2017 tacoma sport shocks / suspension

Hi Guys,

I am new to this forum and this is my FIRST truck. I took delivery about 2 weeks ago (Tacoma 2017 sport ext cab - black ) and cant help notice how you feel every bump in the road. I do mostly highway driving, but wanted a truck for, hauling lawn mowers, snow blowers, sheet rock furniture.
I know its not a luxury car but the ride is really bumpy on highways and streets.

Would changing the tires or shocks give me a less bumpy ride?

Thanks - I appreciate the advice

 

Yes for sure... it's the front and rear shocks and the front springs on the Sport that give you that what I call harsh ride.

I changed my suspension to Bilstein 5100s x4 with 885 springs up front, and Icon AALs in the rear with 5100s in the rear.

Night and day difference. A lot smoother on the highway and feet more planted off road.

Try a bail of hay in the bed or something 75#s or so, that helped the bouncyness for me until I got a new suspension. The tires a crap to BTW. Have you driven in the rain yet... ?

 

Thanks bob , appreciate the response - about how much do the upgrades you made cost?
I have only driven in the rain once and the back end tends to slide a little

 

I have an SR5, different shocks, and I would say mine feels 'tight', like a truck should. I came from a 2000 4Runner, it felt the same way. Check that your tires are not over-inflated.

 

See my sig if you want something that will perform and ride even better than 5100s on AND off road all details, feedback and costs are in there but about $1500 for the 6112/5160 setup. Don't forget IF you lift to research the Needle Bearing replacement, see my sig for that too.

 

thanks smitty - Ill check out the links - greatly appreciated

 

thanks bbps - I did check the tire pressure on all 4 - 32 lbs cold - what shocks came with your sr5? - I couldn't find anything on toyo web site - nothing on the difference of shocks for SR5 or Sport

 

Yes that's what I'm talking about tires... with the suspension being harsh makes crappy tires worse.

The 5100 setup with new front springs and AALs and shocks was about $830 shipped to my door.

@HeadStrong Off-Road is the vendor I used - Marie is great she knows her stuff and can get you into whatever is right for you.

Some folks like the Sport suspension cause its supposedly stiffer... which I equated to HARSH after I replaced it. I had all the same issues as you. I actually had my suspension in my garage for a few months last summer until I couldn't stand it anymore and changed it out... cost me another $120 for a crappy alignment at the dealer and $200 for the install.

 

@smitty99 99 setup is the latest in the 5100 Bilstein deal. Those shocks weren't available when I bought my suspension.
I don't know the price for them ... I think they are a little more than the 5100 setup. His front shocks come with new springs already installed I think..

The 5100 setup you can choose whatever springs you want/need. The 885s are similar to stock OR (Off Road) trucks just taller.

 

This is a common complaint. I think your cheapest option would be to pick up a slightly used set of bilstein front and rear shocks off of a TRD off road.

 

Hey guys,
I am swapping out my sport suspension for OR take offs. If I set LCA alignment cams up the exact same would I really need alignment since there will be no lift?

 

Im happy with my Sport Suspension. Feels like a good truck suspension, less squat with heavier payloads.

 

My tires are at 32lbs also. I'm pretty sure the SR, SR5, and Limited all come with Hitachi shocks. My SR5 has Hitachi's. Nothing special, just regular shocks. You could test drive an SR5 on the sly to compare, but I suggest you just give yourself some time to get used to the Sport's ride. I think we are all hyper-critical when we get a new ride. One more thing you could check, make sure the shocks aren't leaking, if they are you will see oil dripping down where the outer cover goes over the inner cover.

 

On another note, enjoy your truck! The TRD Sports are very cool! Nicer than mine!

 

In theory if you mark the suspension and then put it back the way it was with no lift, your alignment should be fine.... just watch for un-even tire wear and be sure your steering wheel is straight and truck not pulling to one side, you should be good. I'd get an alignment if it was me.

 

Thanks everyone, as a new be truck driver I really appreciate all the feed back. A little confused if the sr5 and sport have the same Hitachi shocks, why does the sport give yo a more stiff or bumpy ride. Could it be the springs in the sr5 and sport are different?
thanks

 

Sr5 and limited have same shocks

Sport has Hitachi "sport tuned" if you look under the rear you should see the difference between the two trims

 

I've heard that Sports corner better than other trims, but I've only driven a Sport so I have no idea. I will say, if you intended to go off road, you'll probably want to upgrade your suspension. The Sport feels bouncy off-road.

 

TRD Sport here...on a smooth road, it rides and corners like a sports car. If i hit a pot hole the truck sounds like its going to fall apart, shits wack.

 

Yeah then change out the Sport suspension and you will realize how much lean you were dealing with and add the bumpiness; does NOT equal sports car ride. Sorry but sad and true. Add a bale of hay to the bed, it will run a lot better = reduction in harshness. Nothing to do about the lean on turns cept change out suspension.