Whos the right person

Hello everyone!

I went to about 2 different off road shops and they both told me something different.. I have a 13 prerunner with the trd sport wheels. What i really wanted to do is just new shocks and somehow have a little more payload capability. 1st shop said they will add something to the rear that will add a 1" and give me 500 pounds but i would need new shocks all around. He did tell the ride will be slightly harsher. 2nd shop told me yes with no payload on the back it will be very bumpy. If i do add that thing in the rear Also bilstein 5100 shocks they both recommended. Who is right????
Also second shop just recommended to just put bilstein5100 and il be happy.. I dont want a lift and he said i can keep the same height. Sorry guys i wish i could tell you what they were goin to do but i am very clueless when it comes with car parts. But i do remember him saying 40$

Thanksss People!!!

 

1st shop wanted to put in an AAL. It will make the rear a little stiffer and a little higher. I'm not one of the shock gurus here, so they can tell you the specs on the 5100s.
If all you want is a better ride and to be able to load your truck without bottoming out, most popular answer is probably 5100s and airbags.

Generally speaking, shocks absorb oscillations and springs support weight. So, using that, shop 1 would be correct to get better load handling and better shocks. However, you will get lift.
With shop 2 (just replacing shocks), you will have a better unloaded ride but you won't get the additional capacity before sagging/bottoming out.

Just remember, whatever you put on, your overall max capacity won't increase. Just the characteristics of how your truck handles loads. Meaning that you can add all the stuff you want, it still won't be able to match an F350. Sorry, some people just mis-think these things.
Welcome BTW.

 

If you want no lift but more payload, look into airbags as stated above. Other options to increase payload will involve adding a leaf or leaf pack, which will give you a lift and a stiffer ride unloaded.

 

Part of the problem is you may not have adequately defined your goals.......

I have no idea why you think you need new shocks on a '13. All I really understand is that you want some more payload.

Payload is a spring issue. When you go messing with stiffer springs, that does generally require different shocks to properly control the spring.

Actually both shops told you about the same answer, just in different ways. What you wrote above for both of them are both true, not contradictory.

I have no clue what the $40 is about. That amount wouldn't scratch the surface of any of that, either in parts or labor.

So, with the idea of no lift and keeping ride quality, and interest in upping the payload (assuming its for occasional hauling, not regular loads), I say keep your stock shocks (until they need replacing due to wear) and add a set of airbags. You can air the bags up and down as needed for load adjustment.

 

Listen to this guy.