2017 SR - Suspension - How to get softer ride??

First,
Check your bump stops for signs they are getting "over used" .

If you are bottoming out, that needs fixing with springs.

IF the springs you have are physically OK, not putting you on the bump stops, but harsh, Buy 300# of bagged sand and put it against the front of the bed. (That's only 6 50# bags and about 25 bucks in my area)

Evaluate your ride quality with the extra weight.

Most shocks have very little compression damping for the initial inches.
The rebound damping follows the spring rate.

Oh! If your bump stops are gone altogether due to age and use, get some replacements before throwing too much money around.

 

F that lol!!!

 

previous comments

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/softer-suspension-setup-recommendations.731804/

 

more from the past/

History... and all that

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-taco-hoping-for-a-softer-ride.728757/

 

Ditto

 

I can confirm that my '17 SR suspension is the same as you describe, since purchasing it new back in 2018. The upside is that it takes corners like a Honda Civic. lol
I now have 20K on the ODO and it's only slightly more forgiving. I think Fox TRD Pro takeoffs would be perfect on this truck.

 

Two people have already asked about tires. What are the tires.. SL, C, E load rating? It makes a big difference especially when empty/unloaded.

 

Thank you. I’m in Atlanta GA. If they would soften this harsh ride I’d be happy to pay for boxing and shipping but I know that’s a lot of trouble so no worries.

 

is that for front and rear? I’m really clueless about what I need. My brother suggested air shocks and I see some for $300 on Amazon and then I hear they can cost $3000. Then I hear coil overs will work but maybe not as soft as air. It’s really frustrating and confusing

 

I
I haven’t regularly been in a truck since my dad’s Ford Ranger on the cattle ranch from 1976-1981. And I didn’t pay attention bcz we worked from sun up to sun down. Too tired to pay attention lol.

 

There’s 3 factory types (well, 4 = PRO)… 1) SR/SR5 2) TRD Sport 3) TRD Offroad.
You’d be changing yours out for the other, essentially modifying the ride/handling in the most economically efficient manner. Plenty to read around here and plenty of YouTube videos too!

 

Just ad Bilstein 5100s up front, set 1" higher than stock. Truck will look lifted, level and you will lose the oem brake dive.

Just the shocks, as Bilstein recommends you keep the oem springs....

 

Exactly what I did on my SR. The ride was way better. Didn’t cost much either…

 

I’m afraid to touch my shocks/suspension on my limited because it rides so nice. Maybe look for a take off set from a limited model?
That said, the 4600/5100 Bilsteins are hard to beat. When it comes time for shocks it’s going to be a hard decision.

 

Tires will make the biggest difference. Heavy LT rated tires ride anywhere from bad to terrible on these trucks, and they aren't necessary for most people. Stock size and rating tires at the factory recommended pressure should give you a decent ride. The lighter the tire the better, because the shocks have to do less work.

 

From what I've heard the SR/SR5/Limited all share the same shocks.

Something for the OP to consider.. is that double cab v6 4x4 will ride very differently than an access cab I4 2wd with the same exact shocks due to the weight differences of each.

 

limited, sr, sr5 run same shocks

 

Archive Garage hammer hangers are supposed to improve the ride. I'm skeptical that it's as significant as they claim, but it's worth a try. I haven't installed mine yet.

 

Which way

Which way is the best cost/benefit if I want to spend the minimum???

 

Maybe you just need to do some test drives instead of asking a forum to pick a vehicle for you !