Choice of 3rd gen suspension to update to?

I want to throw 3rd gen suspension under my 2005, 4cyl, 4x4 AC, non-TRD
Locally, I've found sets of sub-10k mile 3rd gen suspension for $200-$250.

Is there a 'best' suspension to use? TRD Off-Road vs. Sport, or other? Are these 2 suspension parts 100% identical/interchangeable?
Naturally, I feel the OR would be a better fit, but I'm tempted to go for the Sport, since realistically my truck will never go "off-road" under my ownership. I only have 4x4 for snow.
I guess I would prefer a firmer suspension on-road just to have a more crisp ride, but I've read something along the lines of the TRD Sport suspension leaving a lot to be desired.

Do I simply need the 2 struts and 2 shocks? Many people selling their 3rd gen suspension are also selling it with the UCAs and leaf springs. I can understand selling the leafs when doing a lift, but the UCAs being for sale has me confused.


TL;DR-- ride quality of TRD OR vs Sport; which components I need; and if it matters what configuration of truck I have vs what they came off?

 

I have 3rd gen TRD-OR front suspension on mine. Since I already have a TRD-OR the difference is minimal given the only changes seem to be coil height (which provides te ~1" lift up front). Very slightly firmer than my 2nd gen stock setup. Can't speak to the sport stuff but like you I've heard there is a little more stiffness on-road. I don't think it really matters to be honest. I would just go with either set you can find cheaper.

You do not need the UCAs. People who upgrade to aftermarket suspensions need aftermarket UCAs for better alignment when going ~2" lift and up, which is why you see them for sale.

And honestly unless you just want a new OEM replacement rear shock/leaf as maintenance replacements, the rears are rather worthless as well as the leaf packs.

All you need is front shock assemblies, and rear shock/leafs optional. I'd choose fully assembled fronts and skip anyone selling them unassembled. The whole point of the money savings is it is a full plug n play setup.

 

thanks for the reply. This helps.
I had no interest in swapping out my rear leafs as they are brand new from the recall, but they seem to be a package deal everywhere.
Thanks for clearing up the UCA thing. That makes sense. I guess I'm just still skeptical that so many people would be modifying such a new vehicle. For my adult life, regarding cars, it's always been "I'll wait until the warranty runs out to modify" or "wouldn't want to void the warranty" but also like "lol, can't afford doing XXX until the car is paid off".
Some of these people are selling their suspension with like 5k miles! The parts are still brand new! I guess that's what big boy money gets you.

And yes, ofc, I would buy the struts still assembled. That is the whole point!

 

only the 3rd gen TRD OR comes with bilstein shocks stock. You wont need UCA's as those are the same and they are likely selling them as well because they went with a taller lift that requires an aftermarket UCA.

 

I have 3rd gen TRD Sport suspension and I like the ride. I also have 3rd gen OR suspension stashed away for when the Sports wear out, but that will be a few years from now. If you are replacing original '05 shocks or well worn shocks, either new takeoff Hitachi Sports or Bilstein ORs will feel amazing. Also, since you have lighter weight 4 cyl AC, you may get a bit more than 1" of lift up front. I did need ECGS bushing even with 1" lift. Had front diff vibes that went away in 4Hi.

 

Hello everyone, I am new to the site. I have an 08 Tacoma and was wondering if a 17 Tacoma trd suspension would fit? Are they unchanged from 16?

 

Welcome to TW!

Yes, it would fit. No changes. You will also get about an 1" of lift up front.