2012 Tacoma 4 Door (Shock/suspension Help)

Aloha!

I have a "new to me" 2012 (ALL STOCK) 4 Door (non-4x4) Pre-Runner. Rides like crap and I chalked it up to "that's just how a truck drives", but have now realized that it doesn't have to be like that. My question is, I was looking at 5100 Bilsteins for the rear (first) but have heard different things that they are for stock only and if I lift the rear with blocks, that they will not work (travel will be restricted).

$110 Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber - 24-186728

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Suspensi...pt=3306&t_pn=BIL24-186728#questions_Container


I am only looking to do a 3 inch lift, not all at once though. The front I understand will be done with the 5100's set at .85 or 1.75, but again, my main concern is ride comfort, not so much height. Will never be in the mud, snow or sand, just more the look I am after. Still rolling stock but want to get a 17x9 rim; -12mm offset and keep my current 275/70/17 tires as they are in really good shape.

With that said, possible to just change out the rear shocks for now to soften the ride a little....a lot then later raise the rear with blocks with the 5100's?

Thanks in advance, as there is so much information out there that contradicts especially from one site to another.

Thanks to all that reply with pics and experiences.

 

What don't you like about the ride?

 

Well, for one thing, the 5100s will make your ride much stiffer. You can definitely run them in the rear with blocks, just nothing over 2" as most people advise, even then, dont do blocks. Lift it right the first time and spend the extra penny on an AAL (Add a leaf). It will make you ride much better than blocks but it will still be stiff because of the 5100s and thats just the way they are. If you plan to achieve about 3" set your 5100s up front at 1.75 or 2.5 then an AAL will lift your rear. But to answer your question, 5100s will definitely not make your ride softer, thats just how the Tacoma handles and personally i feel it's too soft of a ride. Is it a TRD?

 

.. not.

 

Thanks for the quick reply. Not a TRD, just a Pre-runner, two wheel driver, V6. The ride is horrible, at first I didn't think to much about it, but after driving it 75 miles round trip everyday, starting to think this was a mistake. Is there any shock that will improve the ride? Like I said, not going through mud, snow, sand, rock climbing or anything like that. "Parking Lot Warrior" is the plan.

Don't really want a lift but was told if I put 17x9's with -12mm offset would have to lift it. Is the AAL something readily available and if so, do I remove my exisiting 3 leaf suspension in the back?

 

The ride is horrible. Feels like the whole truck is coming apart. We have some really shitty roads due to all the construction but I would think something this heavy would ride better. My lowered VW bug rides better than my truck.

 

AAL kits are generally inexpensive, usually under $100. All you do it add it onto your 3 leaf suspension, hence the name add a leaf. They are easy to find and tons of companies have them available. As for you having to lift it due to the wheels im not entirely sure

 

The ride quality between 5100s set at .85 and 2.5 varies greatly in stiffness

 

I'm right there with you. my trd sport rides terrible stock.

 

Are your tires E rated? What PSI are you running?

 

Okay, that seams simple enough. Have worked on suspension before but never anything with leaf springs. If I don't have to lift it, fine with me, just want to add the rim and tire and level out the front. Never noticed it until a friend of my told me that all trucks come slanted or raked. Now its all I see every time I walk out to get in.

Was going to add a spacer but heard that the ride will get worse, that's why I was looking at doing the 5100's all the way around because that seems to be what is the most talked about on the site. Willing to go with anything that will even this ride out or make it less harsh.

 

What tires are on your truck? E rated tires that are inflated to max might shake a filling or two out.

 

exactly! Again, I thought it was all in my mind as I really like the look and utility but man, all the discomfort is out of control.

 

Not sure what e-rated is, what ever came on the truck is what I have. As for PSI, running what the door frame says 30 PSI.

 

it just seems very jarring, jarring everywhere, jarring in the steering. Jarring everything in the cab. First time I went off road, I was like, how can they call this thing an off road capable vehicle, I cant even drive down a gravel road! I'm hoping its mostly the tires

 

Specifically to that setup, yeah.. but not generally speaking which I guess was more my point.

 

The sidewall of the tire will have the load range noted. An E rating is going to be stiffer than a C rating. If you feel like the back end is bouncing around more than the front throw some weight in the bed and see if that helps.

 

How do I tell if they are e-rated? Kelly Edge AT 265/65/17 front 30psi and Bridgestone HT 265/65/17 rear 30psi

 

That's how I feel every time I get in it. Has never been off road, just the parking lot at Walmart, etc. Never even been down a gravel road, just cant quite figure out how this thing rides/drives the way it does.

 

Right, I really don't want the ride stiff at all, not soggy but definitely want a feeling of control when I find a crack in the road or something.