Need some Basic Training on tires and suspension.

Stock 2019 TRD OR that I am upgrading for more fun. This is my daily driver as well as fun truck. My knowledge and experience is pretty limited. So I am looking to you smart folks for advice.
1) Stock tire is 265/70R16. I know 1 size up is about 1 inch taller. How tall can I go without risking hitting the fenders? I don't want to lift (at least not yet).
2) Wider and taller tires? Or just taller? I know at some point the torque on the axle increases to the point I risk breaking something in the drive train (taller = longer moment arm and wider = more area in contact with ground). I want to avoid that. I tend to think I don't care about stability so why go wider? Or am I missing something?
3) I plan to upgrade the shocks to Bilstein 5100 which will allow a small front end lift. Is that a good way to handle a taller tire?
4) Speaking of lift, it seems the suspension components I read about lift just the front. Isn't that just half of what needs to be done? What am I missing?

 

1) You can fit "skinny" 33s (255s) on stock suspension with no rubbing. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-skinny-on-skinny-tires.529656/
The usual 33s (285s) require a cab mount chop (CMC) because of the width. Even with a lift you will need a CMC (9 times out of 10).

2) See #1. But from what you said, skinny 33s may be the route you want to go. Or you can go the conservative 1 size up as you stated. This is what I did and I like it, but I will be going the skinny 33s route next set.

3) See #1. A lift does not have to be a requirement, but it is nice to have and recommended of course. 5100s are a popular route. I can't speak to the 5100 lift numbers as that's not the route I went. As far as I understand in my little research on the subject, with 5100s the amount of lift you get is dependent on the springs that you choose. This thread may help: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bilstein-5100-w-ome-885.409929/
You might also find this useful https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/suspension-lift-info-includes-pics.142677/

I have Bilstein 5160s in the front, Bilstein 6112s in the rear, and an Icon add a leaf (AAL) which gave me ~2 1/2" in the front and ~1 5/8" in the rear (sits level, no rake). Bought it all for around $1,000 2 years ago thanks to july 4th sales which are coming up again soon.

4) There are a number of ways to achieve lift (see the suspension lift info thread above). From what you said, yes that would of course only lift the front. For the rear, you would need either an Add a leaf, or a replacement leaf pack, or a block spacer to achieve lift (depending on how much you lift the front and whether or not you want the truck to sit level or still have a rake). There are also aftermarket upper control arms for the front suspension, but they are generally not needed unless you lift 3" or more in the front (they do help to achieve proper alignment and may be considered a requirement if you go with 33s).

If you still have questions I would suggest talking to Marie at Headstrong off road. She is very knowledgable and will also help you get some great prices (but also keep in mind july 4th sales are coming up).

 

I can get a good price on

$504 B8 5100 Series Set of Front & Rear Shocks fits 1996 2004 Tacoma with 1-1.5" Lift | TrendsAuto Decal | 24-249928 33-247724 33-247717

B8 5100 shocks. I was not planning on upgrading the coils. The shock spec claims 1" lift on rear, up to 2" on front. I was assuming I could install and make the adjustments myself with nothing more than a jack and the the wrenches I use to R&R the shocks. Am I oversimplifying?

 

No you’re not. I installed my lift myself with basic tools. Just be careful removing/decompressing the springs.

 

So I downloaded the instructions. I have no way to decompress or compress the springs. This is not like the regular shocks I am used to replacing. Gonna need help.