suspension noob - advice appreciated

I just picked up my 2011 4x4 Tacoma (4 Cyl) from its 60k service. The health report is good but the service center said my tires are showing signs of cupping. The prognosis is weak shocks and struts that should probably be replaced sooner than later. 60k seems awfully soon for the suspension to need to be replaced, but I have done a fair amount of 4-wheelin on this truck so I can't complain. I never really liked the ride/feel of the stock setup anyway, so I guess I've got an "opportunity" to spend some money.

I was hoping to get some suggestions that fit my needs and some ballpark prices I can expect to pay for parts.

I do 99.99% of my driving around town or on the highway. I take 1 big camping trip a year where I put on about 5-6k on the highway with a good mix offroad; fire roads, NP trails and BLM roads, etc. but definitely no rock crawling

Any recommendations for some upgraded suspension that improves the highway ride, with some room for off road adventures w/ the truck fully loaded down w/ camping gear?

I know the TRD trucks come with Bilstein shocks from the factory, but that's the end of my suspension knowledge. Should I go the way of Bilstein? Are there other good alternatives people have found enjoyable?

Much Appreciated,

sirsethro

 

Call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road
I just installed blistein performance kit from headstrong and love it!

 

x2 on headstrong. If you can swing it, go for a full Old Man Emu kit. It'll run you about $1200, but that includes everything you could need and it'll ride like a dream.

 

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/st..._Emu_Kit_w/_Dakar_Leaf_Pack_-_05__Tacoma.html

Here's if you want to go with a full new leaf pack.

http://www.headstrongoffroad.com/st...t_with_HS_3-Leaf_Add-a-leaf_-_05__Tacoma.html

Here with a progressive 3-leaf AAL

 

I just went through Headstrong looking for the same and couldn't have asked for better advice and communication. I did the full OME kit with th LR UCS's

 

Bilstein performance series with deaver aal. Fronts set on 4th notch. Aal on non tsb springs. Sway bar removed. Firm ride the faster you go the better it feels.
Don't confuse firm with rough it's not rough. Just gas it and lettim eat!


IMG]http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160403/e58848a3b7012796e2f2a22ff9f2b771.jpg[/IMG]


https://vimeo.com/161381373

 

I'm not sure why, but I like the sound of an "old man" suspension kit.

Thanks all for pointing me in the direction of Headstrong. I'll shop around and see what I can afford.

 

I don't want to hi jack the post BUT I need help too.

I have an 06 ac with 155,000 and original shocks. As you can imagine it rides like shit. I'm thinking of the ome kit. But what options should I consider on the back? Aal or new leafs or block? I drive all highway and don't really put that much weight in the back. I really don't want to spend over 2 grand.

Thanks In advance.

 

Are you wanting to lift it or just replace the current ones for a better ride?

 

I would like a lift between 2"-3"

 

If you have that much of a budget, you might as well get a new leaf pack. Then you'll have all fresh suspension.

 

I just priced it out on Headstrong offroad and for a full OME, new leaf pack and Light Racing UCAs for $1,684.00.

 

The new leaf pack will make the bed of the truck level with the front?

 

If you lift the front 2.5", then I believe you'll even have a little bit of rake. Not positive since I haven't done too much research on the leaf packs since it was out of my budget from the get go.

 

@DCSBFTMFW Can help because he was full OME setup on an access cab.

 

No access cab for me.


DCSBFTMFW.

 

DUH. My bad, it's been a long day.

 

I'm not a expert on Dakar leaf packs. But from what I have read is it can be pretty firm with no weight? I just installed a deaver single aal, on non tsb springs with 95,000 on them I'm guessing I got 2" of lift. Rides and handles great. I would call Marie@headstrongoffroad. She can give you some options and make you lose sleep trying to decide. Good luck.

 

It's a little stiff without constant load, but you can remove a leaf from the Dakar pack and soften it up without much issue and it's pretty good according to those who've done that.

 

Any idea how much it drops the height?