Intro + Black friday build checklist

Hey everyone, I've been a lurker since I bought my 2014 tundra back at the end of 2019, just waiting for the day I can justify pulling the trigger on a new suspension set up! I've read a ton of posts on here, probably too many as I went back and forth on set ups so many times. My goal in this post is just to validate I have everything on my checklist that I need to have so I can place my orders this black friday! This will be a garage build with a few buddies who have done it before, that way I will be more confident fixing things on the trail. I also hope this post shows I have done my research on this site, others, and youtube, and not just coming in hoping for handouts.

My tundra is a dedicated camping vehicle, I have a commuter for everything else. The goal is to get it all set up for year round camping here in the PNW, and at 105,000 miles on stock suspension it's ready for something new. Fox/kings with adjusters are out of my budget but I can do more than Bilstein 6112 + 5160 combo. I want it to be capable and allow me to grow out of just fire roads and get in to more technical and faster driving. Being comfortable is also important as I would like to do multiday camping trips where we cover quite a few miles (40+) offroad, and the fiance needs to enjoy it as much as me.

I currently have an Uptop cab height bedrack with a 4x4 colorado nimbus tent (roughly 250lbs or so total), with plans to add an awning, shower system, DIY wood drawer system, full size spare, plus everything needed to camp, repair, recover, etc. I would also like to be able to throw an elk or two in the back when needed, or possibly even haul a small camper on short trips if needed (I've only had to pull 3 trailers since owning this truck). Rear suspension and brakes are where I spent the most time on this build list I think. Goal is to fit a 35X12.5 tire on 18x9 +1 FUEL wheels (will go narrower in the future and try to fit 37s, but these were a killer deal brand new)

Supporting mods (done first)
Cab mount chop at local shop
Long range america 46 gallon fuel tank installed locally (HQ is local to me)

Font:
Locked Offroad 2.5 coilovers with adjusters (set to max recommended height)
SPC Upper control arm
durobumps front bump stops
toytec diff drop kit (hoping to hit 3 inches of lift)
EBC stage 9 front brake kit (yellow stuff pads)

Rear:
MCM fab Deaver U748 leaf spring kit
locked offroad rear 2.5 shock with adjuster
OME fit kit brake and ABS relocation kit
durobumps rear bumpstops
EBC stage 9 brake kit (yellow stuff pads)

If Black friday saves me enough $$$
1. coachbuilder OE steering kit

I will regear down the road to 5.29s

questions:
1. Thoughts on the leafsprings? there are so many reviews out there, positive and negative. I went back and forth between Icon, Dobinsons, Ironman4x4, and Deaver
2. Should I plan to do lower control arms? A local shop said there is risk of the cams freezing so I cant align, I looked at the MOOG lower control arms with SPC cam kit, just not sure if they were trying to get more money out of me or if this is something I should plan to do. I would rather buy once cry once, and also only have to tear in to the truck in one go if possible.
3. anything missing that once the truck is apart will be a problem?

Thanks in advance for all the advice! adding a pick of the truck from a camping trip this spring, pre bed rack and RTT. Hopefully as I go through this build I will get more pics on here if people are interested in seeing the progress!

 

Welcome from NY.

 

yeah, it got away from me a bit but I wanted to include as much as I could, my posts will be shorter in the future! Thanks for the feedback, I'll definitely check out your site!

 

This is kinda wild, I just officially joined after lurking for quite a while, and am looking at a whole lot of what you're doing. Bought a 2018 with low miles last year. Has a stupid ReadyLift spacer leveling kit and rear lift blocks (3” front/2” rear). I want to get away from that into something that will actually perform, but want to maintain existing ride height. I've got Icon wheels with 35x12.50 Mickey Thompsons on it with no rubbing issues at any point as far as I can tell (no body mount chop either). I have new Dirt King UCA’s ready to go but want to do this all at once, and hoping to hit some Black Friday deals. No aftermarket stuff on the front end adding weight at this point. Have an ARE topper on the back and an additional 100lbs or so of toolboxes/tools/gear. Truck is 95% a daily driver but will see some overland type applications on vacations and I want it to be capable offroad for multiple hunting applications. Looking at pairing the Fox or King 2.5s with 3” lift and some Deaver U748’s from MCM with their shackles in back. I want to be able to go with the Bilstein's like you mentioned but (1) max lift is listed at 2.5", and I'm worried that I'll have rubbing issues with the 35's if I don't have 3" of lift, and (2) I worry about ride quality on the Bilstein's at that setting.

I will haul a few hundred pounds of extra stuff in the bed from time to time and will also tow a boat or box trailer at times, though not frequent. Would like to have a bit of rake so it's level when I'm towing, but don't think I'll get it with this setup. After hours reading threads on this forum this is where I've arrived. Hoping some will chime in and say this makes sense.