Need Suspension Lift Advice For 2015 Tacoma

I've done some research and still not sure what suspension would best fit my needs. There's a lot of good info out there, however there is also a lot of conflicting info. Therefore, I'm looking for real-world experience from folks who have used their aftermarket suspension systems extensively off and on road. I'm particularly interested in the pros and cons from people who have used different brands of suspension systems/components. Specifically, what type of suspension package/components should I be looking for???

The vehicle and use:

1. New to me 2015 Tacoma DC TRD, with 285-70r17 BFG AT KO2's. Bigger than I think I need but they came with the truck and are brand new. It's not my daily driver and I won't be "Baja racing" on my trips. I drive at a "smell the roses" pace and don't beat on my vehicles.

2. On the back end I have a RCI RTT rack, Ezz Awn RTT, spare tire carrier, bumper and hi-lift jack always on the truck. I'm guessing I've added about an extra 350-375 pounds to the Taco.

3. On the front I plan to add Aulminess (70 pounds) front bumper with a winch.

4. The Taco will be used as an overland/exploring rig. Think: BDR's, White rim trail, Baja, forest roads, wash board roads, Imogene and California Pass in Colorado. Once in a blue moon I end up traversing across some deep ruts or going thru a "baby Rubicon" rocky section that requires the use of the locker, but very seldom.

My questions:

1. Is a 2" lift enough or should I go 3" with the 285-70r17 BFG AT KO2's? I think 265's will be the next size, not sure tho.

2. Are more modifications needed for the 3" lift (extended brake lines, driveline length, axle shims etc.)?

3. Do I need , or should I purchase upper control arms? Are they worth it?

4. Reservoir shocks??? Same question as #2.

5. Leaf spring I'm thinking OEM Dakar EL095R or EL096R? I'm thinking the EL095r is the best option, but will they sage with 250-300 pounds of gear in the back?

Some of the options I've looked at:

1. ICON - I like them, but expensive and the leaf pack is 1.5" - 2" of lift. I think my Taco would sag with that leaf pack. Could buy w/o leaf pack but almost the same price $$$! And would have to purchase OME leaf pack.

2. TOYTEC - Seem ok. So so reviews about adjusting ride height. Seems 2.5" is max. Not sure how long it would last. Cheaper than ICON and can purchase TOYTEC front and rear OME

separately at a decent price. Seems I could get a decent lift with the Dakar leaf pack for about $2500. To me, this seems to be the best middle of the road option.

3. OME 3" full suspension lift. Seems good. Only 2" in front, Dakar EL095R or EL096R in the rear, no UCA or reservoir shocks, no bling, but half the cost. Is this all I need???

4. OME BP51 lift. Similar to above lift but with reservoir shocks. Seems like a higher quality than the above lift.

5. Mix and match??? Fox, King, ICON, Dever, All Pro, etc......

Suspension system priority:

1. Proper lift height with a vehicle that sit level.

2. Durable.

3. Ride quality.

4. Cost.

5. Little to no maintenance.

6. Bling/cool Factor.

I realize, to be on the safe side and I could just purchase the ICON stage 10 with custom Dever leaf pack and be done with it. But I'd rather save the money for trips and get the right suspension for the task at hand. Thanks for your help!

Basically, those of you with firsthand experience, what suspension components would you use for my application?

 

My experience says OME leaf in rear but not sure which version. Shocks either OME or Fox 2.0 with reservoirs (those are what I plan next time I think) to keep price reasonable. For front, I think there are plenty of good options. 2 inch lift sounds fine and will keep good amount of wheel travel for you.

I have older version of dakar/OME leaf pack with OME shocks at rear. I have abused them but they still work. Showing some wear with 96k miles but I plan to run it til a shock breaks or some other obvious failure.

Had OME sport shocks with 885 coils on front for a while. Did well off-road. Felt too rough on road until I added 85lb worth of front skid plate but even then was a bit rougher than I liked really.

Have Kings now with reservoir and 650lb spring. The resi might be overkill for my use, but maybe not. Rides fine on road. Rougher than stock but still fine. Great off road. Noticed that if I go faster rather than slower (within reason), they smooth out the ride better on dirt/gravel. Think I have 20k miles those now and still seem good.

My only fast offroading (40+ mph) had been tame gravel. Most offroading around here is rock, wooded area, and/or lots of mud which usually keeps it slow.

edit: and stick with 285/70 tires. Good size for all around capability.

 

My Icon shocks and Dakar leaf springs have treated me very well. However, I'm probably on road more than you. If I had to do it again, I would buy the same thing.

 

Thanks for the info! Do you have the medium Dakars or the Heavy Duty Dakars? If I sick with the 285's, should I go with a 2" or 3" lift??? How was the install? Did you install UCA'?

 

i have the old version dakar, when there was just one option. I did not add the extra add leaf to it. Not sure which new version it compares to really. You can always start with standard pack and add leaf or 2 later if needed. If you plan to keep 300+ lb extra at all times, the HD might be better though to help it last longer.

2 in lift should be fine to clear your tires. I was at 1.5 lift for a while and was ok on 285/70-17.

At 2 or less on front, you might not need UCA. Trucks and opinions about the feel vary. I have LR UCAs because I didn't like how truck handled on stock UCA and the LR were not that expensive.

If you get a good adjustable coilover like fox, king, icon, that has a threaded body, you can really dial it in to match your rear lift to get as level as you want.

 

Thx.

 

I have an Icon stage 4 installed about 2 months ago. Takes hits good but damn it's on road manners suck! You feel every crack and pebble on the road. Kinda wish I went with King....

 

In my research the opinion of most of the people is King is the best over all.