sertguy
Observer
I've done some research and still not sure what suspension would best fit my needs. There's a lot of good info out there, however there is also a lot of conflicting info. Therefore, I'm looking for real-world experience from folks who have used their aftermarket suspension systems extensively off and on road. I'm particularly interested in the pros and cons from people who have used different brands of suspension systems/components. Specifically, what type of suspension package/components should I be looking for???
The vehicle and use:
1. New to me 2015 Tacoma DC TRD, with 285-70r17 BFG AT KO2's. Bigger than I think I need but they came with the truck and are brand new. It's not my daily driver and I won't be "Baja
racing" on my trips. I drive at a "smell the roses" pace and don't beat on my vehicles.
2. On the back end I have a RCI RTT rack, Ezz Awn RTT, spare tire carrier, bumper and hi-lift jack always on the truck. I'm guessing I've added about an extra 350-375 pounds to the Taco.
3. On the front I plan to add Aulminess (70 pounds) front bumper with a winch.
4. The Taco will be used as an overland/exploring rig. Think: BDR's, White rim trail, Baja, forest roads, wash board roads, Imogene and California Pass in Colorado. Once in a blue moon I
end up traversing across some deep ruts or going thru a "baby Rubicon" rocky section that requires the use of the locker, but very seldom.
My questions:
1. Is a 2" lift enough or should I go 3" with the 285-70r17 BFG AT KO2's? I think 265's will be the next size, not sure tho.
2. Are more modifications needed for the 3" lift (extended brake lines, driveline length, axle shims etc.)?
3. Do I need , or should I purchase upper control arms? Are they worth it?
4. Reservoir shocks??? Same question as #2.
5. Leaf spring I'm thinking OEM Dakar EL095R or EL096R? I'm thinking the EL095r is the best option, but will they sage with 250-300 pounds of gear in the back?
Some of the options I've looked at:
1. ICON - I like them, but expensive and the leaf pack is 1.5" - 2" of lift. I think my Taco would sag with that leaf pack. Could buy w/o leaf pack but almost the same price $$$! And
would have to purchase OME leaf pack.
2. TOYTEC - Seem ok. So so reviews about adjusting ride height. Seems 2.5" is max. Not sure how long it would last. Cheaper than ICON and can purchase TOYTEC front and rear OME
separately at a decent price. Seems I could get a decent lift with the Dakar leaf pack for about $2500. To me, this seems to be the best middle of the road option. https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2015/toytec-boss-suspension-system-2005-2015-toyota-tacoma/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7cfbpsWp2QIVA3ZeCh3DnwpdEAQYASABEgJ4cPD_BwE
3. OME 3" full suspension lift. http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/tacoma_suspension.htm Seems good. Only
2" in front, Dakar EL095R or EL096R in the rear, no UCA or reservoir shocks, no bling, but half the cost. Is this all I need???
4. OME BP51 lift. https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2015/complete-lift-kits-tacoma-05-and-up/old-
man-emu-bp51-suspension-kit-lift-kit-2005-2016-toyota-tacoma/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Oy9yMSp2QIVSpV-Ch0BPQIlEAQYASABEgJpIPD_BwE Similar to above lift but with reservoir
shocks. Seems like a higher quality than the above lift.
5. Mix and match??? Fox, King, ICON, Dever, All Pro, etc......
Suspension system priority:
1. Proper lift height with a vehicle that sit level.
2. Durable.
3. Ride quality.
4. Cost.
5. Little to no maintenance.
6. Bling/cool Factor.
I realize, to be on the safe side and I could just purchase the ICON stage 10 with custom Dever leaf pack and be done with it. But I'd rather save the money for trips and get the right suspension for the task at hand. Thanks for your help! And yes I know the RTT is to big and I'm looking for a smaller one.
Basically, those of you with firsthand experience, what suspension components would you use for my application?
The vehicle and use:
1. New to me 2015 Tacoma DC TRD, with 285-70r17 BFG AT KO2's. Bigger than I think I need but they came with the truck and are brand new. It's not my daily driver and I won't be "Baja
racing" on my trips. I drive at a "smell the roses" pace and don't beat on my vehicles.
2. On the back end I have a RCI RTT rack, Ezz Awn RTT, spare tire carrier, bumper and hi-lift jack always on the truck. I'm guessing I've added about an extra 350-375 pounds to the Taco.
3. On the front I plan to add Aulminess (70 pounds) front bumper with a winch.
4. The Taco will be used as an overland/exploring rig. Think: BDR's, White rim trail, Baja, forest roads, wash board roads, Imogene and California Pass in Colorado. Once in a blue moon I
end up traversing across some deep ruts or going thru a "baby Rubicon" rocky section that requires the use of the locker, but very seldom.
My questions:
1. Is a 2" lift enough or should I go 3" with the 285-70r17 BFG AT KO2's? I think 265's will be the next size, not sure tho.
2. Are more modifications needed for the 3" lift (extended brake lines, driveline length, axle shims etc.)?
3. Do I need , or should I purchase upper control arms? Are they worth it?
4. Reservoir shocks??? Same question as #2.
5. Leaf spring I'm thinking OEM Dakar EL095R or EL096R? I'm thinking the EL095r is the best option, but will they sage with 250-300 pounds of gear in the back?
Some of the options I've looked at:
1. ICON - I like them, but expensive and the leaf pack is 1.5" - 2" of lift. I think my Taco would sag with that leaf pack. Could buy w/o leaf pack but almost the same price $$$! And
would have to purchase OME leaf pack.
2. TOYTEC - Seem ok. So so reviews about adjusting ride height. Seems 2.5" is max. Not sure how long it would last. Cheaper than ICON and can purchase TOYTEC front and rear OME
separately at a decent price. Seems I could get a decent lift with the Dakar leaf pack for about $2500. To me, this seems to be the best middle of the road option. https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2015/toytec-boss-suspension-system-2005-2015-toyota-tacoma/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7cfbpsWp2QIVA3ZeCh3DnwpdEAQYASABEgJ4cPD_BwE
3. OME 3" full suspension lift. http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/tacoma_suspension.htm Seems good. Only
2" in front, Dakar EL095R or EL096R in the rear, no UCA or reservoir shocks, no bling, but half the cost. Is this all I need???
4. OME BP51 lift. https://bilsteinlifts.com/shop/toyota-tacoma/2005-2015/complete-lift-kits-tacoma-05-and-up/old-
man-emu-bp51-suspension-kit-lift-kit-2005-2016-toyota-tacoma/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Oy9yMSp2QIVSpV-Ch0BPQIlEAQYASABEgJpIPD_BwE Similar to above lift but with reservoir
shocks. Seems like a higher quality than the above lift.
5. Mix and match??? Fox, King, ICON, Dever, All Pro, etc......
Suspension system priority:
1. Proper lift height with a vehicle that sit level.
2. Durable.
3. Ride quality.
4. Cost.
5. Little to no maintenance.
6. Bling/cool Factor.
I realize, to be on the safe side and I could just purchase the ICON stage 10 with custom Dever leaf pack and be done with it. But I'd rather save the money for trips and get the right suspension for the task at hand. Thanks for your help! And yes I know the RTT is to big and I'm looking for a smaller one.
Basically, those of you with firsthand experience, what suspension components would you use for my application?