What is the common progression of Lifts?

Here’s the question explained and with some context.

I have an 03 Access Cab Tundra 4x4. Stock 16” wheels and tires are BFG 285 75r16.
I primarily run Forest Service roads. Typically I do just fine. I’m unloaded and I go out tent camping for weekends.

Now I work remote and I’m going to go out for further at a time. I’ll be carrying more water and more gear. I’m currently in the market for a camper shell as well if anyone is in Wisconsin (where I live half the year).

I’m going to upgrade my suspension due to the added weight. I will need new tires, and I budget $1200 for another set of BFG. I may change the stock look and get steel wheels or I like the look of the Tacoma trd wheels (haven’t looked into what will or won’t fit, I just know they are also 6 lug).

I’m wondering what progression people do. I’m not going to spend $6000 all at once. I’d like to do it one at a time. I’ll do the work myself. When I get the camper and add weight should I do the rear first? I’m not rock climbing. 90% Forest Service Roads but I really would like to do some trails in Moab but nothing crazy.

If you were me, how would you recommend the upgrades? In what order? For example, is it more important to do springs first or control arms first? Or does none of this matter?

Anyone with a similar build please let me know what you did. I’m really only looking to gain 2” in lift and have it compensate for the weight of the camper shell. Not all of my gear will come out every time.

New to the Forum.
Thanks in advance.

 

For people who have added gear in the bed, is there a certain amount of weight where it will drop an inch, and then 2 inches? I believe what would be ideal is to have a rake unloaded. Maybe 2” in front and 3-4” in rear… I don’t know what would make sense.

So far I’m gathering a list of what I need to achieve that. Upper Control Arms, springs, shocks, lower ball joints while I’m in there. In the rear I’m not certain the best route. Nor am I certain the best brands.

I have an 06 Toyota Matrix that is my daily. The truck sits for extended periods so I won’t be throwing too much money at it all at once.

 

Where does your truck leave you lacking? You state typically you do fine. What are some experiences where you didn't do fine?

Tires are a good first purchase.

Get those, load up, and see how the truck sits and handles on a trip. If you then need leafs to increase payload (not legal payload) then go for those. So on and so forth.

I am in the same boat. I could drop 10k on my truck in parts easy. But it is not a wise financial decision. I am getting what I need first and going from there as time goes on.

 

I’ll refrain on this one lol

 

If your current ground clearance is adequate for what you normally do and you’re more concerned about sag from additional weight, maybe a set of Firestone air bags would be a better solution? With them you can adjust air pressure in the bags for a level stance, and they will improve handling with the load.

That would be an inexpensive fix and avoids all the problems that can come up with a lifted truck.

 

I do fine due to my judgement. I go alone, so I avoid the risk of getting stuck. Currently it’s mostly deeply washed away areas with ruts where I believe more clearance would help. My worry is that the shell adds weight and drops the body closer to bottoming out the suspension and wheels while I’m going on these roads.

Through research I no longer know how beneficial the lift would be. I think that if I can get an aftermarket bumper that will help tremendously with angles.

My 285s don’t allow me to go full lock as well so I’m thinking an inch on the body and an inch on wheel spacers would help.

Any advice on that?

 

I appreciate the help. This forum has helped tremendously. Also, it causes great stress in decision making haha. and I’m sure more people will have the same questions.

 

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