I'm all in at around $500.
Here's a pic after the rear was done:

Heres one after I added the 200lb camper top:

 

I've emailed Marie back and forth a few times, and received a lot of good info. After reading all the advice from Headstrong, I'm now leaning towards the following setup, which is all driven by my main goals of added carrying capacity in the bed and reduced rake.

OME 887 coils
Bilstein 5100's all around
Headstong progressive AAL
Light Racing UCA's

from there, I'll have to deliberate on wheels/tires.

Wheels: I'm looking at Method NV 305 or SCS Ray 10's (still not sure if I wanna go 16 or 17) And honestly, I'd love to find a used set of either of these wheels. My truck has some built-in scratches and dents. I bought it that way on purpose. Having pristine wheels would almost look funny on my truck!
Tires: 275/70R17 ish size....something on the aggressive end of AT tread

 

Ok, I need help deciding on tires to go on a set of 17" Ray 10's. I'm pretty well set on 275/70r17's, and these two seem like the best options.
Falken Wildpeak (C rated)
MT Deegan 38 AT (E rated)

The Wildpeak is heavier (57 lbs), but slightly cheaper. The Deegan, even with E rating shows only 51-52 lbs. I can't seem to find much info on the Deegan 38 AT on Tacomaworld. I'd pay a little extra for tires that are 5 lbs lighter, but I'm slightly concerned with the lack of reviews on those. Anyone have any firsthand experience with the Deegan 38 AT?

I'll be running this suspension.
OME 887 coils
Bilstein 5100's all around
Headstong progressive AAL
Light Racing UCA's

No armor or shells.

Any input is appreciated!

 

What tire/wheel combo is that? Looks good!

 

Thanks. 17x8 fn fx pro's 4.5 bs 0 offset with 265 70 r17 goodyear duratracs.

 

Crazy......they look bigger than 265/70r17. Thanks for the info!

 

UPDATE: I've now tentatively settled on the following setup.

Suspension:
OME 885
Bilstein 5100 all around
Single or progressive AAL

Tire/wheel options:
SCS Ray 10 (16 or 17")
Falken Wildpeak A/T3W
or
Goodyear Duratracs

Just don't know which size yet. Mainly debating between 265/75R16 or 265/70R17. I might consider the 255/75R17 version of the Duratrac or Cooper STT Pro as well. Any advice from people that have had this setup?

 

I didn't really pick my tire, kinda found me. They were on CL for $400 and they had 1k miles on them. They were take offs from a new trd 4runner.

 

Lucky!

 

I kind of have a similar question. I would like to level out my 2013 DCLB after I put my US Off-road winch plate and winch in the front bumper (about 120#s) extra. I'm looking at keeping the rear stock (probably do some air bags down the road) and just want to pick the front of the truck up to level it out some. What's the general consensus on springs for this setup. I also have a heavy leer canopy on the back. Eibach 620s and 5100s? Ome? Not new to these coils but I am new to adding weight to the front.

 

My suspension components are out for delivery today!

 

For anyone interested, here's how the OME 885/Bilstein 5100/Wheeler's single AAL turned out.




Next weekend I'll be performing the following work:
New CV axle bushing (ECGS) https://eastcoastgearsupply.com/i-8536125-toyota-8-clamshell-bushing-eliminates-needle-bearing.html
New wheel bearings (both sides) https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/wheel-bearings-hubs-press-service-4x4-prerunner-nsk.537080/
New LCA bushings and cam bolts (passenger side is completely seized)
Drain/refill differentials and TC

Ray 10's and Falken Wildpeaks will go on directly after the suspension work is complete.

Alignment to follow all that.

Should feel like a new truck!

 

Here's how she sits today. This is from our trip to CO this past weekend.