Difference between TRD Sport vs. TRD Off-road bilstein?

Hey everybody,
I want to upgrade my base model 2015 DCLB 4x4 suspension, but I'm still saving up for a full lift kit. In the mean time, I'm looking at take off parts from other models.
What I want to know, is there any difference between a 2012 TRD Sport shocks vs. a 2012 TRD Off-road shocks? The bilsteins from either model from 2012 should be a direct bolt in fit for my truck, right? Is it worth the $200-300 to buy like-new used OEM Bilsteins? Should I just keep it as is, and put that money towards the ICON full kit to purchased at a (prob much) later date?
Please forgive my ignorance, I'm a bit new to this. TW has a lot of great info, but it can be a bit overwhelming sometime with all the different options. I did search, but wasn't able to find a satisfactory answer. Thanks in advance.

 

Keep it as is and purchase something brand new. Are you offroading your truck in the mean time before you buy? Or just highway driving?

 

Like these guys said, do it right the first time. No sense in buying essentially 2 suspension kits.

 

The $200-300 for OEM Bilsteins isn't that much, especially compared to >$3K for the full lift I want. This would be mostly just to hold me over until I can get what I really want.

Does anyone know the answers to the questions about the 2012 takeoffs in my first post?
Will the OEM parts give me any lift in the front compared to my stock base model?

I'm mostly street driving, but I do off-road a bit in the desert. I already ripped off a mudflap & got a flat the first time out lol. I have family with a cabin/land, and I will be going out more often now that I have a truck again.

It'd be nice to get a small upgrade over my stock truck now, and then keep researching what suspension, wheels, tires, etc. I want when I have the cash to burn.

 

Nothing STOCK will give you any more lift. The sport coils are what you have on your truck now. Shocks are a bit different, but not notable enough to change them for 300 bucks. The offroad coils are a bit more stiff and allow for more offroadability (if that's a word).
If you are looking at something to provide you a small amount of lift and not break the bank, look into 5100's with your stock coils and set them at .75 or even 1.85 inches. Don't bother getting stock take offs unless you are replacing an old and used suspension.

 

$200-300 to upgrade from my stock shocks to OEM TRD off-road shocks is cheap. I'm still learning about all the different options available, but I want to be confident I'm spending my money wisely when I get a lift, wheels, tires, etc. that are looking like it will run me $4-5K when I do it. I don't think I want a lift over 3", and I'm usually more of the "buy once, cry once", get quality parts the first time, that shit just ain't cheap.

I guess I have to figure out if this would hold me over while I'm saving up, my truck looks like it needs a lift and tires so bad lol!

 

Thank you, this is more along the lines of what I was looking for. I think I'll just have to be patient and keep it stock until I until I can save up some more. It's gonna be hard, there is so much I wanna do to my truck lol.

 

Ok, sorry, then I WANT to lift it, for off-road capability & looks. I don't like the rake with the back end higher. Kinda odd we have a whole forum for parts nobody needs, I guess. Like I said, I'm new to this and looking for answers & suggestions from the guys that have already been there and done that. Thanks anyway tho.

 

The reason we have so many stock take offs, is because we take them off. We offer them up for people at discounted prices. We know people with 05-08 trucks are probably looking for new suspension parts at some point and want to remain stock. What better way than getting stock Toyota parts for 1/10th of the cost of the dealer?

If you have a 15, and want 12 parts... you are doing it wrong. If you want a mild lift to tide you over, look at cheaper lifts.

 

Psh..this is the REAL reason I lifted my truck:

 

Thanks for the help, guys. It's not the answer I wanted to hear, but I guess the truth hurts lol. I was hoping throwing on someone's TRD off-road shocks would improve my ride & give me a bit more lift in the front, but It sounds like it won't do much, if anything. Time to sell some other stuff for cash for truck parts.

Does anybody happen to know the backspacing on my stock SR package 6 spoke black alloy wheels by any chance?

 

Well, I don't like the yellow shocks anyway lol.

 

The 2012 shocks I was looking at have less than a 1000 miles on them, supposedly.

 

Doesn't matter. Yours are just as good as his. Yeah, you don't get the fancy TRD offroad coils, but the shocks are nearly identical between the black and the yellow. I wouldn't waste any money on shocks you plan on throwing away in a few months/years anyway.

 

You can get a brand new set (4) of Bilstein 5100s for $300 - $400 from ebay. Look for the height adjustable ones.

As far as used oem units I've seen complete sets in the for sale threads for as low as $150.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacoma-marketplace/334268-2014-trd-shocks.html