Hitachi Shocks on 2016 TRD Sports

Would I be correct in assuming from the above comments that the SR5 and the Limited would be a more "comfortable" ride on roads/highways? Whereas the Sport will handle better (less body roll, etc.)?

 

I think you can safely assume that. Although the Sport did a equal job than the Bilsteins in sucking up road irregularities yet staying firm enough for a Sporty ride/ I only was on a test drive but I noticed the difference from my 15 right away. especially in curves where I was more aggressive. ( I have an MX5 so I am used to ripping through cloverleafs at 50 MPH LOL)

I think the Bilsteins come into play on rougher terrain and streets.

 

Generally speaking I would say yes but I am far from an expert.

I believe you should drive them yourself(if u can find them)

 

I've driven both TRD Sport and TRD Off Road in the last week. I loved the ride in the OR, and thought the ride in the Sport was a little busy on rough pavement, but neither had a bad ride. I prefer the OR, but if I wanted a Sport, I'd happily take one.

 

I purchased the 2016 Limited with the Hitachi shocks on it. Just found a set of the Bilsteins for cheap on Craigslist, pulled from a brand new truck ($150). Does anybody have input on specifically the ride quality on road between the two? If I'm going to be turning my truck into a bouncy ball by putting the Bilsteins on, I'll stick to the Hitachi's.

 

There's a reason they are on Craigslist! I would stick with the Hitachi shocks unless you are really looking for a much smoother(mushy) ride. There are better shocks out there than the low end Bilsteins. But its all about your comfort.

 

Offroad shocks = softer ride

Bilstein is a more reputable suspension manufacturer than hitachi

 

True Smitty! Great for OR but not so good for stability and handling on pavement. I personally prefer this new sport suspension over the previous regular and OR suspensions.

 

Actually I would not say that Smitty about Hitachi shocks. They have been in the business for a long time with shocks and electronics. Hitachi shocks are a good quality shock.

 

Hitachi (IMHO) is like the Japanese equivalent of GE, and they've been around for quite a while.. Ive always thought they made pretty solid products.

http://www.hitachi.com/businesses/category/index.html

 

What kind of road quality are you looking for? I'd say my offroad handles pretty damn well on the road. Sure the bilsteins are softer, but your trucking isn't going to be wallowing around, and I definitely wouldn't say that the ride quality is "mushy"

 

Might even be bigger than GE. Over 100 companies make up Hitachi, Ltd. And they are a very old and seasoned company. Bilstein's are known for their offroad products and not street products. But I digress, it all comes down to what type of ride the op wants.

 

Guaranteed there is more parts from Hitachi in Toyotas then just shocks.

 

I picked up a TRD sport and I really like it. I like the ride quality. I didn't get the off road because I still have my 08 FJ with the off road package. The new truck is my daily driver and I drive around 50 miles everyday. I still use this truck to get in some dirt to go shooting and camping and it will get me where I need to go with just 2 wheel drive. I rarely even use my FJ in 4 wheel drive. I am new to this site and I need to take a step back. I almost bought some 5100's just from reading all the threads on here and I don't even need them. The only thing the sport lacks is good tires. I'll upgrade those soon.

 

What is wrong with the tires and how do they fail to meet your needs?

 

I was shocked (get it?) To see the hitachi shocks are made in the good ole us of a. That being said, they are nothing special and got changed to bilstein 5160's at 7800 miles and truck feels so much more settled now. Warning though: oe shocks easy to remove without even raising vehicle. 5160... not so much(going to want to jack up and get as much room as possible). Gl bottoming one of those out like the hitachi with your hands

 

I should have used different verbiage. The tires are perfectly fine for highway and street use. They are quiet. I just prefer a more aggressive tread pattern for when I am in dirt getting out on BLM land out here in SD.

 

The OR suspension is a huge improvement in terms of ride comfort and handling if and when going off road

 

My 5100 Bilstein are way better than the stock Hitachi I had. Stiffer, less roll, less wobble, less nose dive when braking, etc.