Why is 3rd gen Sport suspension better?

Hi All,

Can anyone tell me what suspension components have changed from Gen 2 vs. Gen 3? I'm getting my '08 OR frame replaced and wondering what to swap out. Looking for the same ride I'm getting on the '17 Sport loaner as it's cush.

Example.. UCA, LCA, Sway bar, Struts (hear they are lifting 1")

thanks!

 

oops, before edit, I said from gen 2 to 1, meant 2 to 3, ha!

 

What tires you have on your 2nd gen?

The TRD Sport has a much harsher ride than the TRD OR on 3rd gens.

 

Disagree...total opposite

 

Off Road definitely has a smoother ride than a Sport, but I think the OP is asking why a 3rd Gen Sport rides better than a 2nd Gen.

 

When I purchased my '18 Sport I test drove almost every Tacoma on the lot and the Sport had the best suspension.

 

Sport handles better, OR is more plush, to me. Fact that Sport has bigger wheels and less sidewall contributes to these ride characteristics.

Also remember you're comparing 10 yo suspension components to new. Anything will seem cush to clapped out bushings, shocks and springs.

 

define better!?

 

The Sport suspension sounds like it's a lot like the SR suspension.

 

I think the SR,SR5 and TRD Sport all have the same shocks but the front coils on the sport are different than the other two. Hence the 1" lift in the front on the sport. That may make the ride feel different as well.

 

SR, SR5, and Limited share the same suspension. Sport is stiffer, OR is softer.
Pretty sure all are the same height.
Also, it wouldn’t make any sense for the Sport to be higher. If anything, it would be lower.

 

TRD Sport and TRD off-road come with 1" rake. The lower models come with more rake. I believe

 

^^^^ Need *your* definition of "better" or all we can do is throw darts at the "Sport is more sporty" and "OR is more cushy" board.

 

I think all models have the same rake. Only the PRO comes with no rake because it is leveled.

 

I really can't remember. You guys might be right. Haha

There definitely was a difference between the sport and SR when I test drive though. Maybe it was in my head.

 

Don't over think it friend.

 

The sus in my SR is super stiff/harsh. It does high-speed corning effortlessly. If the Sport is stiffer, it must be a jarring ride.

 

I liked the Bilstein shocks on my '15 Sport more than the Hitachi shocks on my '18.

 

I didn't like the Sport ride for my area, too many old Rural roads.

 

Same with the SR. The old roads here really get the doors rattling. I gotta get some used Pro shocks.