TRD OFF ROAD SUSPENSION UPGRADE

I’m Looking for some input to help me decide how i want to build my suspension. I have a 2020 TRD OR and it is completely stock. I’ve been pulling a 2500+lb trailer and the suspensions is completely clapped out. I have no plans to lift it or add much extra weight to the truck but i would like it to be more capable while keeping my stock ride height and feel, or as close to it as possible. Im considering taking the route of the bilstein 4600 kit and a set of oem leaf springs but i dont know how much extra rebound that will give me, if any. I guess what im looking to find out is can i go with a stiffer spring rate in the front or rear on the 4600 without overextending the pistons?

 

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

 

Roadmaster active suspension really helps. Low cost low maintenance

 

4600s are a mild upgrade compared to factory Bilstein's. It's not a bad choice but a mild "upgrade"

Go for a heavier rear leaf pack and 5100s for a reasonable upgrade that will feel better while towing and off-pavement.

Leaf springs vary from region to region so we'll need to know what area you live in.

Don't buy oem leaf packs unless its cheap.

 

What do you mean by "clapped out"? A stock Tacoma (and many lesser automobiles ) is perfectly capable of towing a modest 2500 lb trailer. Changing your suspension isn't going to make significant improvements.

Yes.

 

The 4600's are much better than the factory "Bilsteins." Compare the stock shocks to the 4600's side by side and you will see what I am talking about.

 

A bigger shock is only better if you have exceeded the damping capacity of the smaller shock.

 

Toyotas are 42mm mono tubes and 4600s are 46mm, its bigger, but not massive.

 

I’m in central nj pine barrens. flat and fire roads. The stock OR suspensions ended up being a lot more loose that what i ended up needing it to be especially towing a trailer.

 

Try a set of Sumo Springs. From what i have seen, if you are going to get a heavier leaf pack or an add a leaf, when you are unloaded you will gain some 'lift'. these will keep your stock spring rate when you aren't towing, but will help carry the extra load. you can upgrade the shocks as well, but those wont help to hold up the additional weight.

 

I'd pick the beefier, better Bilstein 5100's set @ 1" up front and keep the oem springs as per Bilstein recommendation.

 

Coming from 5100s and now running 6112s I’d definitely recommend the 6112/5160s with add a leaf. Rides fantastic and pulls well.

 

Agreed. The rear Sumo Springs eliminated the sag on my truck that I was getting from a topper and a tool box. Sits and rides much nicer. Haven't put a trailer on yet but I assume it would be greatly improved. Didn't do the fronts yet.

 

You may also want to consider air springs. https://www.airliftcompany.com/ It’s nice to be able to adjust the psi depending on your load.

 

I love my Active Suspension on my 23' Off Road. Great support at the rear and a smooth comfortable ride.

I had Airlift air bags for a short time......What a disaster. The ride with even the minimum air pressure in the bags was so harsh I dreaded speed bumps or going off road.

 

mine works great for towing. 5,000 lb trailer. Night and day better.

 

Deaver Leaf Packs. Call them and tell them what you are looking for and they will make it.

 

My rear end would slam the bump stops with the bed even partially loaded just going over speed bumps at more than three mph. Now pack a 120qt cooler with frozen fish filets and ice push all the way forward and it felt like something was going to break just crossing low spots on the Mexican highways at speed. I used Firestone air bags and couldn’t be happier.

 

I second the Airlift bags.
I’ve had them on several trucks over the years and having the ability to adjust the trucks rear end level when loaded is fantastic. When not loaded keep minimal air in the bags and the truck rides like stock, loaded just add air and the truck is once again at normal ride height.
I’ve also had their dedicated compressor with interior gauge that gives the ability to adjust on the fly. Also plan to add them to the Tacoma soon to help with towing my enclosed cargo trailer.

 

You're way off on the measurements. The stock bodies are only 39.4mm vs 50.1mm which gives you 36mm pistons vs 46mm pistons which are the 2 basic sizes bilstein has used on road shocks for a long time.

Stock Bilsteins are pencils compared to aftermarket.