Suspension ideas for 2017 TRD Sport

My first post as I am new to the forum. Recently traded-in a 2014 SR5 4x4 for a 2017 TRD Sport. I was a little cautious about the stiffer suspension, but loved the other elements of the truck. After about a month of driving, I would like to soften the front suspension a little. Do any of you folks have any input as to the best path to take? Can I just change the shocks and leave the springs, or is the stiffness up front caused by a combination of stiff shocks and stiff springs. The factory shocks are Fox sport-tuned. I'm confident the term "sport-tuned" really means stiff. If anyone has had success in softening their ride, please advise. Thanks for any & all help.

 

Sports come with Hitachi shocks...

You can always upgrade to 5100 bilstein shocks and not adjust the height. The stock bilstein on the off road models are not as stiff as the sport hitachi shocks if you want to pick up a used set

 

Not on the Sports. Only on the Pros. If you want to keep it basic/simple, people like the Bilstein 5100s that seem to be stiffer than the Off-Road shocks, but softer than the Sports. I have Icons which feel firmer and nicer than the off-road, but not as bumpy and harsh as the sport.

 

Welcome to TW! I see you'll fit right in here
Call Marie over at @HeadStrong Off-Road and they will get you going on what you need. Great, reliable company.
Bilstien 5100 is what I am running, king, icon and fox, ads. These are your top 5

 

From reading these posts, it sounds like there are several options available. Apparently, most feel I should start with changing the shocks first and test the ride for awhile. I will certainly contact HeadStrong Off-Road and discuss what they have to offer. Thanks to each of you for the advice.

 

It depends on what you want your truck to do. That's why there are many options. It's a rabbit hole so becareful, a simple lift can escalate very quickly into 10k.

 

I don't do any off-roading or rarely leave pavement. The reason for the 4x4 is for the occasional snowfall. So what I am trying to accomplish is just getting a smoother ride for a daily driver. I was told the front shocks used on the sport raised the front end around 2.5". I would like to retain that profile if possible. Going back to the dealer today to get their opinion. They are not known for being very helpful with this sort of issue. If I changed to the Bilstein 5100's, do I retain the shock springs or just use the shocks alone?

 

You would keep stock springs and just change the shock out. Do not be in a hurry to buy. Do a lot more reading, talk to a bunch of us here and see if it's possible to drive a truck with the suspension upgrade your looking at. Best way to do that is go to a local meet in your area. Goto the regional section and look for your area. Or tell me and I will post the link for you.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I went back to the dealer today and found out that they do not know anything about what they sell. Even the head service writer had no idea what was under Tacomas. I think I will just relax for a while and gather ideas & info from various vendors. Most likely just changing out the shocks once I find one that has a reputation of smooth riding. I will keep the post updated, thanks.

 

I have 2017 TRD Sport and I am interested on what simple lift I can do on my truck as well. Like you I'm just learning and gathering as much knowledge as possible before I'm too hasty and buy something I'd regret. I drive on all pavement as well, I would just like to lift in 2" or so while making the ride more like the OR.

 

Can u set 5100's at2" right side &2 1/2" left side to adjust for taco lean?

 

Apparently the TRD Off Roads have a softer suspension,consider picking up a take off set from the buy/sell/trade forum here

 

Welcome to the forum @Taco699

thank you so much for the recommendation @JaCado

Sounds good. Feel free to contact us anytime

 

Would a 5100 front and rear shock set alone not only give my TRD Sport a bit softer ride, but also gain about 1.5 inches in height? Without setting them at the highest notch? That's ideally what I'm looking for, but I want to make sure I keep my factory rake. I don't want any lean lol, or my truck leveled. I'd like to keep the factory rake, so would I need 6112 in the rear to keep that?

Back to researching but thanks for any help!

 

Working on PM now