Is a softer ride possible?

I’m wondering if anyone knows if it’s possible to make the ride softer, almost like a luxury vehicle, I’m not too worried about if I need to pull a trailer because I’m going to get air bags

 

Sell it and buy a GX460.

It’s a truck, not a luxury vehicle. If you want a luxury vehicle, buy a luxury vehicle.

 

I know, I’m just trying to “modernize” it, because right now it rides like a dump truck, and I’ve rode in some newer trucks that ride really smooth, but I like my truck and just want to make it better, like add all the creature comforts

plus it probably doesn’t help that my truck has helper springs on it

 

What is your current setup? lift? tires? There are many variables that affect ride quality. IMO, the best ride quality for a lifted truck is a combo of front coilovers, medium duty full leaf pack, and load C A/T tire.

 

You can upgrade the suspension. Plenty of threads on here detailing options.

But it’s a Tacoma. If you want a more luxurious truck ride, those new F150’s and Sierra’s and Ram’s might be up your alley.

Toyota reliability vs other. Your choice.

 

Bilstien 4600's ride the softest for stock no lift, and making sure your leaf springs aren't inverted are pretty much the best you can hope for.

 

There are a number of threads here on TacomaWorld that talk about the rough ride from stock leaf packs on the Sport package trucks. Your helper springs could be neutral but they probably also make the ride worse. I replaced mine with a set from Alcan and the ride is definitely better, although in either case, having some weight in the bed really helps smooth things out. If you can toss 200+ pounds of whatever into the bed near the tailgate or just over the rear wheels, you can test it out.

It has been stated in many message threads that the springs on the TRD Offroad models are not as stiff as the Sport model, so buying some low-mileage takeoffs from someone who has put in a lift is an inexpensive way to improve the ride and stance of a non-Offroad Taco. The 3rd gen components will fit your truck.

 

Lots of good advice here so far.

Tires/inflation can make a big difference. And little things like seat jackers, padded seat covers, etc. can help with longer rides. But yeah, as others have said, it's not a Lexus sedan and was never meant to be.

 

you check tire pressure? get it perfect (tag on the door jam)and start from there. you will be surprised how that helps.

 

Go back to 16" wheels and put on 265/70/16 Michelin Defender tires with a proper balance. Mine has never driven smoother since I made this change, except maybe when it had the OEM Rugged Trail tires that had the notoriously soft "new vehicle" compound that only lasted 20k.

 

I have owned a new and used Tacoma and my used one had someone much heavier than me sitting in it because the seat foam was so soft it felt like I was sitting in bed compared the the hard firm feel from a new seat. I recommend breaking in your seats more to make a softer ride

 

I have 4600’s on my truck, they are not a soft ride. They are stiff for a truck ride that goes on and off road. They ride like a truck and that’s what I want. (4600’s are the same as 5100’s but for non lifted trucks)
OP if you want a soft cushy car like ride then a Tacoma isn’t really for you. There are ways to soften the ride but there are trade offs.

 

I have 4600's as well, they do ride differently than 5100's set at zero, the yellows are valved lighter, so they ride softer.

You are right though, trucks are trucks.

I've run many shocks, OEM, KYB and Bilstien and 4600's are my favorite so far.

 

Yes, tires make a huge difference. I recently switched from a Michelin Defender (great tire) in a 245/75-16, to a Falken Wildpeak AT3W in a 265/75-16, both P-metric/SL, light duty.
I ran my PSI at 35 front and 32 rear with the previous tire.
With the new, larger Falkens, I run 32 in the front and 30 in the rear (larger contact area needs lower pressure to hold up the same weight). I can tell by the wear and dirt scuffing (lazy man's chalk test), that This is putting most of the tread on the ground. I could probably drop another PSI or two but I always run a little high to reduce rolling resistance.
My truck actually rides much smoother with the new tires at a lower PSI.

What tire pressure are you running?

 

I installed a set of fox 2.0 shocks on my truck. They make the ride feel a whole lot better