To TSB or not TSB. That is my question.

I tow motorcycle trailers from time to time but NOT often. When towing I do hit the bump stops on rougher road surfaces, so I've been considering the rear spring TSB. I've been reading all the threads about it here on TW. It's been great to hear everyone's insight and I really appreciate all the posted info. But now it comes down to it.

The dealer has agreed to do the rear spring TSB on my 2008 Offroad TRD DC. The service manager told me in his experience, The TSB is a 50/50 toss up whether the customer likes or hates the stiffer ride. He added that in my case, since I have the stiffer riding Offroad suspension (already equipped with Blistein shocks), that difference will be less noticeable. Is this true?

The dealers says that once they change the springs they won't change it back. Is there anything else I should consider before I pull the trigger on this?

EDIT: FYI - The 3" space between the springs reduces to 1 1/4" when a loaded trailer hitched up.

For the OR TRD owners out there who have TSB'ed, how much difference is there in your truck's ride? Any change in off-road performance?

Thanks in advance for your input!

EDIT: FYI - The 3" space between the springs and bump stops reduces to 1 1/4" when this loaded trailer hitched up (est tongue weight 300~375lbs, 2000lbs total weight loaded)

 

With-out-a-question! (and this is just my opinion) have it done, I had the same concerns as you, I have an "09" access cab so I had the shocks & springs done, what I found is that the ride is not really "Harsher" it is just more positive. you get a much better feel of the truck (if that makes any sense) Like you I pull a trailer and a couple of MC's every-once-in-awhile, my trailer is a heavy one, and although I do not haul them very often, I am very glad I had it done, jmop Doc

 

I just had it done on my 2010 Dbl Cab OR and would highly recommend it. Ride is not harsh. I too had concerns before but not now.

 

I had it done on my 2009. The ride is great. I highly recommend it.

 

Nice! What do you think your tongue weight is here? ^^^^^^

 

Good to hear it from a TRD OR DC owner. Did you find the change in the "ride" significant? Dealer said doing the TSB on the OR would be less noticable.

 

Not really a fair picture, when I haul the bikes, the BMW is set back to reduce the tongue wt. The picture you see are the bikes loaded and getting ready to be put in the shed for the winter. It is a 10' bed so there is a lot of room for adjustment, but as I said, I rarely trailer the bikes. Doc

 

I had it done and am glad I did, I currently have five 50lb bags of sand in the bed for better traction and it rides even better. Here is a pic of the TSB installed.

 

I got the TSB done on my DC after getting my topper. Also was thinking ahead to an elk hunting trip with the possibility of bringing home 2-3 elk.

Bottom line though was it hardly changed the ride.

So I would suggest getting it done no matter what.

alan

 

I'll chime in here...

I just had the TSB done on my 2010 DC. It could have just been me, but the ride seemed a BIT harsher when I first got it back. The thing is, I don't think I would have noticed it at all if I hadn't known the springs were changed. It seems better now after it has settled.

The ONLY time I do notice a bit more harshness is hitting bumps at speed. Specifically something like a section of rough road. The back end seems to jump around a little more than it did.

I'm happy with mine. The truck seems to handle better / more confidently now.

I'd get it done.

Good luck...

Rossi

 

did mine, better feel, not harsh, but a solid firm ride, i like it better.

 

i guess i'll throw in my 2 cents
i got it done on my 06 and my 08 and didn't regret it one bit. the rear suspension is fine when you drive off the lot but put a few miles on em and let em soften up. once they soften they don't seem to stick to the road as well over rough roads/ bumps and the bed will move up and down a little too easy for my liking.
after i got it done, like Rossi said its a little harsh as it still needs to settle and loosen up a little. once its done settling after about month its awesome.
here's a good way to tell how soft it is, give it some gas from a stop and look at the side mirror and watch the end of the bed drop as you give soem power. with the tsb, the bed doesn't really drop when you give it some gas. and you don't have to floor it either.
on another note, i can tell my 2010 is a little stiffer than the 05-08s but not as much as the tsb. i'll be getting my 2010 done soon. much better ride

 

Thanks for the pic!

Thanks for the input. Are you running the stock billies too?

Great input! I'll try the acceleration test. I think I've decided to pull the trigger on the TSB. I like the idea that my truck will be able to haul what it's been rated for.

 

I have a 2010 DC TRD Off-Road and tow a 21 foot Malibu Wakesetter, about 5000 lbs with gear, three times a week from April to October. I have pulled it without the TSB and after having it done. Huge difference in the way the truck handles. Much more stable. I also enjoy the stiffer feel when not towing. The ride is not harsh at all, but definitely stiffer than before. My truck had a pretty noticeable body role before the TSB was done. Much, much better after having it done. Hope this helps.

Clay

 

I hadn't considered the benefit when it came to body roll. Just another reason to do it! Thanks man!

 

Thank for the help everyone! I pulled the trigger on the TSB today. Dealer says parts will be in tomorrow. I suspect I'll get it back Thursday. Woohoo!

 

The three leaf pack springs broke on my 95 Tacoma. Get the 4 leaf pack for free now or pay for them out of your pocket later.

 

I'd get it done. I had it done on my mine it's made a huge difference with a load in the truck.

 

No question, get it done.

 

Will the 2011s need this TSB?