TRD shocks for my new SR5

Just bought my first taco 3 weeks ago. I want a better ride but not really looking to lift it. Question is with all the new TRD suspension parts for sale on craigslist and such: A) will TRD shocks make a noticeable diffrence in ride or B) would installing some OME's or Bilsteins be a better choice.
Thnx for any input
BTW 2012 access cab v6 4x4
T

 

The Bilsteins 5100 that are adjustable i think will be your best bet.


by the way, welcome to TW

 

I am assuming if I did lift it in the future, all I would need to do isfuture is adjust the front shocks and do an AAL of leaf spring pack in the rear?

 

yes, go ahead and get the 5100's, cause you probably will want to lift later on, and you'll have a better ride than stock TRD and won't have to spend money again, you can just adjust them for lift

 

Yes, this is correct. If I were you I would spend the extra money and get a set of 5100's so like you said that way in the future you can lift and you will already have half the parts to get the job done.

 

I upgraded my SR5 tokico shocks to the TRD Bilstein shocks (10k miles on them, paid $60 w/shipping) and there was a big improvement in the ride, much firmer, a better ride IMO. I then sold the tokicos for $50 locally on craiglist ...so for $10 and a couple hours of my time I think it was a big improvement. I have to assume the 5100s are the better way to go but at this point spending $320 vs $10 it wasn't worth it to me yet, other mods that I would rather spend my money on. I bet I upgrade to those shocks in a few years, probably after the TRD Bilsteins have worn out. Good luck, I'm sure either way you go it will be a big improvement over the Tokicos you have now!

 

Sorry for all the random ?s. but should I also replace the front coils w eisbachs whi;e im at it?

 

If you're looking for lift.

 

apdale, sounds like you found a good deal. I'm thinking of doing the same thing to my tacoma to get a bit more of a tighter ride on the road. Where did you order the shocks? Or do you have a model number for the bilsteins? So many different types out there, it gets confusing.

thanks

 

Mine were slightly used, found them on customtacos.com, just keep your eye out for them. Its the blue and yellow ones that come on all of the TRD model trucks.

 

Are the Bilstein shocks the only difference in the suspension between a TRD and an SR5? Are they the same springs and leafs?

 

TRD Offroad has progressive coils and Bilsteins. I believe the only difference between SR5 and TRD Sport is the shocks. Leafs could be the 3-pack or 4-pack on any of them it seems, have to check that.

 

Thanks for the link apdale. Does anyone know if any of the warranty from the truck gets voided if you replace the shocks?

thanks

 

If you work on that part of the truck and don't get it put back together correctly or cause some damage I doubt they'd warranty it. My thought was that if I put the TRD shocks on there, they probably wouldn't even notice since so many of these trucks come with them originally, one of the reasons I went with the TRD Billies instead of the 5100s.

Also, I didn't need to do an alignment with the TRD ones either which made it cheaper.

Good luck!

 

Have sort of the same question, so I wanted to revive this thread.

Anyone know how the ride would be if I put TRD Bilstein shocks/Coils (2010) on my 4 Banger access cab (2006)? Found some real cheap ones...

 

4 banger vs V6 shouldn't matter. Suspension hasn't really changed from 05-13, if the coils are from TRD Offroad they will be different, if they are from TRD Sport they will be the same as the 06 (although probably a little less used). I put the TRD Bilsteins on my SR5 access cab and definitely noticed an improvement without a lot of work. Now I'm debating getting a set of 5100s though...so its kind of up to you. I also ran into a cheap set of Bilsteins (Paid $60 shipped to my door) then sold the barely used SR5 tokicos for $50...so I only spent $10 and installed myself. Definitely well worth $10 and a couple hours of work. I say go for it and if you want something better you can always get the 5100s and sell the Bilsteins for what you have in them as long as you don't mind doing a little wrenching.

 

That's some sounds advice thanks!

I see your from Lexington, you ever wheel around Red River Gorge area?

I backpack there at least once a month, love that area.

 

I've actually never wheeled at all, I don't have 4x4 nor a locker so I've never thought I'd have much luck. I have been hiking down in the Gorge and rock climbing before, super great area, wish we made it down there more often.

 

Downsouth Motors has the 5100s for $300 I believe

I paid $100 for some TRD take-offs with 1200mi on them. Huge improvement on my SR5

If you aren't looking to lift the truck, I don't know how much better the 5100s are, I'm currently looking into replacements for the TRD take-offs as I'm starting to get some mileage on them

 

The as-new take-off TRD billies are way more gooder for ride and handling than the used tokicos I replaced on my '06 D/C with 140KM. Its a good upgrade for the $$ one can pick them up for.