Improving Ride of a 2014 TRD Sport DCSB 4X4

I drive my Tacoma TRD Sport, DCSB 4X4 daily. I put well more than 30K miles per year on it. I do not off road. What would you do to improve ride quality?

I recently sold my 2007 that had the factory AAL factory TSB performed. When the AALs were installed, so were Bilstien 5100 shocks, and Michelin LTX MS2 tires. I was pleased but, if possible, I would like to further improve the ride quality and handling. What would you recommend?

Would Fox or King shocks be any better than Bilsteins?

 

Any suggustions?

Any experience with either Fox or King shocks?

 

Give sway-away a call... they make some QUALITY stuff

 

Wow. I just bought a 2014 SR5 DCSB 4x4 a couple of weeks ago and am giddy with the ride and handling. I've had some nice cars throughout my life, so I'm familiar with a good ride. I know I'll replace my tires before they need to be replaced and I'll go with the tire you mentioned - I've had that tire on my last 3 trucks very happily.

Admittedly, in Phoenix we have pretty nice roads and I've not gotten out into the poorer condition roads yet in it.

 

Fox, King and Icon are all good to go. Can save some money and get a 2" coilver from Camburg or Sway A Way, but I would recommend a 2.5" for better performance.

 

I went with OME 884 coils and 5100's and feel that my 2013 Sport handles much better.

 

What is your definition of better ride and handling? These aftermarket systems all have their own characteristics. I have Icons and I love them. That being said, they do not provide a plush ride. At low speeds they ride like an old 3/4 ton pickup, rather harsh. The speed bumps around the neighborhood are a pretty good jolt. Out on the open road they handle great, no diving when braking and very stable when cornering. At higher speeds, over rough or heavily washboarded roads, they are a dream. Valving on the Fox and King shocks are different, and they will have their own unique properties. Good luck with your decision!

 

If you don't offroad and looking for the best possible ride, just stick with the 5100s with a minimal lift and stay on p-metric tires.

 

I would agree with the tires as a good place to start.
What do you run now?
Softer sidewalls will soften up the ride.
Stock springs are kind of soft as it is, perhaps go to better shocks and keep the soft springs.

 

Your question made me think - harder than I wanted to! I'm no automotive engineer but here's my lame attempt answering a good and fair question. For me better ride and handling as compared to the OE setup:
- would issolate passengers from poor road surfaces so that driving an hour or more does not lead to fatigue.
- lawful speeds and normal driving on poor road surfaces do not result in loss of tire contact.
- poor road surfaces and road surface disruptions do not impact the driver's ability to easily direct and control the vehicle.
- poor road surfaces do not hamper braking and acceleration.
- the vehicle issolates the passengers and cargo from vibration that might eventually damage or loosen truck components.

Here's an example that I've proven (to myself) that aftermarket (Bilstein) shocks corrected as compared to OE shocks. On my daily trip to work, there is a concrete off-ramp that is a downhill grade and a fairly sharp turn. With OE shocks (on my 2007 Tacoma), at each seam in the concrete, loss of tire to road contact and lateral centrifugal forces makes the backend of the truck jump and slightly alter the course of the truck. The truck no longer did this when I installed the Bilstein 5100s and the Michelins.

My 2014 TRD Sport now does what my 2007 TRD Sport did before the aftermarket tires and shocks were installed.

 

Michelin LTX MS2's made both of my Tacomas ride great.

 

If you were to ask, so why not just put Bilsteins on your 20014? The answer is I might but I really would like to know if shocks made by Fox or King (or someone else) might be even better.

I don't want to trash Bilstein. They provided a great ride. The rubber boot, however, that protects the shock shaft did not fit correctly. The boots were always flopped over. Others might not care but I maintain my truck carefully and I'm constantly looking at the undercarriage for rust. Everytime I looked I also wondered if the shaft boots didn't fit correctly what other aspects of the shock design might have been less than "ideal"?

 

I have been really happy with my Icons. I have the M/S2's also. When I changed the shocks, I installed an Alcan leaf pack also, but the truck handles much better with the Icons, especially at hwy speeds. I suggest finding a used set of Icons or Kings and having them rebuilt before you install them. That would be the best band for your buck.

 

Icons if you don't off road