Planned modest lift - feedback wanted

Hey all,

I'm planning on doing a lift on my Tacoma this summer and I just wanted to get some feedback. My trucks suspension is on the way out, so I figured I'd upgrade with a modest lift (1.5-2"). I don't really want to go higher than that because I don't feel like messing with the suspension geometry too much (i.e diff drops and etc). Was just hoping to get some feedback, maybe a little advice if my selections seem not to match very well.

I'm hoping to spend about 1000-1200 total. Less is better because I've got other projects I'm working on that I'd prefer to spend the money on.

Shocks/Struts would be Blistein 5100s for front & rear.
OME 882 springs
ARB/OME CS046RA/B leaf springs (I plan on removing a leaf to reduce the lift, IMO 2.25" is a little too much)
- I've got a magnaflow exhaust so I'm not sure if I need the exhaust relocation bracket or not.
Energy Suspension Urethane bushings pretty much for all the things related to suspension.
Not sure if theres a specific manufacturer for ball joints I should go for. I'd figure Moog, but I've heard other people say to stay with OEM as they'll last longer.

I appreciate any feedback!

 

For me, just doing the 5100s (front on middle clip) and then a 1" shackle lift in the back worked really well for several years. Can't beat that for ~$400... That amounted to ~ an inch of lift.

I would avoid removing a leaf to get less lift. You're now making the springs softer than the manufacturer intended. Those springs aren't "heavy duty" (you can get those springs with another leaf for when you carry heavy loads like tents/gear), so you'd actually be decreasing the amount of load you could carry in your bed, which already isn't that much...

Also, for the love of god, don't buy your auto parts from a book seller (Amazon). Go to somewhere like Wheeler's Off-Road or one of the many other vendors on this forum. They have actual humans you can talk to about your needs, and will be sure to get you the right parts.

You're going to spark a debate on the balljoints for sure. Go with the best you can afford. OEM is best, but I've used both the Moogs (rockauto) and 555's from lowrangeoffroad without any issue. The key is to inspect them regularly as that is what seems like causes the most failures (people ignoring them and not discovering small issues (torn boot) before they become a major issue (failure). But your truck will not explode with Moogs.