Suspension Confusion

Hey,

Got my 22 OR DCSB in September of 2022. I am wanting to add a lift to it (2" front, 1" rear) and my local shop suggested the Bilstein 5100 or the Eibach stage 1 kit. Cost appears to be negligible as the Bilsteins here are quoted to be $870.00 CAD and the Eibach is $1080.00 CAD plus install and taxes etc.

After plenty of reading reviews, forums, and social media, I am finding that some words are quite confusing and they seem to be quite subjective. If anyone has a suggestion for a site that can clarify these terms for me, that would also be great so I can learn...This is my first truck and I am coming from a line of SUV's.

I hear terms like 'better ride' but also hear things like 'harsh' or 'firm'. I suppose I equate a better ride to not feeling those ruts of the cross traffic in a commonly used intersection, or really inhibiting the transfer of washboard road feel into the cab.

Maybe I am looking for a more 'isolating feeling'?

"bRO YoU bouGhT a trUCK"

Yes, I am aware. This is strictly a comfort thing.


So my ask is two things...

1. What wording should I actually be using when I want my suspension to 'do more' instead of transferring the shock energy into the cab

2. Would a 5100 all the way around on the 2" and 1" setting accomplish this or would I be better suited to the Eibach set.

Context:
This truck is mostly pavement with the occasional fire road. It sees no inclines (I am on the prairies...If you fall asleep driving you will still be on the road an hour later) but we deal with a monster amount of snow which is one of the reasons for my want to pursue a lift. Well that, and frankly this is my dream truck (I have wanted this truck for 15 years) and want to lift it because it looks amazing. Stock tires and stock wheels (struggle to replace those from a mental perspective with only about 6000km/4000mi on them).

Thoughts?

 

Welcome to TW…

 

ha!!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/suspension.18/
https://accutuneoffroad.com/articles/

Dig into reading about progressive vs digressive dampers aka shocks.

https://youtu.be/FtAP774EaIA

 

Having driven both and installed many 5100's I can tell you that neither have amazing rides. But both are decent choices for entry level/lift.

The problem is everything is compromise. You don't gain height from factory springs without trade off. (5100s) Are also designed with offroading and larger tires in mind, so they ride firm, especially on the higher settings.

The Eibach I have less experience with but they tend to ride on the rough side as well, many of my co-workers find the eibach stage 1 to be bouncy and unpleasant compared to some other lifts.

The 6112s, Icon, OME 2" is when you start to see improvements in ride to go with the lift. Oddly they all start at 1500$ CAD and go upwards.

If you're near calgary I can help you out, I work at a dealer and have installed many lifts. I'm super picky with ride quality.

 

Woah, 4 min in and this is certainly the info I wanted. Thank you.

 

Great info, thank you. I'm in MB.

So looks like to get what I want, I am moving up past the 5100/Eibach Stage 1 bracket. Good to know. I would rather spend more and get something proper to be honest.

 

IMO, a lifted upgraded suspension starts at a tuned mid-travel set-up. Anything else, would fall short of my expectations.
My ideal lift would be: tuned mid-travel, minimal lift, maximum travel, maximum 32" tires and a wheel offset that adds less than a 1/2" of positive scrub.

IMO, expectations aside, entry off-the-shelf options just can't please everyone. Take unsprung weight for example...how is something supposed to control both a stock wheel/tire vs aftermarket wheel/large LT tire?

Accutune would be my choice for consulting and purchase.
By once, cry once...

I will say, as far as off-the-shelf, the adjustable Dobinson MRR look interesting.

 

Suspension firmness is also about prospective. I have a TRD Sport, the factory suspension was valved very firmly. I felt for what I wanted, a little too firm. Shake the fillings out of your teeth firm.

I upgraded to Eibach Stage 2 coilovers, they are a tuned mid travel entry level set up, with ride height adjustability on truck. I put 1" block into the rear. I find the suspension more compliant compared to the stock set up. Still an initial firm first bump but a much improved rebound.

Now your propspective is going to be different. You have the softer tuned Off-Road suspension. So moving to the 5100's or Eibach will be firmer in comparison. This has been a common complaint from people that have made that switch.

 

I will tell you what nobody else is saying...
Your truck, stock, is the best for on road and off road that you can get.
If you change anything, you will compromise either on road or off road ride and handling.
Go for the off road look? On road will suffer. Go for the on road look? Off road will suffer.
Everything is a compromise and nothing will improve both conditions.
You want to level? Seriously? It has a rake because trucks are meant to be loaded... The they are level!
Understand this is your dream. Don't mess it up for looks.

 

You aren't wrong, but the rear shocks on fire roads and washboards will fail pretty quickly. They just don't have the fluid capacity to dissipate the heat generated. So if OP goes ripping on those roads at speed on a regular bases he will definitely be looking to upgrade sooner than later.

 

No stock shock is good at high speed desert running for sure. But no high speed desert running shock is good for on road smoothness either right? Too soft?

 

Having replaced my stock TRD OR suspension with 5100s I can confirm this (I can't really speak to to Eibachs).
Normal highway / street driving will feel a bit "harsher" with the 5100s than with the stock suspension. If you are looking to make things smoother, that's not the right direction.

 

Suspension lifts do not add clearance at the lowest point, the axle lines.

The right tires for conditions on an otherwise stock truck and a good driver will be quite capable.