Change Suspension?

So, after lifting my 2019 DCSB about a year ago, I've been dealing with a pretty stiff ride and have been causing myself headaches wondering if I did something wrong or if it's the suspension.

I have the Eibach Pro-Truck Lift Stage 1 (which others on TW have said rides like a dream). I can feel every bump in the road and everyday driving around town leads to some discomfort. I've learned to live with it but still wonder if I should upgrade since I still don't like how it rides.

I got this information from Eibach:
The Pro-Truck Stage 1 Kit Specs:
Spring Rate: 742lb/in
Free Spring Length: 15"
Valving: Digressive

I'm guessing this is why I think it's stiff? Hopefully some suspension experts can chime in and tell me what exactly this means as from my research it just points to "stiff".


I currently have no weight but plan to add roughly 200lbs in the very near future. Should I just stick it out and hope that it softens up with the weight or still with 200lbs do you think it would be pretty stiff?

Thanks for all of the help as usual!

 

What wheels, tires, and tire pressures are you rolling on?

 

Sorry forgot to mention, I'm on stock tires, 16x8 Factory Style Wheels TRD Pro Replica wheels, and 28 PSI. I've tried a lot of different tire pressures and it definitely helps some but I can still tell it's stiff. I only bumped it up to 30 because it's getting cold here and I'm tired of the tire pressure warning light lol.

 

Based on springs and valving, I can tell the truck will be stiffer because of the Eibach's. Stock 3g springs are only like 712lb and most coilover setups have 650's. Digressive valving is also stiffer on the street compared to a progressive / linear setup. I prefer linear valving and a softer spring myself. You really don't need a spring that heavy unless you have at least 1-200 extra lbs up front (and likely still a 700lb spring would be more than adequate). I can't fully delve into it because I do not know how long the spring is, but it sounds overspring.

If you're planning to add 200lbs, add it first then see how the truck rides.

With the specs you listed though (guessing with a 13" spring), I would not expect that setup to ride smooth at all on a stock weight truck.

FWIW I had the same experience with my ADS's. Every review said they rode incredibly.. but when I bolted them on they felt like rocks. Part if this was because of having too much leaf pack for stock weight, the other part was because they were too stiff. After 2 revalves and swapping out the RXT's for J66's the truck rides amazingly, but off-the-shelf is not one size fits all.

 

Thank you, I am definitely hoping the additional weight helps. It's a 15" spring according to Eibach.

 

Eibach stage 1 should only be 2.0 shocks so it should not be that uncomfortable, even digressive. But if it helps I'm told the Fox 2.0's are rough as well and that the current valving on my 2.5's rides much smoother than those.

Give Eibach a buzz and see if they just sent you the wrong springs. The springs should have some info printed on them though that specify length and spring rate. A 15" 742lb would be under tremendous preload on this truck likely causing it to ride terribly in your case.

 

I just went out and checked the part number on the springs, they are the right ones so I think Eibach is right but it's just so weird to me that people think something with these specs rides good, but the Tacoma is my first truck so it could just be a truck thing.

Thank you for the help, fingers crossed the weight helps and if not, I guess I'll be upgrading!

 

I have no opinions about your ride... but will offer what I do just so you know you can do something different. I've got a 2012 Baja Series that came stock with a 2" lift and rear shocks with reservoirs. When I got the truck it had larger tires and I immediately changed them to stock size, running 35 pounds for the better mileage. I shitcanned the rear shocks and bought some regular ones for the extra two inch lift. I have no idea what kind because ot doesn't matter as long as they work. Price was more important to me than a brand name. The truck rides pretty stiff for mu taste but with a couple of hundred pounds in the back it rides much better. In the winter I have a tub full of bricks that I keep in the back next to the cab for better traction and that helps the ride. I also threw away the air pressure sensors when I bought the new tires. But hey... you do you and you'll be fine.

 

742 lb/in springs sounds very stiff to me. Stock is about 700 and my current springs are 600. That could be the source of your troubles.

You might also measure how much down travel you have. If too little, it could lead to undesirable ride qualities. Measure the distance between the center of the hub and the fender flare at ride height and when the truck is jacked up so the the tires don’t touch the ground. You should 2+ and inches of down travel.

 

I have the same Eibach stage 1 lift and the ride is really stiff for me also. I wish I would have went with a different lift.

 

Bilstein for the win!

 

I’ve had the Eibach setup for awhile now and I’m very pleased with it. I even have load range E tires and still think it rides great.

What clip/setting are you on in the front? What do you have in the rear? Sometimes a rough ride can come from add-a-leafs and heavier duty leaf packs.

 

I’ll try this tomorrow and report back! Thanks!

 

I’m glad I’m not the only one, me too. I am thinking about the stage 2 coilovers but my experience with the Stage 1 has made me hesistant. If I decide to change after I add the weight in the front probably going to go with Dobinsons IMS Shocks and Coils

 

I have the Icon RXT leaf springs on option 1 (the lowest spring rate). I thought this too because I had a single AAL with the stock leaf pack before. The icon definitely improved the ride quality from before but it’s still stiff to me.

I’m currently on the 1st notch, no preload

 

Ok. That could be part of it. Most aftermarket packs will be stiffer than stock. Kinda the nature of the beast. Where are your fronts set at? 1st, 2nd, or 3rd clip?

 

The Icon is pretty cushy compared to what it was before, so I’m not positive it’s the leaf springs but I could be wrong. I’m currently on the 1st clip

 

Hmmm….you’re on the right setting for no added weight. Ride is very subjective. I’ve had lots of 4x4 vehicles and I’m very impressed with this Eibach setup. Wish I could take a ride in yours and see what it’s like.

I hate to see you throw money at the problem and still not like it. Eibach makes quality stuff and their warranty is second to none. As you mentioned, this is your first truck and that could be affecting your perspective. I wish you the best. Keep us posted.

 

For sure, it’s definitely super subjective, and it could totally be something unrelated to the Eibach setup. I appreciate your help, I’ll definitely ya updated!

 

Dunno if Eibachs shocks are digressive or progressive, but either way that seems like way too much spring rate for stock weight. I think the factory setup uses spring rate to compensate for poor dampening. My stock OR spring were around 700 lb/in. With a winch and hidden mount, I'm using 600lb/in with Bilstein 6112's. I think you should spend some time learning about spring rate and digressive/progressive/linear shocks and how they interact before changing anything else. Also decide on your weight and desired ride height, and don't expect to use an increased spring rate to achieve more ride height and still have a decent ride.