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Need Suspension Advice

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Gregorious4444, Nov 3, 2015.

  1. Nov 3, 2015 at 4:10 PM
    #1
    Gregorious4444

    Gregorious4444 [OP] Member

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    I'm a proud new owner of a 2011 tacoma sport with 95k. I currently have bilstein heavy duty shocks (yellow and blue) installed and they're great, if I wasn't driving 40 miles round trip everyday for work.

    Any suggestions on a more comfortable shock assembly would be greatly appreciated.

    I plan to hold on to the heavy duties for a "rainy day"...
     
  2. Nov 5, 2015 at 9:19 AM
    #2
    TMW

    TMW Well-Known Member

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    Light bar and bumper guard, 3/16 steel skid plates for engine, tranny and transfer box, OME 881 springs with 5100 shocks at mid clip. AAL in rear. Positraction rear diff.
    If you just want a softer ride go to your auto parts store and get a set of Monroe. Check your tire pressure too. Did the previous owner put stiffer springs on?
     
  3. Nov 5, 2015 at 10:36 AM
    #3
    Gregorious4444

    Gregorious4444 [OP] Member

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    It's possibly, but not sure how to tell. The ride is exceptional rough. Then again my previous vehicle was a camry. Ha

    Thanks for the advice. I'll look into the Monroes for sure
     
  4. Nov 7, 2015 at 4:01 PM
    #4
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Welcome to TW. The yellow shocks are stock on a TRD sport. At 95k they are likely shot and due for replacement so no need to hang onto them. Any decent working shock will probably be more comfortable.
     
  5. Nov 7, 2015 at 4:14 PM
    #5
    Gregorious4444

    Gregorious4444 [OP] Member

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    Preciate the input.. Any take on the Gabriel shocks? They got killer ratings but are really cheap. My expense tells me, you get what you pay for.

    I'm looking to make a purchase this week.
     
  6. Nov 7, 2015 at 4:33 PM
    #6
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Are you mainly highway? Do any off roading? Any interest in lifting?

    I'm not framiliar with Gabriel shocks. Monroe as mentioned above is a good brand. I've usually run Bilstien 4600 HDs as my replacement shock on my trucks. They ride quite nicely. These are not the same as the Bilstiens that most run on the forum, which are the height adjustable 5100s.
     
  7. Nov 7, 2015 at 4:43 PM
    #7
    Gregorious4444

    Gregorious4444 [OP] Member

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    I'm mostly all interstate, however I just purchased the truck a month ago and am pretty sure he used it as such.

    I've heard a great deal about the Monroes and 5100s but am not interested in a lift.. yet...

    Love the truck and looking to improve it on many fronts, starting with the shocks.
     
  8. Nov 7, 2015 at 4:58 PM
    #8
    rngr

    rngr Aix sponsa

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    You could buy 5100s, use the stock coil spring, and set the shock to 0. You won't gain any lift and ride quality will be improved. If you ever decide you want to lift, you can just move up the setting on the shock or go to an aftermarket coil. Current problem solved and you'll already have the shocks when the mod bug bites.
     
  9. Nov 7, 2015 at 5:36 PM
    #9
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    To clarify the 4600s are not for a lift, though as rngr states you could do the 5100s and use the 0 lift setting as well.
     
  10. Nov 7, 2015 at 5:47 PM
    #10
    Gregorious4444

    Gregorious4444 [OP] Member

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    Good stuff and lots to think about. I'll keep you updated on my selection and experience..

    Just curious, how big of a tire can I go to with a 2 inch lift (the max on the 5100s I believe)..?
     
  11. Nov 7, 2015 at 6:06 PM
    #11
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    If you are even considering it, you should go that route. For best ride and no complications you would want to stay near 2" or under. The Bilstiens will go up to 3".

    You can go 1" larger on a 2" lift. 265/70/R17s on your wheel size. There are pics of what that would look like in the Baja thread linked in my sig, running a 1.75-2" front lift, 1.5" rear lift and 265/70/R17s. Page 2 has side by side with a stock truck.
     
  12. Nov 7, 2015 at 6:20 PM
    #12
    Gregorious4444

    Gregorious4444 [OP] Member

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    Good looking truck! Thanks for the advice. I think it would be best to go with the 5100s to keep my options open.
     
  13. Nov 8, 2015 at 9:56 AM
    #13
    crashnburn80

    crashnburn80 Vehicle Design Engineer

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    Thanks! Sounds like a good choice. The more time you spend on this forum, the more you are going to need those options.
     
    Gregorious4444[OP] likes this.

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