Increase ride quality 3rd gen OR

I’m sure this has been asked before, but can’t seem to find anything. I have a 2017 TRD OR and the suspension leaves a lot to be desired. When braking, the front dives aggressively, it is overly soft around turns (which I get since it for off road). However, what would be a good upgrade in terms of quality that does not involve a lift? At the most, I would be interested in a leveling, but not raising and would also like to retain and increase OR performance. Money is not too much of a focus as I am more focused on quality parts that are durable/reliable. Any setup suggestions would be much appreciated. Note: I have stock size wheels and tires. Thanks, please don’t flame!

 

I’ve done Bilstein 5100’s all around on my 2nd Gen and 6112/5160’s on my 3rd Gen. Both made the ride firmer and took away the nose dive during braking. Both can replace your shocks and keep stock ride height. I’m pretty sure even the more expensive coilovers out there like Kings/Fox/etc can do the same since they’re ride height adjustable.
Bilstein for sure are a nice upgrade because they make the ride firmer on road but they also perform better off road compared to stock.

Edit: might be worth to add both my Tacomas were TRD Off Road with the yellow Bilstein shocks

 

^ THIS.

Did the Bilstein 6112/5160 and at first I thought there was not much difference (I did not have my OR for long before changing). Then I brought it to the dealer and they hit my truck in the parking lot, gave me a OR loaner and holy hell I could not believe how squishy the suspension was on the stock OR. I was very happy to get my truck back with the Bilstein 6112/5160 & RTX Leaf pack and it made me realize what a large difference it really made.

 

Do you have the list of components I would need to buy for this set up exactly so I can purchase and install?

 

Another vote for Bilstein 6112 up front. I have the 6112s + 5100s in the rear and the ride quality improvement was very noticeable over the stock OR suspension.

I recently test drove a 2024 Tacoma (which was OK - nothing special to go out and buy the first model year). Got back in my truck and it was a night and day difference. Even with the rear leafs in the 3rd gen. 2024 with stock shocks rode like crap in comparison.

 

Define ride quality, as it's (EDIT) subjective. OR will ride the smoothest and soak up bumps (like a caddy). 6112's will be more firm and sporty, better taking bumps at high speed. depends what you are looking for.

 

Put 5100s on my Taco and felt like my old tundra lol

 

I think you mean ride quality is "subjective" (one's own opinion based on personal opinion rather than fact).

Either way, the 6112s take bumps and low speeds just fine in my experience. Also very well at higher speed. One thing is for sure - they are far better than factory TRD OR shocks in every way (which happen to also be Bilsteins.. 4600s)...

 

The stock OR shocks are Toyota shocks with a bilstein sticker on them.

 

Yea that's the "ive" i meant... been in meetings for 3 hours already this AM

the only thing I miss about stock is the lower speed smoothness of the stock shocks. mid and high speed with 6112's is greatly improved. low speed is liveable.

 

But who makes Toyota shocks?

 

I don’t not consider these true bilsteins. When I contacted them about a warranty from stock shock absorbers failing, they failed to cover it. Their justification was “it’s an OEM design” they just stamp the shock with what Toyota wants them to make. So yes they make them, but they are Toyota design.

 

So don’t take this the wrong way, as I don’t speed in residential neighborhoods, but one thing that drives me nuts is the amount of speed bumps I have to go over in my area. It is a chore and regardless of the speed I’m going, the car is all over the place. I have an Tj Jeep, annd several other cars and don’t have this issue. Also, on the highway, hitting bumps on a slight turn puts the car off balance. That plus the nose diving when braking.. I have feel there has to be a better quality setup out there. Long story short, I’m willing to upgrade to something better

 

Has anyone compared them to the standard suspension? I’ve been thinking about an upgrade to my SR5 Trail Edition.

 

For some reason I have the day off. Juneteenth. I would normally be in the same boat working with a lot of people from across the globe.

Totally agree though the feel will be different for different people. Something else interesting - there was this blind shock comparison done on Youtbue with the 3rd Gen. All setups less than $2500 I think. Guess which shocks topped the list... the Bilstein 5100s. They really are an excellent value, and the 6112s are even better. https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bilstein-5100-shocks-ranked-the-best-in-a-blind-test.834229/

 

6112's will improve all those areas, no doubt. TJ being good over bumps / railway tracks is impressive with the short wheelbase + solid axles.

In my area, the streets are rough but straight on bumps, so I notice the bumps with 6112's (i'm sure P rated tires would help smooth it out some). At higher speeds I can drive significantly faster and more comfortably with 6112's. My friend was following me on some gravel roads with her audi a3 a few weeks ago, and was concerned going faster than 30mph... I was doing 50 and could have easily gone quicker, suspension was just 'cruising

 

There really was not much to it. I ordered everything from Wheel Every Weekend because they took the time to talk to me. Ian was awesome and we shot several emails back and forth discussing different questions and issues (He is one of the guys in the Shock Value YouTube series). I bought the 6112's put together by Wheel Every Weekend with the 650lb springs (you can get normal 600 Lb also). They pretty much dropped in place of the stock ones. Same with the 5160's, just look on their website. I ordered the Icon RTX leaf pack directly from Icon's website (Cheaper). The only thing special that I ordered were new shock bolts as the Toyota ones taper too early and bind in the shock rubber fitting and squeek over time (or so they say). There is a thread about it with all the details and parts.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/the-infamous-click-up-front…going-down.800581/

Outside of that I watched about a dozen youtube video's to get an idea how to do it all and grabbed a buddy and installed it on a Sat/Sun. Considering that I don't have much experience with cars even though I am handy, It was actually quite easy and I am now kicking myself for paying so much to get the shocks replaced in my Sequoia.

If you need more info or have questions, let me know.

Note: When I replace the Leaf Pack in back I also installed an upside U-Bolt kit for more clearance and new bump stops (cheap ones, Ian's recommendation). These are not required but since I was there....

 

thoughts on these? https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...2022-toyota-tacoma-4wd?variant=39795259342897

 

I would look for some locals with different shocks/suspension (shouldn't be hard) and see if you can meet them for a ride before you buy.
As mentioned "increased ride quality" is subjective.

 

I'm looking at a set of 5100s for my 2023 TRD OR. If I install them using the factory springs and the clip at 0, will the stance of my truck remain the same? I have an access cab and am not planning on AAL or blocks at this point.