Suspension matched to your planned gear weight, then rock sliders, then recovery basics (boards, strap, shackles). That order protects the truck and keeps it comfortable while the rest of the build takes shape. Racks, drawers, and lighting follow once you know how you actually camp.

Payload runs roughly 1,100–1,600 lbs depending on year, cab, and trim — and that includes passengers. A steel bumper, winch, RTT, drawers, fridge, water, and two adults can hit that ceiling fast. Weigh your loaded truck, then spec springs for the real number. It's the least glamorous, most important step in a Tacoma build.

The sweet spot is a 2–2.5" lift on 33" tires (285/70R17 or 255/85R16). It clears everything meaningful, keeps CV angles and MPG reasonable, and doesn't require cutting. 35s are possible with more lift, trimming, and ideally regearing — worth it only if your terrain demands it.

Mostly no. The 2024+ 4th Gen is a new platform — new suspension architecture, electrical system, and body — so armor, lifts, and racks are generation-specific. That's why every listing here is year-filtered. A handful of universal-mount accessories carry over, but assume your generation needs its own parts.

Factory leaf packs prioritize unloaded ride comfort, so 300–400 lbs of permanent bed weight visibly drops the tail and dulls handling. The fix is matched to load: an add-a-leaf for modest weight, or Dobinsons heavy-load leaf packs for full drawer-and-tent builds. Airbags help variable loads (towing) but don't replace correct springs.