Best on road suspension for 2006 TRD Sport?

We are looking for a smoother ride than what we are getting from this truck. I just drove the Off Road version and the ride was much smoother. That is what we are looking for a smoother ride. So what is the best way to go?
We want a little lift, 2 to 3 inches at most, but mostly a ride that absorbs the rough roads and smoothes them out without breaking the bank.
Any suggestions from those in the know?

 

Lots of almost new off road factory take-offs go on Craigslist when people lift their OR. A 3rd gen takeoff will get you a 1 inch higher in the front.

 

Lots of posts on this so do a search for all.
I put OEM Dakars on the rear and it went up about 2.5-3" and 5100s.
Front 5100s set at 2nd from top got me about 1.75-2" with stock springs.
Have full skids and allows alignment with stock control arms so saves that cost.
I run stock size tires and the Falken Wildpeak A/T3W 265/70R16 clears the upper ball joint with about an 1" so be careful on bigger tires - again lots of posts on tires.
Have chains for rear for ice and clay mud so even rear clearance can become an issue if you ever need to chain up.
Rides well on highway and not too stiff. I do drives out west and AK so put mileage on.

 

From your listed build, are you sure you are not experiencing the rough ride from your current 2" lift? What type of lift, tire size, and psi are you running ? Although the sport suspension is tuned more for street vs offroad, I wouldn't consider the sport rough by any means. If you want a 3" lift with smooth riding qualities, you will have to spend more to accomplish it. That will likely include front CO's (maybe UCA's) and a rear leaf pack. Running an AT tire at an acceptable psi(28-30) also factors in the ride quality.

 

Budget is everything when it comes to suspension, my toytec 2.0 rode nice, but my Fox set up is pretty darn smooth

 

Same kit on both trucks, Spacers front and rear, Front diff drop, rear shocks.
I have owned sports cars and that is the difference I feel. The sport model is tighter and more like a sports car in feel. I haven't checked the tires but they are stock size on both. The Sport being 17's and the Off Road being 16's.

 

I wish I had the money to go all out but budget is not really there.

 

I was thinking something along this line. Don't want to go all out but want something smoother that absorbs the bumps better. Are the shocks up front the key? I think that is really where I am feeling the difference.

 

Spacer lift...I think we found your poor ride quality issues. Front spacers and I'm assuming rear blocks are the worst combo for a 2" lift you could possibly run on a tacoma.

 

Ok I have to ask why? I realize a spring and shock system is better but why do spacers make the ride worse?

 

Read through this a little. I found a 3rd TRD Off Road suspension locally and it improved the ride tremendously. I've seen most sell for around $200-$250 in my area. Very easy install, maybe a couple hours in the driveway with pretty basic hand tools. Make sure to get ones that are still completely assembled, that way you don't have to worry about assembling anything. I got an alignment done afterward, but there were no changes that needed to be made, still recommended to do it anyways. I don't know why Toyota made the Sport model so stiff.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/review-3rd-gen-suspension-on-2nd-gen.542843/

 

Go with a recent take off from an OR and forget the lift stuff since you don't off road.

That will offer a very budget friendly and compliant ride.

 

Not sure which spacer lift you have but if it's a preload spacer, then it compresses the OEM springs more causing the stiff ride. The top plate spacer arguably rides like factory but you are extending the LCA and overextending the shocks which likely will bottom out destroying them before hitting the bumpstops.
Rear blocks will cause premature wear to the factory leafs and also axle wrap, which seems common with those experiencing clunks with blocks(I've been there).
Spacer lifts and rear blocks are the cheapest route for a reason but I guess if the truck stays on road and doesn't haul often, then this route is okay for those on a budget. I just don't agree with spending so much on a truck to cheap out on the suspension.

 

Makes sense. I wouldn't have done the spacers myself but they were on it when I purchased it. Definitely thinking getting 3rd gen. removed from a newer truck.

 

I like this idea. Does everything from the 3rd generation just bolt on? Rear springs included?

 

If you get the 3rd gen suspension you may end with some cali-lean/carolina-squat/dog crapping in the yard stance if you add the spacer on top. Just an FYI

 

THANK YOU. That sounds like a great way to go.

 

No spacers will be used on new suspension.

 

Check your tire pressure. Inside the door of a tacoma it states 29psi. Some tire shops could have you up near MAX psi for a P tire and i can cause a much rougher ride. Or you have Load range E rated tires this could also be part of it. I know suspension will do a lot more but this could be a simple way to help.

I also have OR suspension on my Base model. won an ebay auction for $125 with leafs and everything.

 

Something like this? https://portland.craigslist.org/clc/pts/d/canby-toyota-tacoma-2020-billsten/7060567574.html
Is that a good price?

Or these new for even less? https://www.suspensionconnection.co...MIgIrt8umc5wIVAtlkCh1-fA82EAQYAiABEgJQTvD_BwE