Best Suspension Upgrades For Trails

I own a 2009 Crew Cab Prerunner. I know I can't be off roading like crazy but I live in Socal & wanted to hit some easy trails out here. I'm curious if I should upgrade the suspension at all to avoid damaging the stock components. If so, what should I replace first.
I do have a spacer lift, but that's only to fit my wheels (Method wheels & BF Goodrich A/T)

 

https://youtu.be/sYIJpzo2RVY

Grab someone who can tug you out if you get stuck, start conservative, and go for it until something makes you stop: you'll be amazed what you can do.

You're fine on stock suspension starting out: upgrades generally improve comfort but don't make substantial capability gains unless you're changing geometry or compensating for more weight/worn components. In other words, you won't be able to go as fast, but you'll still get there.

Consider sliders and a hitch skid if you're in a rocky area: they're both substantially cheaper than the repairs. Neither of them, nor skids/bumpers/skotles are required to go out there and have fun.

Only Achilles heel I see is that if you've installed a spacer lift without extending your bump stops you have the potential to bottom out the shock. You can mitigate that by driving slow instead of blasting the whoops, but will want to fix that long term (if it's not fixed yet).

 

I really appreciate the response, definitely gives me peace of mind!

 

If you're new to off-roading, you'll be amazed what a stock vehicle can do when driven properly. Let me echo the prior comment: the ultimate #1 most critical component of successful off-road driving lies between the seat and the steering wheel, and you don't need to buy any new parts to make this upgrade.

So go get some experience under your belt, preferably with a friend tagging along in another vehicle, but don't be afraid to hit popular beginner trails solo either. I got into off-roading for 10+ years before I met a friend who was willing to join me on the trail, and even though my insurance is taking care of most of damage, he won't return any of my calls or even lift the restraining order until the lawsuit is over, so I'm back to driving solo again. But that doesn't stop me from hitting the trails whenever I can, and in the meantime, I'm quickly forming new friendships with several tow truck drivers as I hone my off-roading expertise.

The #2 upgrade is tires. You want E-range off-road tires with at least 70 or 75 sidewall height. Learn to air down your tires (e.g., to 15 PSI) to tackle rough terrain, improve traction, and smooth out the ride. Having a good tire deflator and air compressor is helpful here too. If your wheels are 18" or larger, sell them to a high-schooler with wealthy parents, then buy cheap 16" wheels so you can mount proper off-road tires and scrape them against rocks all day without worry. Be careful to never clean or repaint your wheels as this will reduce off-road performance.

All jokes aside, no amount of suspension upgrades will improve off-road capability as much as driver experience and good tires... And welcome to TW!