Suggestions wanted on suspension setup for new tires

Hi all, somewhat new to the forum. Just got my Taco this February, a stock 2003 TRD V6 5MT with 80k. After a long, unexpected battle getting her to pass MD inspections, I have been enjoying the truck except for the rolling jokes they call Rugged Trails. These things squeal with any amount of throttle in the dry, and are downright dangerous in the wet. So when I saw Discount Tire's 4th of July rebates, I jumped on a set of Duratracs in 265/75/16.

After browsing the forums to see what might be required to accommodate the larger size, I see that there is potential for rubbing up front. With 80,000 miles on the truck, the stock Bilsteins seem a bit soft. The previous owner said he flipped the rear springs, and there is a slight rake without the topper, but I am also considering replacing those. I would like to build this thing up for some wheeling, it is not my DD.

I think I've settled on the full OME kit from Headstrong Offroad, with the Nitrocharger sports, 882 coils, Light Racing UCAs, and Dakar packs. I will also be swapping the nerfs for sliders, and eventually getting a front bumper and winch.

I was concerned about the lower ball joint issue the 1st gens have, but was relieved to find that my truck is eligible for the recall replacement after calling a local dealer. Pretty sweet to have oem lbj's installed for free. This introduces a quandary though. Since the lbj recall fix includes an alignment from what I've gathered, I'd like to use that to my advantage. I'm not sure the dealer will like it if the truck is lifted with non-stock size tires though. So these the options I've narrowed down to:

1.) Take truck with stock tires & suspension to dealer for recall & alignment, then install new tires & lift, then get another alignment at a specialty shop.

2.) Install new tires, then take truck to dealer for recall & hope they will do the alignment. Drive truck for awhile to see if things rub, decide whether I need a lift & another alignment.

3.) Install new tires & lift, then take truck to dealer & hope they will do the recall & alignment.

I am looking for opinions on this setup, any help is appreciated. I'm leaning towards option 3, it's the most bang for the buck if it works out and I can concentrate on armor next. Also, I am considering getting the OME D43Xl aal with the Dakars, as well as the All-Pro 1.5" shackles. Even though I won't usually be carrying much weight in the back besides the topper, I don't want a reverse rake because of the 882s, it will probably be awhile before I can install a bumper and winch.

Apologies for the long post, but I like to be thorough.

 

Follow up question: There is another open recall on my truck besides the LBJ, something about a rust prone spare tire carrier. Has anyone had this done, and what does it involve? Thanks!

TLDR from above post: Does anyone have experience with a dealer refusing an LBJ recall or alignment due to larger than stock wheel size or suspension lift?

 

That is one sweet truck you have​

 

I don't think there is any reason they would not do the LBJ under the recall. Are you sure they were never done? Mine were done in 2005 or so. And have them do the tire carrier also. It won't cost you anything, and it fixes a potentially dangerous problem.

You can always call the dealer and ask about the tire/lift situation. That may save you a lot of screwing around if they can do your custom setup. I would bet they can do it.

I almost did the Discount Tires sale myself. I have some General street tires which allowed me to do a 180 in the snow on my road. Never had that with any other tires on any of my Tacomas. Could have lost all control and crashed the truck. I was looking at some Coopers.

 

I think any choice would be fine. Lift or not, it does not change the fact of the recall. I love that green by the way!

 

Looks like the green color I see on a lot of jeeps. Looks good!

 

You don't have to do anything about your setup to get them to change out the lbj's and align your truck. They can do it as long as they can get everything in spec which they should since you're upgrading to aftermarket uca's. Couldn't hurt to call and ask though.

From what I've heard from other members, they have to lift your bed off the frame to install the new tire lift.

 

Thanks! People on the street ask about the truck quite often. The paint is what initially caught my eye on this particular truck too. It actually is Jeep Rescue Green, the previous owner did the work himself, took off the bed to do it.

Yeah, I knew I needed different tires when I found myself almost sideways on a highway entrance ramp. $552 after rebates for 4 tires shipped is a pretty good deal. Forgot to order the 5th for the spare though

So you guys would definitely recommend the Light Racing UCAs to go along with everything else?

 

I can say I've had my 265-75-16 Duratracs on for nearly 6 years and am still loving them in all conditions. They handle great in the snow too. I did install a 1" lift in my truck and they will only rub when turning into a parkinglot. The wheel offset may be part of that as well. I have to replace the suspension though since it is worn out.