Suspension bang-for-buck: front versus back, leafs versus shocks?

[postHoc]

My new to me '07 Tacoma 6 speed access cab has original Bilstein 4600s and the old 2 leaf pack in the rear - obviously due for an upgrade. I have a Leer topper and about 100 lbs of plywood platform in the back. For armor, I just installed the full RCI skid package and have bolt-on sliders coming. Front bumper is stock, but will be upgraded to one of the semi-hidden bumpers and winch in the next six months. I doubt I'll upgrade the rear bumper. Truck is 75% daily driver and 25% wheeling and mountains exploring, looking for the standard ~2-2.5" lift so I can fit 33s when the current Duratracs need replaced.

My overall budget is about $2000 with me doing install (coilover assembly done at local shop).

Upfront, I'm planning on Billstein 5100s and 650 lbs Eibach coils. I'm also deadset on a UCA upgrade (either SPC or JBAs). That will be ~$1,000

For the rear, my original plan was Billy 5100s and a medium duty Dakar leaf pack - potentially adding the extra leaf if needed. That would come to ~$700 which combined with $1000 for the front gives me about $300 to play with before hitting my budget limit.

So, my question then is where best to put that $300 to get the best overall improvement in ride quality?
- A better leaf pack e.g. Icon or Deaver?
- Upgrade rear shocks to Billstein 5160s? Will the remote reservoirs make that big of a difference if I only have 5100 up front?
- A better UCA?
- Bank the money and buy a bumper and winch sooner

 

[Swede.]

For 'ride quality' the springs will be it. The dampers job is to control the springs from oscillating and won't do anything for how the vehicle drives, IF you don't get some that are for much heavier loads/springs, then they will make it really harsh. A remote reservoir isn't doing anything either for function, it's technically a racing design for more oil volume and better cooling of it for extreme usage. It have trickled down to road vehicle as most racing stuff do.
Sounds like you know what works well on those trucks already (I don't, not a Taco truck person) A winch is definitely a great tool to have as you likely know, they are like guns, better to have one and not need it than need one but don't have one! (And you'll never get stuck again after you spent all the money on one ?)

 

[greengreer]

I really liked the icon progressive add a leaf on my tacoma. I also had the two leaf pack ( never went in for the recall) and opted to keep the factory overload out.
My truck had a fairly heavy steel contractor style shell and still had a decent bit of rake to it. Even with the bed slap full of firewood it didn't sag too much and the ride was great empty or loaded. Tons of flex when needed.

I went super cheap and picked up 3rd gen take off coils and factory bilsteins(trd something). No sway bar. Rode great on pavement and gravel/dirt and did about as well as an ifs vehicle with open diffs would be expected on 'trails'

 

[NatersXJ6]

Dump your extra $ into new bushings everywhere you can. Including cab mounts and motor/transmission mounts if they are starting to look sketchy. You won’t get far for $300 but it will make a difference in vibration and perceived ride comfort.