Rear Suspension benefits

Can you guys school me on the benefits of upgrading the rear suspension in my situation?

Current setup:
Front Icon 2.5 ext res coilovers set to softest setting.
Rear: 1 inch lift block, stock shocks.

I LOVE the way this truck rides. I really have no complaints. With that said, will I like it even more by upgrading the rear suspension?

Truck sits level on 35” tires with a Decked system in the rear that is about half loaded. I’m not looking for more lift, or to run Baja, or whatever. I just want to know if upgrading the rear suspension will give me any benefits or should I just keep it like it is? I guess it just feels weird to dump $2k+ into the front and not touch the back.

 

Those lift blocks will take their toll on the leafs. Over time they will cause leafs to sag, can cause axle wrap. Will happen quicker if you are heavy footed, haul or tow a lot.

1 to 1.5 inch lift shackles will ride better and do not cause the leafs to flatten as quickly as a block does. Personally I like matched shocks, or at least comparable shocks front/rear so would swap factory rear shocks to match or be close to the front system you have. The factory shocks are also not rated for any lift, not even the 1 inch you have, where aftermarket shocks meant for increased height will be good for an inch or two lift in the rear.

 

with 6112's up front i opted to switch my stock platinum shocks with 5100's out back. They certainly shine offroad compared to the stockers and are less noticeable but still an upgrade on asphalt.

 

I did Bilstein 5160 remote resi rears with CB +3 shackles to match my 6112s maxed out to 3" with spacers in the front.
Remote resi fronts would be cool but I don't need them.

The 5160 remote resi rears were only slightly more expensive and I wanted something extra special for no real reason lol.

 

might be a stupid question but with what you say, if someone puts in the RAS that lifts the truck by 1" will that affect the factory shocks? Will one be better off replacing with better aftermarket ones? Would there be an increased benefit ride comfort and load capacity wise?

 

How does your truck ride with them maxed out? I was worried I would start to lose this plush ride I’ve grown to love

 

IMO the rear makes the truck. Front end is overrated.
I put together a Long travel Tacoma over time and started with the front suspension.
I wasn’t until I completed the rear that I saw the true benefits. It was eye opening

 

Sex

 

this is 100% true. A spring under with bypass shocks is a different truck.

 

Well crap. As if I needed more to send money on.

the 2.5 icons to match the fronts are $1100, but clearly I need to address the leaf pack as well

 

I put about 2K+ into my front before touching the rear. It became obvious I needed a new rear setup. That ended up around 3K. But my rear outperforms my front all day long. I think get the front set and then go to the back is a good strategy.

 

dont overbuild. Your initial evaluation was that everything seemed fine now. Don’t go long travel your truck just for the heck of it. Ive had icon products for 13 years on 2 trucks. If i could start over i would get custom tuned kings from accutune offroad. If you want rear shocks, i would start with a phone call to them. You dont need more shock than your driving suits. I personally have non-res 2.5 icons in the rear, they are a little stiffer than stock unloaded, however they handle big hits really well for a simple shock

 

I feel it rides better than stock, but I went from stock to 3" front lift on stock tires and stock 20" wheels.

That is Bilstein's 6112 (2.5" diameter bodies -so larger than stock) maxed at 2.5" lift top setting, 2 drivers side spacers, and 1 passenger side spacer to level left to right lean.
Also, SPC adjustable UCA's both sides.
Front diff spacers/drop.
Front skidplate spacers/drop.

Lost a noticeable amount of turning radius, U turns are harder now.

Now that I added 34x10.8R20 E rated thick tread AT tires the ride is firmer still.
Not too harsh for me, but it is noticeable over severe bumps, bouncy a little I guess.
I am fine with it, but it is not as plush as it was on regular tires.

Your YMMV.