Tacoma Limited - Budget Suspension Upgrade Advice

I have a 2016 Tacoma Limited I bought when I lived in Florida, and was mostly used on road, but I have since moved to Colorado and I'm using it for dispersed camping with a RTT and a topper 400 pounds unloaded, probably 550-600 or so loaded.

Right now I have the stock suspension with hellwig 990 helper springs to help support the weight in the rear + k02s tires. It does a decent job getting me to cool spots but I want to upgrade to better handle some of the passes around here, without breaking the bank.

I picked up a TRD Off-road suspension from marketplace and was planning to install the TRD off-road leaf springs, coils, and UCAs with the Hellwigs helper springs, but use 5100 shocks in the front and rear, which I believe support a 2inch lift with stock components.

My question is: is it worth it to use the TRD off-road parts or should I just install the 5100s without it? I'm finding sparse info on exactly how much better the off-road leaf springs, coils and UCAs might be vs the stock Limited. From what I can tell they are stiffer and technically an upgrade, but not sure if it's enough to justify the cost of installing them.

TIA

 

I have 5100s all around and 1 inch blocks in the back. I’m pretty sure I have aftermarket UCAs that were installed by a previous owner. I removed the front spacers and put 5100s on in their place. I just drive my truck around mostly on road no issues. Everything is great for my use. I would not be able to lend any advice as to what to do when carrying the weight that you do. I’m going to investigate those helpers springs you mentioned as I don’t know what those are.

 

Toyota leafs are Toyota leafs, the shocks change with the trim package as far as I know. I just replaced my stock leaf springs with these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/375296490016 and
https://www.ebay.com/itm/375296481796. You'll need bushings also: https://www.ebay.com/itm/375305609760

They are side specific according to Ironman 4x4. That's the best price you'll find on these springs. I'm carrying about the same weight as you in the rear. These springs are definitely firmer than stock and the rear, once settled, is a little more than an inch higher than where I was with Add-A-Leaf helpers. Loaded, the truck rides like a dream.

You'll want to run extended length shocks with these and probably should go with something comparable in the front. You don't say if you have skids, sliders, bumper/winch. Those will affect which front springs you should buy. I'm not familiar with the Bilstein numbers, so can't give specific recommendations. You'll probably want to be about +1.5" in the front.

 

Correct, the leaf springs are all the same.
If your current setup works decently, I’d leave until you save up for a proper leaf pack/shock combo, or just upgrade shocks and do the leaf springs later, as the shock swap is no big deal for a driveway job.

 

Without weight how do these ride on the highway? I looked at OME but in the winter I plan to remove my tent and few other things, so I'm worried that highway driving will be super stiff.

 

Like I said, with just my cap, they are considerably firmer than stock, but not not harsh by any means. Sure beats bouncing off the bump stops with every bump in the road. In the winter, I always throw a couple of sand bags (150#) in the back anyways for added weight over the axle.

 

This is going to be an issue with any brand spring pack. If you increase spring weights, to match loaded weight, the unloaded ride will be more firm. Now, you can find look for a blend of barely capable of handling loaded rather than loaded + extra hauling capacity.

 

Try not to cheap out on anything that keeps your vehicle right side up and on the ground. Go with a reputable brand.

and trd off road parts aren’t the greatest in terms of upgrading

 

Yeah I ended up going with 5100s and ICON RXTs in option 3, but did end up using the springs from the TRD off-road and I'm pretty happy with it. Learned things the hard way a little and now I'm trying to sell the helper springs.

 

Don't skimp. Save up and do it right the first time. Else you'll be paying double.

Bang for buck is Bilstein 6112/5160 Combo with AAL + Overload Spring. If you have the extra cheddar, invest in a set of leafs from Archive Garage. He gives a TacomaWorld discount and the product is QUALITY.