Maintaining (more or less) OEM geometry with a lift

Hi all,

Longtime reader, first post. Thanks to everyone on this site for all the amazingly helpful information. I've read quite a bit, but haven't seen this question addressed exactly (though I could have missed it).

For background, I have a 2017 Tacoma SR (4x4 double-cab). It is my daily driver, but I do a fair amount (a couple times per month) of truck camping on rough, backcountry forest roads. I have a rack and tent over my truck bed, which I will likely keep on the truck most of the time (so that's approximately 225 lbs. all the time over the bed, plus the extra weight of gear when I'm camping). So a modest lift could have some practical benefit on rougher terrain, plus heftier rear springs should help with the gear (and hopefully prevent any sag).

Instead of spacers, I'm aiming for a coilover kit and a new rear leaf spring pack (not AAL). I know any lift comes with risks because they will inevitably change the suspension geometry. However, my goal is to keep the geometry as close to OEM standards as possible and to keep the truck for a long time (it only has 45K miles). I've read on this site that a 1.5" lift is sort of the sweet spot for maintaining (more or less) OEM geometry, but I'm wondering whether there's anything like a consensus on that. Thoughts?

(1) In short, do you all have suggestions about the best approach for a modest, dependable lift that maintains the integrity of the OEM geometry (more or less)?

(2) Relatedly, do you think it's beneficial to add a new upper control arm (or other components, such as bushing, extended brake line, etc.), or are those things unnecessary / overkill given the small lift I'm seeking. They're standard options in full kits such as this 2.5" Bilstein one, but I'm not even sure if such kits can be adjusted downward (e.g., to 1.5").

(3) Given an interest in OEM standards and parts, would it make sense to try to mimic, say, what Toyota does for the Pro's suspension (which I understand is Fox)? Not even sure if it's possible to part that out and make it work given my goals.

Thanks very much for any thought on this. Hopefully the answers help others, too.

 

1.5” should be fine: albeit you might not notice any difference. Yes Bilstein 5100 shock absorbers have adjustable preload that allow you to dial in your ride height. If I was going the 5100 route I would probably skip new coil springs. You probably don’t need aftermarket UCAs.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=huMztKaHsUE

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=InQnp42pfts

 

This is super helpful - thanks. I'm now leaning toward the OME 2" lift kit (887 light load front coil; 90021 soft valving; and 2.5" rear 111R standard / medium load Dakar Leaf Pack). Considering the links you sent, I need to think more about whether I really need to add the OME UCA's (and extended brake lines) that are optional with this kit.

But, overall, that OME kit seems like a modest and reasonably safe/dependable choice given my needs. Thanks again.

 

You definitely do not need extended brake lines because you are not increasing the suspension down travel. The wheels will not travel down any farther than stock.

 

That's the clearest answer I've seen in my research. Much appreciated.