Need some guidance...

Alright, as title states I need a little guidance. Bought a '18 Off Road last fall for a great price. The only downside is it has a spacer lift and I feel like its contributing to a very stiff ride. Every bump feels like the rear end is slamming down. I love the look of the lift, but hate the ride. My question is what suspension upgrades should I look into while maintaining the front rake look that I have? The Tacoma is my daily driver and I do very light trail riding...mostly during hunting season. Also looking to get a tent in the future.

I have read several threads regarding Blisteins, Dobinsons, and Ironman's kits but I am just so confused on what would fit my needs.

I know there probably have been countless threads on this, but any guidance or help for a newbie would be greatly appreciated.

 

How many miles are on the truck? I'd recommend you put 350 lbs in the back of the truck and see if (and how much) the ride improves (not as a permanent solution but just to get an idea of where the problem resides.)

It looks like you have the stock Goodyear Kevlar tires so the tires aren't the problem (adding heavy truck tires can make for a shaitty empty ride.)

Is this your first truck? I ask because these trucks completely unloaded don't ride like a car.. I'm not sure how much you have to spend to make it have a car-like ride.. obviously more than $1650 (as that's what I've spent). My truck rides best loaded with at least 500 lbs.. empty it's firm and rides like a truck.

Anyone recognize those front spacers?

 

Welcome to TW. Great looking truck.

Lots of different options really and as long as you’re moving away from a spacer lift you’ll be good. Lots of people here have had great experiences with Ironman, Eibach, OME, Billies and other expensive kits.
Maybe @memario1214 can let you know what they sell most of and that’ll give you a start. I’ve got IM and am happy with my kit. It is stiff though when paired with E rated tires.

 

Spacer lifts do ride rough.

I'd go with bilstein 5100 shocks and a 3 leaf add a leaf. That should cost roughly $800 in parts. Then install yourself or find someone to install. Will ride much better than the spacer lift you have.

 

There were 14,000 miles on the truck when I bought it and I just doubled it. I've had mid size and full size trucks in the past.

I am fine with the truck ride, but to me the rear end is just jarringly stiff when going over larger bumps...like nothing is getting absorbed. I contributed it to the spacer lift, but I also haven't had very much weight in the back yet. I have some cash to spend, but doubt I'd ever make use of some of the more expensive kits. I'm essentially just looking for an upgrade over the spacer lift that will retain the look of the truck I have now.

I've had my eye on the OMEs. But kind of confused on the customization.

 

How are the leaf springs? Are you bottoming out on the bump stop? from the pictures you got a lot of lift.

 

Ok, cool. Then I'd agree with @Superdave1.0 :

1. Headstrong progressive AAL (without the overload)

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p1239/HS_1.5"_lift_3_leaf_AAL_with_u-bolts_(PAIR)_-_HS-TOY516-3AL.html

2. Upgraded Bilstein rear shocks.

Many are very happy with 5100s in the rear. You have a choice of standard or extended length. I'd go with extended.

Standard: https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p463/Bilstein_5100_Standard_Length_Rear_Shock_(PAIR)_-_24-186728_for_2016__Toyota_Tacoma.html

Extended: https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p86/RCD/Bilstein_5100_Extended_Length_Rear_Shock_(PAIR)_-_B110.html

If you don't mind spending another ~$300 then you have an option to go w/fancy reservoir shocks.

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p84/Bilstein_5160_Rear_Shock_with_Reservoir_(PAIR)_-_05__Tacoma.html

Edit: Of course you can buy from any of the reputable online retailers. There are other progressive AAL available but I believe Headstrong is one of the more popular here on TW. I linked to Headstrong as that's where I sourced my suspension.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

I was thinking maybe he is missing a leaf from the prior owner installing the block lift

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

You are welcome to TW