Which Shock/Suspension upgrade should I get?

[zAustin]

I have a 2025 Tacoma TRD Off-Road and am interested in a suspension/shock system upgrade that lifts my truck between 2 and 3 inches. My vehicle is a daily driver on pavement, but I want the capability for occasional overlanding and off-roading. My main goals and requirements are:

- Maintain daily driving comfort while gaining off-road capability
- Clear at least 35" tires
- Keep the total cost under $4,000 for both the lift and UCAs

I've asked many people and seen many videos describing King Shocks as the "Holy Grail" of suspension upgrades. Even though I have considered buying these shocks, it occurred to me that I don't go off-roading at every given chance I have, and especially not any crazy rock crawling. So I'm not sure if I should invest in King Shocks since I probably won't use them to their full capability. Not to mention, buying a kit of King Shocks with upper control arms tends to go over my $4,000 budget. So after more research, I found a Dirt King kit with both front and rear suspension, along with upper control arms, all for just under $3000 called the MT Trail Runner Kit. Dirt King UCA's have been mentioned to me as a good option, but I've never heard anything about their actual springs and lift kits. So my main questions are: Is the Trail Runner Kit the best option for my setup and budget? Is it completely worth getting an entire kit, or should I just invest in front suspension? And finally, are adjustable shocks something I should consider because I won't always have heavy equipment on/in my bed? Or do you guys have any other recommendations?

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[Rmarin4272]

Hey man! Congrats on starting the journey of suspension upgrades. I know one person that has had a nightmare of a time with DK. I have the OME MT64 setup that has had its hiccups. Overall performing amazingly. From all I’ve seen the bilstein 6112/6100 are pretty bullet proof.
That’s my 2 cents

Do you own install! Learn a ton and enjoy it

 

[Toyotimothy]

I recently put Bilstein 6112/6100 on my truck. Had them set for 2.25” lift in front and went with an icon 51215 spring in the rear. Currently sitting at 24” from center of wheel hub to bottom of fender flares up front and 25” in the rear. I might’ve went with the wrong springs but you can choose your own. I’m running 35x12.5x17 Toyo open country rt trails on method 305s with a +25 offset. You’ll probably need a dr kdss track bar correction kit for the rear. I actually have my old one (for 4th gen)listed somewhere on here if you’re interested. Make an offer. It’s in good shape. The Bilsteins are similar to stock ride but to me they seem to absorb the bumps better. I learned the hard way that I should be running C load tires. I previously had E load. There’s a huge difference in ride quality. Just keep that in mind when you’re picking your tires out. I went with the Bilstein because it’s a set and forget system plus I didn’t want to deal with any teething issues that others mentioned about

other companies. Not that Bilsteins are better. I just wanted something that I didn’t have to worry about. Plus as everyone says it is quite the bang for your buck. Bilstein is also what came on the truck so I figured if Toyota trusts it, then I could. Included a picture so you could see what it looks like. Best of luck. Hope this helps.

 

[VB Taco]

Have you considered the OEM lift kit? 3" in front, 2" in the back for a 2.6" lift over all. UCA included for $2000 ball park.

 

[tkrum015]

I have the TRD lift on my 0ff road . It drives and handle much better than stock . I am only running 285/70 17 and do go out on forest road mountain biking.

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