Knowledge is Power! And I need some...

I picked up an '08 DC base 4x4 a few weeks ago with about 75k miles (my first taco). I absolutely love this cherry truck, but the one "complaint" I have is the suspension- it feels overly bouncy and likes to wander at hwy speeds even with a correct alignment. I do not want a significant lift because I have a prosthetic leg and don't need any more trouble getting in and out, but I am interested in at least adding the weight of an armor bumper up front. From research so far, I'm thinking about buying a set of the Bilstein 5100's but am wondering what else upgrading the stock coils would require? Would it just take springs and coils since I'm not lifting?

Thanks in advance!

 

So I guess what I really want is kind of an upgrade to a TRD package of sorts.

Any input is welcome.

 

Would upgrading the rear help with load and towing capacity or handling?

 

Bump. Need info please

 

There really is NO set answer to what your seek.......

Stiffening up the suspension will probably help - but what you seek to fix can create other discomforts. A stiffer suspension is just that - STIFF and you'll feel a lot more bumps.

These trucks have a really 'light' rearend. If you're not used to driving a truck - that's the nature of the beast (more or less).

You could put some weight in the bed - and see how that feels. The more weight you add, your gas mileage will suffer.
You could put new shocks in the rear - and see how that feels.
What tire pressure are you running? I believe 29psi is recommended.
You could get an Add-a-leaf to help stiffen up the suspension - again, you'll feel more bumps.
You could put 5100's on - and see how that feels.
You could get stiffer coils - and see how that feels.

And a lot of other things you could do... but ultimately, you could be chasing a solution that you might not be able to fix completely depending on what YOU are looking for.

 

Sounds like you might just need new shocks...

 

I agree. And I definitely need new tires soon too. Would it be acceptable just to replace the stock shocks with the 5100's, or would I need to go with a whole lift kit? Thats what I'm trying to understand.

 

Warning: I am no expert, this is just a novice's experience. I purchased a used truck too. It had stock TRD coils and the factory TRD Bilsteins up front with a spacer lift and then some Tuff country shocks with an add-a leaf in the rear on a set of cheap mud terrains. I might as well not had suspension, it was horrible. A member on here helped me ditch the spacer and intall 5100's all around, and I swapped out to all-terrains. The ride is so much better. I am still on the stock TRD coils with the front 5100's cranked all the way up. I will be switching out the coils soon b/c I don't like that idea. I'm not saying this is ideal, but i was in the same situation and it made a big difference. So, you can't go wrong. I don't know if you know but the rears aren't adjustable so you would have to compensate with an add-a-leaf or something if you lift the front.

 

5100's can be used as an OEM replacement shock. If you leave the front set at the lowest setting, it will keep everything at stock height but they will better dampen the ride. If you're not trying to lift the truck though, spending the extra money on the adjustable 5100's might be a waste since you won't be using the adjustability feature. You might also want to consider something like Bilstein HD's which are a non-adjustable stock replacement or even low mileage TRD stock Bilstein take offs from someone who lifted their TRD.