Need advice on a level/tires

I need new tires on my stock 2000 AC, and am considering putting in either bilstein 5100s or ranchero quicklifts to level it out (2" or so) so I can invest in some slightly larger tires. With that, I'm hoping for some advice for those who have some experience on a couple of quick questions:

1) Do I need to buy new rims to be able to put larger tires after a level kit, or will my stock rims support newer size tires well enough?

2) Is there a huge difference between the 5100s and the ranchero to the point where one is blatantly superior?

3) I'm working off a set budget, so what other costs should I expect? I'm counting on the cost of the struts to level out, and the cost of the tires (hopefully not new rims). If I do this myself (with experienced friends that will help) what other costs should I count on?

Thanks in advance for the advice and help!!!

 

1- no you can go somewhat bigger on stock wheels with stock offset. To what extent I don't know. Others should be able to help with that.

2- Bilstein is known for making trucks ride better. I've never heard of anyone mentioning rancho as a ride enhancement company. If I wanted just a little more lift than stock I wouldn't look further than Bilstein. Now as to wether the 5100s are going to be better than the yellow Bilsteins with a lifting block is a question I'd look into it I were you.

3-not sure, but a quick search should get you close. I'd expect upper ball joints to be done at the same time as a strut swap. You'll have it apart anyway and lower ball joints and brake pads might not be a bad idea.

 

according to this thread: https://www.tundras.com/threads/official-tundra-wheel-and-tire-setups-pics-and-info.95/
you can fit the following without experiencing issues:

My understanding is that Rancho does not use a monotube shock design which makes them an inferior choice compared to something like a Bilstein or Eibach shock.

 

In either case it's easier to install everything for the struts with the ball joint disconnected. So if you haven't done them, now's the time to replace with OEMs, and they are cheap insurance ($200 shipped) against a broken truck.

Also, I have the Ranchos...They are a good budget option (not my daily) and ride nice. I don't do any hardcore offroading so they are a good fit if a bit floaty. The adjustability is nice, though and kept the truck planted and stable even towing at max on the highway.

I am running 275/70R17 on 4Runner wheels, and they worked on the stock split-spokes, too, with no rubbing anywhere. But note, I have a DC, where your AC has slightly smaller wheel arches. I'd recommend sticking with 265/75R16s or 265/70R17s depending in the wheels you have. And if you won't be doing tough offroading on the rocks (i.e. airing down), I'd recommend P- or C-rated tires at the max. My E-loads are overkill (weight and balancing, and mpg and power/braking reductions) for my uses (dirt roads and pavement) but they came on the truck so I'm running them.