Gen 2 TRD Sport - Suspension upgrades?

My 2005 TRD Sport badly needs shocks, maybe other components. The orignal suspension, when new, was quite good, but before I just go stock:

I've read plenty of threads where uses rave about putting a gen3 suspension onto a gen 2 Tacoma, but never specifically with the TRD Sport. Obviously, this is a very different application than an off-road truck.

So... is this also thing with the TRD SPort? And which components can be successfully swapped? I'm not worried about cost, just a better ride.

Or alternately, are there any thrid-party components that are considered an upgrade to the OEM system?

 

There are many better options than stock takeoffs

If you aren’t worried about cost, get something better

 

Same platform, suspension should be interchangeable. Sport r stiffer, offroad softer ride. If not worried about cost go King, fox, or bilstein. I really love my toytec suspension. All depends how u drive your truck

 

To me the improvement going to a GenIII suspension isn't worth the sweat, unless maybe you get it free. Everyone I know with a GenIII has ditched the factory parts. What does that say? As for what aftermarket parts are best, pretty much everyone recommends what they have. I have personal experience with Fox, Icon, Bilstein, and Dobinson's, about 165,000 miles total. I have second hand experience with King. I won't put anything but Dobinson's on my truck now, FWIW.

 

I’d call 6112/5160 minimum.

that’s what I have. It’s not the best. Co worker had them stock on his TRD Pro and wanted to upgrade beyond that. I understand. But I ain’t ballin like that at this time.
If I was, I’d probably do Fox 2.5 adjustable and JDFab rear frame reinforcement kit that I believe also accomplishes a relocate similar to the popular Archive towers.

 

2nd Gen (2015) TRD Sport.

Front:
Bilstein 5100 Shocks
OME Lift Springs (Old Man EMU)
SPC UCA

Rear:
Bilstein 5100 Shocks
Add-A-Leaf

 

Thanks, folks.

To be clear: I'm talking about keeping this truck setup for street driving, not off-road.

So for instance:

@TacoTuesday - When you mention the Fox 2.5 adjustable, what would be the purpose / advantage of that?

@JIGNE67 - Why Lift Springs and an extra leaf?

 

A safe bet is to go with Bilstein 5100s all the way around. If you aren't looking for lift, you can set them at the correct clip setting when they get put together to keep stock height in the front. There won't be any ride height change in the rear, as long as you don't change anything besides the shocks.

There is no reason to go to a larger bodied or reservoir shock if you aren't regularly using your suspension to its limits. For pavement driving, the 5100s should be a reasonably priced upgrade that is highly rated.

Note: For the front, you can have your coilovers taken apart and the spring and other parts moved to the new 5100, or you can buy the complete 5100 front coilover for an easier swap. If money isn't an issue, I'd definitely go with the complete new coilover for the front.


Personally, I went Bilstein 6112 and 5160, but I offroad and haul a large truck camper, and tow quite often. Sometimes all three of those at once, lol.

 

Here’s the Pro kit for illustration purposes. Was just going to install it before I got hit. Still might make it once I get it back.

 

Eddy, what advantages does the pro kit provide?

Is it still a sporty street setup?

 

From what I've read, the TRD Pro Bilsteins are very similar to the Bilstein 6112/5160 setup. I've also seen mention that depending on if they came off a 2nd gen vs a 3rd then, the 3rd gen version has a heavier duty spring. It would stiffen up the ride, I bet, but 650 pound springs (the estimate i found) usually aren't recommended without added weight on the front of the truck (like winch/heavy bumper). Might make the ride rough, not just stiffer. And a 2nd gen take-off set... at this point they'd be pretty old. You'd probably be better off with 6112/5160s new off the shelf. Off the shelf bilsteins also can be set to stock ride height, where the TRD Pro setup should be a bit higher than stock (and without height adjustment). And I think you said you didn't want lift.

 

I commute in my Taco.
I made 3 changes separately so I could evaluate each change.
The Bilsteins were a smoother ride.
The 18x8 Gen 3 wheels w/265-60-18 were just better.

The lowering kit I never measured for mpg improvement.
But the shift from 4th to OD is easier, less lugging.

Sheepskin seat covers are mando!
I hope this helps.

R

 

Which Bilsteins did you go to?

 

Not sure if I went 5100 or 5200?
The same as the SUV 4wd. I can't remember the model.
They last much longer than stock!

I am very happy.

 

Must be 5100, i'm not aware of a 5200 existing.

 

Expensive but worth it!

 

Cheap compared to 6112/5160s! lol.



**Random google search on pricing, not suggesting anyone buys from this place**

 

Can’t really tell you as it’s still on the bench waiting to be installed but I’m told it was basic Bilstein shocks made to TRD spec’s. Nothing fancy. Supposed to give like a 1” lift. I already swapped out my rear leafs & this would have completed suspension mods.