Suspension: I'm clueless...

Hi everyone - I'm going to be purchasing a Tacoma (2013 TRD Off Road or Sport) within the next two weeks and I would love to have it roll off the lot with a suspension kit and new tires. I know nothing about suspension. Ive done as much research as possible through this forum but am still confused as to what is what, and ultimately which kit/brand to go with. Here are some details

- daily driver
- will use to offroad on trails in the rockies for photography
- I'd love to get a kit that rides nicely (RCD?)
- 3" unless you see a reason for a 6"
- Relatively affordable (hah)

I know that this is an endless rabbit hole of options but I'm at a point where I could really use some guidance.

Thanks in advance!

 

OME with Dakar leaf pack. 3 inch lift, good ride, and a lot of people will recommend it also.

 

Depends on what size tire you plan on running and what your willing to spend. Both 3 and 6" kits have their pros and con's.

 

well firstly you can throw affordable right out the window, but you've clearly found tw so that was going to happen anyway eventually.

if your going offroad in the rockies, 5100's and an aal prolly wont cut it for you.

youll prolly want either an OME setup (moderate $) or a full on icon adjustable coilover (more $$$).

so are we talking just rough roads or srs rock climbing? you plan on bigger tires too?

id prolly get a specialized place to install your lift and not the dealer, just cause I trust dealers as far as I can throw one.

 

Honestly, I thought the size of the lift dictated what tire size to go with. I'm not looking for a massive tire. I'm not a fan of tires that protrude from the side of the truck.

I'm really loving the way kdaawg truck looks... http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/at...87341371-rcd-lift-pics-review-picture-026.jpg

Also, rough trails are all I anticipate rolling on. Not looking to do any serious rock climbing.

Hope this helps.

 

X2

 

X3 Sometimes I want to go down to 3", my center of gravity isn't great being at 6".

 

lifting lets you run bigger tires than stock, but you don't necessarily have to. although it looks funny if you don't imo. 285 or 275 is a common size around here for a 3" lift, but youll have to do some trimming to keep them from rubbing. (moreso if you offroad)

my build thread has lots of pics of a 3" OME lift w/ 285's. your tires will have to stick out some if they are larger tho, that just goes with the territory whether you get new rims or use spacers. some guys have them sticking out way too far just for looks tho, which is prolly what your referring to.

if kdaawg has a build thread you can just copy his setup if you want tho.

 

OME is the best when on a budget. I bought 5100's and Eibach coils because I'm only riding on trails. Good Luck with whatever you get. Just don't take shortcuts, they will come back to bite you in the ass!