Limited springs and OR shocks/struts to help the ride?

I'm going to start off by saying, I know this question/topic has come up many times before, and I've tried to read back through the threads that cover it, but I believe I'm going to ask the question in a slightly different way.

I have a 2018 Limited, and this thing rides rough as hell. I'd like to soften it up, but I'm not looking to spend a lot of money and do a full suspension swap. This is a street truck and does not go off road. I do not want something that drives sloppy.

From what I've read the Pro and Off-Road have softer suspensions and the Sport and Limited have stiffer ones. My question is can I use the shocks meant for an Off-Road on the Limited and soften it up? Based on what I've read that may help, but might not "solve" the whole problem and springs may also be needed.

I drove an OR when I was thinking about a Taco and did not like how spongy it was. I had not driven a Limited then, so I didn't have a frame of reference. I'm hopeful that the combo of Limited springs and OR shocks/struts may be the sweet spot. Has anyone done this?

Thanks in advance for your constructive feedback.

 

They all use same springs. It's the shocks that are different.

 

Try adjusting the tire pressure.

 

I understand the question, and wanting to find a solution, no shame in asking!

Can I make a suggestion? I know you aren’t super interested in spending a great deal of money, I don’t blame you, but hear me out.

I paid 600 for a full set of Bil 5100’s. I fear in searching for shocks, struts or springs, you’ll inevitably spend close to that. So, if you’re 80% there, for that extra 20% (should you decide) you could prob get a set of 5100’s.(or 4600, something over what you have)

Now, why am I laser focused on 5100’s? Mainly, keeping cost low, they are popular as hell for a reason, and after running them, I really do love them.

I had a Eibach Stage one kit, with their pro springs, prior to this setup. Wasn’t bad, but wasn’t my favorite. I kept their springs, combined them with the 5100’s and the ride is awesome!

The hard truth… is that these trucks aren’t going to ride like a full size 2022 Chevy Trailboss lol. However, they can be made a whole lot better than what they come factory for a little bit of money.

So, perhaps you could find someone who upgraded their shocks, struts and springs and buy their used set. However, I think you’ll find a great amount of feel will come from the springs used.

Good luck!

 

what kind of tires do you have on it?

 

I bought an offroad after driving, it liked how soft it drove compared to the sport and sr5.

That said, make sure to buy a set of bilstien 4600s, not the toyota offroad shocks. They are bigger and better for the same cost. I've owned both and the 4600 is a better choice for stock ride quality.

 

Agreed, start with the free and easy first. Higher tire pressures might improve fuel consumption but it can make for a stiff ride.

 

Your best bet will be 4600s or offroad takes-offs. 5100s will not make your ride any plusher. Lowering your tire pressure a little won't help a ton but, maybe enough to notice.

 

A correct, 3rd gens specific, set of 5100s is what this truck needs of your want an upgrade. Just the right balance of handling and softness in my opinion. Not harsh, but also not wallowy.

 

Get some 16 inch wheels and tires like the Off Road and Pro use. The tires have more sidewall compared to the limited 18 inch wheels and it will help soften the ride.

 

I can tell you if i inflate my trucks tires to over 35 psi the truck will shake, and jitter all over the road, plus the ride is rather harsh. I try to maintain around 32 lbs for best ride, and fuel economy

 

Tire pressure is 29 pounds. That's what it says to use on the inside of the door.

 

Tires are Michelin Defender LTX 265/60R18. These definitely softened the ride and lowered the road noise, but they can't fix the suspension.

 

Good suggestions, thank you! I had looked at the 4600s, but I'll also consider the 5100's. I just wasn't sure that the springs were the same across the whole line up and might need to change them too. The OR felt really soft and not precise at all when I test drove it. Kind of like driving without sway bars in an old muscle car or something. That's not what I want this Limited to feel like.

I bought this truck used during the covid lock down and drove to Kentucky to get it. The trip back to Oklahoma nearly killed me! I could barely walk when I got home my back hurt so bad. Most of that was caused by the seat position, which I have since fixed with Seat Jackers. Now I'd like to address the ride harshness.

On my drive home, I go over a series of small bumps and the truck likes to shake like crazy. Kind of like hitting a steal pipe on another pipe, you get this repeating vibration that takes far too long to stop. Why Toyota decided to make the trucks ride like this is beyond me.

I had considered that the Limited have 18" wheels, so the tires have 1" less sidewall. 17's would be naturally softer, but it can't be by very much.

Any group buys on the 5100's going on? Where's the best place to shop for them?

Thanks all for the help!

 

Off Roads have 16" wheels and that is one reason for the softer ride.
With the 18's, just get off road Bilsteins and you should be good.
The SR, SR5, Sport and Limited all have the same shocks. Every model has the same springs.

 

‘Is this your first truck?

 

The nice thing about adding 5100s and a bit of lift, is less noticeable OEM brake dive. Bigger, better shock than the OEM OR Bilsteins. If I were going your route, I'd lift the 5100s 1" in the front to level the Taco, and to get rid of the brake dive. No need to raise the rear, or change out the springs.

Best bang for the buck, and you have a level (raised) looking ride.

 

Just checking. Didn't want to see you throw money away towards suspension if it turned out that you were running oversized stiff E load mud terrains or something of that nature, over super over inflated; but it sounds like you're on some good tires at the correct PSI. I'd honestly be weary of buying any replacement suspension stuff at anyone's recommendation here. From the sounds of it, you have a pretty sensitive butt dyno, and only you know whats comfortable for you. I see lots of recommendations for parts all the time, people claiming certain shocks/springs at max preload, or HD leaf springs with zero added weight in the truck, and those same people claiming it rides so good or is so comfortable, knowing good and well it rides like a pallet of concrete. I do think most are just trying to help, but are limited in their experience with multiple parts, or experience in other vehicles, and they rave over whatever they have to justify how much it cost them. I personally don't have enough experience to make a recommendation, but I'd definitely urge you to visit a local dealer and drive as many different trims as you can; that'll give you a baseline of all the different offerings, how little or how much difference they actually are, and if you're ultimately happy with any of them. As you've already noticed, you felt the OR shocks were "spongey", while some around here would call it "softer". Ride comfort is just too subjective. If you do settle on a particular set of stock shocks, you'll have no problem finding a set of takeoffs around here for next to nothing. Good luck!

Side note, someone else asked, is it your first truck? There's definitely always room for improvement, and hopefully you'll find it, but just remember, it is still a truck at the end of the day. Doesn't mean you should be miserable in it, but theres only so much you can do before diving into that 'full suspension replacement' you didn't want to do.

 

16" tires would probably be your best bet. 265 70 16s. Duratracs in C load if you want a more aggressive looking tire. Geolander AT GO15s or Coopers Discover AT3s. You'll need wheels, Toyota Baja in black those look like Pro wheels but won't stand out on a 3rd gen, and why not get the Bilstein 4600s while you are at it.

 

Oh no, I've had many trucks. I'm 52 so this is definitely not my first rodeo. The Taco is my first Toyota truck, but my wife and I have had 5 other Toyotas.