Suspension Help!

Okay so I'm fixing to upgrade my 100k mile stock suspension to a set of Bilstein 5100's. My truck is a 2007 TRD Off-road Prerunner. I've ordered some Sport Coils (Linear opposed to the current Progressives). The coils have under a thousand miles on them and I'm wondering if the ride will be smoother than the progressives being preloaded. I'm wanting to level the truck, so the .85 option is going to be set. Should I upgrade to the linear or stay with the progressives? I'm okay with a stiffer ride as long as it doesn't rattle the dash when going over bumps in the road. The truck is used 95% on-road, so should I bother with upgrading the leaf packs or wait till they start sagging badly? Any help will be appreciated cause I'm a little confused at this point!

 

I just moved up to 1.75" on stock Offroad coils. I had the same setup at .85" for about 8 years. In no way is the ride harsh. The ride is much improved over stock. Better dampening. Less body roll in the corners. In no way is the ride harsh. I say go with the progressives, I always loved the ride.

I've had the 1.75" setting with brand new shocks, and Offroad coils for a few days now, and while it's definitely stiffer, I still wouldn't call it harsh. nothing in the truck rattles over bumps, or anything.

 

How many miles did you have on the truck when you upgraded to the Bilstein's?

 

Probably +/- 25,000.

If you're @ 100,000, it might not be a bad idea to replace springs as well.

 

Yeah, I've noticed a lot of people on threads here say that the ride is excellent on the Sport models, so I figured I would upgrade to their springs to get a better ride. Considering my truck is @ 100k, it's about time to replace the springs anyway. I didn't know if it would ride better with those or if I have spent money on something I shouldn't have?

 

A "good" ride is subjective. The one thing I've read about the linear coils is that they have a "bouncier" ride compared to the progressives. The only way to tell for sure which one you prefer would be to drive one of each.

If you already bought the front coils, then stick with those. You might as well upgrade the rear leafs at the same time, that way you will only need to do the alignment once.

 

As much as I would like to do that, I can't seem to find an OEM replacement leaf pack that isn't so far away from my location. I'm not lifting the truck, so I would prefer to keep the OEM setup.

 

At some point, you should be getting the call for the leaf spring recall.

I don't know when..... But you could wait for that, or upgrade them yourself, and try for reimbursement.

I stumbled across these recently: They say they are a stock replacement pack.

 

They're still doing the TSB for the rear leaf packs? I bought my Taco used, so that call may have already happened to the previous owner. Yeah I can't afford the Wheeler's leaf springs at the moment due to spending money a spacer that I didn't like.

 

I thought about that, but I'm wanting to keep the OEM setup for the most part. Lightly used leaf packs are going for around $100, I just need to find some in my area.

 

The latest recall hasn't happened yet for most people. A letter was sent out last October-ish, acknowledging the problem, and basically said to wait for a fix, and a second letter would be sent out when a fix was to be implemented. Either check with a dealer, or if you go to Toyota's website:

http://www.toyota.com/recall

You can check by entering your VIN

 

I just checked and it said remedy not available. It does say however that the vehicle needs to be inspected for the frame. Well, if they are in the process of fixing it then I'm gonna wait it out. Not going to spend money if they are going to turn around and offer to fix the issue. Wonder when they're going to issue it?

 

I just had my frame replaced, and they replaced the leafs from a 2+1 to a 3+1 pack. I asked my dealer back when they told me I was getting a new frame, what they would do if the new leafs were not out by the time the frame was replaced, and he said they would just give me the current "TSB" leafs, and then replace them again when the new ones are out. When I picked the truck up I never asked if the leafs I have now are the new ones, or the last version of TSB leafs. I have read that some guys have had theirs replaced already, but most of us (AFIK) haven't received the letter yet.

 

Oh okay, was your frame rusted out? I've read some horror stories about how some Taco owners had to get their frame replaced due to the severe rust. Some said that the title was changed to salvaged?

 

There is a common area on the older frames where there was poor drainage, and these spots in particular would rust from the inside out. My frame was in otherwise good shape for a 10 year old truck.

As far as a salvage title, that is false.

I'm not sure if I've heard horror stories, mostly guys jonesing to get their trucks back.

Mine drives like a brand new truck now.

 

Oh okay glad it wasn't anything major. Where is the spot that the drainage was occurring?

 

Alright I'll definitely take a look into the air bags. I'll probably wait till the recall is established and decide on whether to include some airbags afterwards.