Suspension and lift Advice

Hello Everyone,

First time posting. I have a 2015 Silver Tacoma TRD that I bought new. I use it for work, loaded with camera/sound gear, and for camping. I have a shell on the back. I have found the
back suspension to not be enough when fully loaded with camping gear, as well as my clearance. Was recommended to add a leaf and lift 2.5" to 3". I know my total payload is 1,040 lbs including passengers. I don't seek crazy 4x4 scenarios, but occasionally come across some areas that require a little more clearance.

I found a shop recommended by another Tacoma owner who had the same thing done. They quoted about $1,300 to do both. I will contact them again to get specifics on what products they will be using and what they will do.

In the meantime, is there any advice from all of you knowledgable folks on the pro's and con's of doing this or any other solutions possible solutions? The shop mentioned possibly airbags.

I will be completely honest, I know very little about the technical aspects of this endeavor. All I know is my truck sags when loaded and I scrape bottom on rocks that a 4x4 truck shouldn't be touching.

Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.

 

$1300 for what?

 

Bilstein 5100's with 884 or 885's

AAL in the rear with airbags (If you really think you need them)

Very nice upgrade without doing anything major. Tons of people run this setup (Maybe not so much airbags)

 

would it be dumb to use 5100s on the stock trd sport coils?

 

Dumb? No, lots of people do it.

But when you adjust for lift/leveling, you are pre-loading your springs. Which isn't ideal, but not too bad either.

 

Looking at the estimate here. $1,378.45 is the total with the 3". $1,171 for 2.5" kit.

What's the advantage of going Bilstein/Coil route? Looks to be a little bit $$$ more. I think my budget is about $1,200 and i don't want to effect how well she drives right now. But do need the lift and extra support in the back.

Another question along this topic. My truck's total cargo weight is 1,040 lbs. including passengers. Not a lot really once you add camper shell and beer. Is this weight able to be increased with leaf springs and air bags, or is it just unsafe no matter what when you exceed that weight.

 

See my link below to what I did with my 2015- It improved my weight capacity and retained a smooth ride. You may not want to this work your self but a good add a leaf will help out in the rear.

 

f that....all that cash for a spacer lift and aal. there was a nice ome kit group buy for 1200 (leafs, shocks, springs) if you want to tackle a diy. Adding a leaf wont help much with your payload, you can buy helper springs from hellwig to add additional umph. best bet to help with the rear if you want height also is AAL and some airbags. Front you can add 5100s and preload your stock springs for the least amount of $$$ spent - also stiffening your ride as well.

 

Hell, you can get a complete Fox stage 1 kit from Headstrong for under $1100 and have a heck of a nice . If you're handy at all, it's a fairly straight forward install. Depending on where you're located, you might even con some board members to help you install it for a box or two of quality suds. Concur with shell though....airbags kick a$$.

 

I put SummoSprings on my truck, easy install. Helped with the added weight of a topper and gear. The ride is real nice, like $160. on Amazon. This a good temp. upgrade until I can afford to do a complete susp. job. Fifteen minute install diy, check them out, alot of guys on TW run them.

 

You know, that's a good point JWC. Just some kind of helper in the rear makes a ton of difference when hauling as opposed to a full suspension install. In fact, there's a great airbag setup on the for sale forum for $100 right now. I have the same system and love it. Couple of wrenches and an hour of fiddling and you're able to carry quite a bit more safely.

 

I went with the SummoSprings because the don't use air, some super duty foam. They just replace the factory bump stops.

 

Pics of sumosprings installed? Wondering about clearance ie do they touch the upper bumpstop plate constantly

 

I don't have a pic, but you remove the factory bumpstops, and replace with the SummoSprings. When the truck is let back down from the jacks, the SummoSpring touchs the frame. It gave me about a 1/2" lift with no gear just the topper. These are for the rear axle, bumpstops sit on top of the rear axle and bump the frame. So instead of bumpstops I have the SummoSpring. I don't do any hard offroad so I don't know what that would be like. I hope this helps.

 

So far so great. Thanks everybody. I really needed to hear options to be able to start making the best decision. My brain is still pinwheeling.

 

Sounds like the Old Man Emu kit would be perfect for you. Tons of guys on here have this setup. http://downsouthmotorsports.com/i-9449752-old-man-emu-complete-kit-for-05-14-tacoma.html

Install is pretty simple if you can read and do. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

tell me more. Better than AAL?

 

I don't want to say there better than a aal.They did not effect ride quailty, stopped my truck from squatting in the rear. Like I said"temp fix", until I can do a full susp. upgrade. Some people say there not good for hard offroad use, IE, full flex, one wheel stuffed, one wheel full drop. I don't do any hard core offroad, two tracks, forest service roads.

 

interesting. I plan on sticking to fire roads if I ever see dirt. Nothing too crazy. Mostly use my truck for camping and beach outings