Suspension Upgrade for 2003 Tacoma

Hello all!

This is my first post, I think. I'm breaking the rules and haven't posted an intro one before this. I am wanting to replace the suspension on my 2003 Tacoma. It doesn't appear to have been replaced or had any work done on it. It is a daily driver and has around 140k miles. Does not go off-road. My spouse primarily drives with the kids in it. So, I'm wanting a capable and dependable upgrade.

I also recently went to the dealership and they informed me that my suspension required some repairs. I was quoted 2500 to replace front shock absorbers, rear shock absorbers, front lower ball joints and lower control arms, as well as an alignment afterwards. That's pretty steep in my opinion, and I feel like I could get better aftermarket parts for a comparable price. I've read that stock lower control arms are pretty good? I'd like to not pass 4k for budget, but am willing to make exceptions if the suspension will be that good.

I don't particularly care for a lift, just want improved functionality from stock, if possible. I am not looking to change the wheels, and I recently purchased Michelin Defenders for tires, tire size 265/70R16 (stock wheels and tires). I emailed Wheeler's off-road and the recommendation was the popular Bilstein 5100s.

"A common set up for your pickup is the bilstein 5100's front and back
with a 1.5 inch add a leaf and an old man emu coil for the front."

There is also a package at Downsouth Motorsports where you can pick and choose. And I was thinking Fox 2.5 coilovers in the front, a Deaver leaf pack, Fox 2.0s in the rear, and camburg UCAs. Overkill for my purposes, right?

I also attached some pics, but I'm a scrub, so let me know if I need to take a pic of something else for a better assessment. From driving daily, it definitely feels that the suspension needs some TLC. What could you tell me from the pics? I've read for hours in different threads concerning suspension upgrades, but was hoping to get a answers with possibly more up-to-date information. Thank you guys for all the help! I've lurked for years and have been able to pull out good recommendations for basic upgrades.

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Thank you Black DOG!

 

Ton of recent threads -

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/leaf-springs.655932/


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/low-range-off-road-and-susp-selection.655535/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/ome-leaf-spring-install-fox-2-0-shocks-question.656122/

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/rear-struts.655949/

 

Thank you Kwikvette!

 

Very happy with Bilstein 5100 and OME coils

 

For a near stock ride height you might consider the Bilstein 4600s shock with the OME 2880 springs in the front. The consensus here seems to be the OEM lower ball joints. Your lower control arms themselves are probably fine, but might need some new bushings. After doing all of that in the front and replacing the rear shocks, you can make an assessment on the leaf springs.

Welcome to TW!

 

I'd normally give you a long winded piece of advice on suspension but then I remembered a few of us answered a ton of specific questions regarding;

Lift up front, aftermarket options on both the cheap side (Bilstein 5100) and the higher end (King, Fox 2.5, extended, and aftermarket UCA), as well as rear shocks, length, and use of stock height springs as well as lift springs for the rear.

 

That's good to great @ryans4x4 as that's considerably less pricey!

@CrustyTaco Thank you for that info. Believe it or not I didn't him of doing this piecemeal. That wouldn't be a bad route to go!

@Kwikvette I understand! I appreciate any and all info. Definitely going to pore over those threads!