TRD Sport vs Off Road on washboard roads

I am finally in the market for a Tacoma and I know I want to get a TRD version but trying to decide between the two. I understand all the differences between the two models but since my wife and I spend a lot of time on driving on washboard fire roads in the mountains with a bunch of climbing/camping in the back and we are wondering which suspension system would handle this type of driving better. Would the softer 'off road' or the stiffer 'sport' setup be better able to handle this type of driving.

 

My two cents worth
OFF ROAD version

 

I haven't driven a sport but my understanding is the off-road has a slightly softer suspension for a bit (a tiny bit) more flex. A softer suspension should contribute to a better ride on washboard roads. But watch your tire pressures. A few pounds difference can can make all the difference in the world as can the tire load rating.

 

I have owned both and currently have a '14 sport. The suspension is definately different, my '06 DCSB off road bottomed out constantly, even with 4 adults in the truck going over a parking lot speed bump. I had the TSB 4 leaf pack installed and after 6 months, it continued to bottom. I eventually installed Firestone RideRites. My '13 and '14 DCLB have never once bottomed out, loaded, unloaded, even towing! IMO, the Sport has a superior side to my OffRoad, but it may be contributed by the longer wheelbase too. Will it make a difference on a washboard, can't say for sure, but I like the Sport ride better.

 

OP the only differences between the two suspension wise is the front coils on the TRD OR are progressive wound (meaning they get stiffer the further they compress) Rear springs are the same for the most part, though all TRD off roads made before october 2014 came with a 2+1 leaf pack, which was softer than the leaf packs found on the sport (3+1) after october 2014 every 6 lug tacoma came with the 3+1 leaf packs.

The only other thing is the front swaybar on the TRD OR is smaller which will allow for more flex and more independent movement of the front tires.


Realisticly OP, either one will be good, if you buy used do yourself a favor spend 350 bucks on some bilstien 5100's for all 4 corners, and another 50 bucks for a 12v air compressor. When you hit the trails air down to 20 psi and the ride will be NICE n smooth.

 

The shocks are identical on both. The offroad has a lighter rear end spring setup which will probably ride a bit nicer depending on how you load it.

 

I'd like to see the two type shocks run on a shock dyno say at Ohlins suspension to see the difference . Seat of the pants well .....................maybe

 

Talking about tire pressure my shit is a stiff ass ride. 11 v6 arb front bumper skid plate from Budbuilt warn winch and the heavy duty set up from ome for the winch and bumper.. The tires are feirce altitudes. Idk is size matters lol but they're on 285/75/16 and I have the tire pressure at 40psi how much lower should I go. And imo get the off road then you don't have to worry about getting a locker til down the road if you want a better one

 

Shit 40psi? E load rating?? Yeah they're gonna be stiff. Chalk test if you want the most accurate, or, run the door pressures. I think it's 30 or 32 up front and 32 or 35 in the rear.

If you have serviceable bushings make sure you grease them. Makes a pretty good difference in ride if at least my ass will attribute it to whatever I feel that day. @OP depending on how fast you're going any stock OEM shock is going to fade given enough time. Aftermarket, too. "Washboard" roads will make your ride vibrate like hell but probably feel the same no matter the shock. If you get into big "whoops" or similar the game will really change, but until then, I'd recommend the offroad like @aw10tacoma said, you at least have the e-locker and "AT" tires (I put that in quotes 'cause I have to say even the Rugged Fails looked nicer than those Goodyears.)

Oh also: I noticed a big increase in ass-end ride quality (I'm a bit over sprung) by dropping the tailgate off. I think it's a "spoiler" effect where air is pushing down in the bed and adding "weight" through air pressure.