TRD pro bouncy ride?

Hey:

First post! I am seriously considering this '15 TRD Pro for my first truck, but I was a bit concerned about the ride quality (at least of the one that I test drove.)

Some context: I'm looking for a daily driver that can handle snowy roads and dirt trails for ski adventures, and some mild-moderate off road/wheeling for summer/fall camping. For my research, I rented an F-150 for a 4 day road trip, I've test driven a RWD Colorado, a diesel ZR2, a '17 TRD Off Road, and a Ridgeline. That being said, there was a 3 month gap between the bulk of the test drives, and I test drove the ZR2 right before test driving the used TRD Pro. However, the TRD pro seemed inordinately bouncy, especially compared the ZR2, which was nearly as smooth as the Ridgeline on streets. I was expecting a little bit rougher ride, but the degree to which this was the case between these two cars was a bit startling to me.

To be clear, I really wanted to like the TRD Pro because it would save me a lot of cash. So while I did really like the ZR2 I was really hoping that the TRD Pro would be a close enough approximation.

Has anyone else felt this? I'm wondering if the previous owner rode the crap out of this car, or if what I experienced is pretty normal. Furthermore the car is being sold by a toyota dealer, so I assume they did normal check-thrus and stuff like that. The only things I can think of are that maybe the previous owner rode it pretty hard and/or didn't do normal maintenance on the suspension. Or the toyota dealer doesn't know how (or care) to do a suspension rebuild.

Any thoughts?

 

Does it have a spacer lift? Over inflated tires maybe?

 

No lift was listed in the description. Looked stock height. Also had original tires and rims, so I can't imagine why the previous owner would lift without changing those out. Couldn't check tire pressure, I don't know what pressure the dealer had it at.

 

Are you looking at a used vehicle? Does it have other aftermarket parts installed on top of the original Pro shocks setup? Also, you've stated you've driven a 17 Pro correct? 2nd gen (05-15) also had a TRD Pro. I'm just confused because I see things about new vehicles and used vehicles in your post. Personally I would skip the 3rd and 2nd gen TRD Pro. If you're looking at used, I would suggest test driving a 14 or 15 Tacoma first and seeing if you would be interested in getting a stock truck and adding a proper suspension instead of spending extra money on some "ok" shocks and badges. Just my .2 If you have your eyes on the ZR2, go ahead, no one will judge. It's a good off-road competitor at this point. I would advise strongly against the Ridgeline. Don't be caught in a sawed off Odyssey, EVER! Also don't know what F-150 you drive but I also have a 17 F-150 Lariat 10spd 2nd gen 3.5TT Ecoboost on top of my 07 Taco and it's flawless. The 5.0 is a great engine also, I test drove one also, but the 3.5TT is hard to beat

 

My wife won't let me get a 1/2 ton. I wanted a raptor.

Here's what I test drove:
'17 Tacoma TRD OR (new)
'17 F-150 XLT 2.7 (new)
'16 F-150 XLT V8 (rental for long weekend)
'15 TRD Pro (used)
'17 Ridgeline (new)
'17 ZR2 diesel (new)
'17 RWD Colorado (new)

(holy shit I've test drove a lot of cars.)

I actually liked the Ridgeline, but I changed my mind on it because my cheap ass plans on driving on snowy USFS land in the winter time looking for free camp sites during ski season. From what I can tell, it doesn't look like I can trust the Ridgeline to get me in and out of those situations. The question I posed here was regarding the '15 TRD Pro. To be honest I'm having trouble finding a used TRD Off Road that's a real discount over the TRD pro I'm looking at, which is why I'm considering it. I'm just wondering if there's something wrong with it that is fixable, or if all TRD pros suck. The reviews did note that it was a little rougher on streets than a TRD Off Road.

 

Yeah, wife or not, if you've got the time and cash, get a Raptor...

The 2.7TT was a nice ride too and comes standard in the Lariat but I had to have the 3.5TT
The 5.0 and 2.7TT get a small jump in power/torque and get the new 10spd for 2018. Unfortunately the new 3.3N/A starts with the 6spd but I expect for the 10spd to be paired with it in a year or two.

Ok, now I understand. The 15 TRD Pro is as much of a gimmick as the 3rd gen TRD pro is IMO, from factory I have to say.

How many miles does it have? Pictures?

Also if its sitting at below the price range of lesser OR models, has good mileage numbers, and doesn't look like it was bashed beyond belief, I would get it. The 15 TRD Pro utilizes a tuned bilstein shock with a longer "TRD Tuned" coil spring to achieve 2in of lift. Even though it's a lighter spring rate, it's taller to give the 2in lift. From what I've read, the spring was made lighter for better off-roading. If the truck has been used a lot and the shocks are shot, I would suspect that may be what your feeling. If the shock isn't there to cushion the ride when compressing, the top coils might be hitting. There are so many factors as to why you could be feeling it. Or maybe I am wrong and it is stiff on the road, I've just never seen that said ever about it. If you're good with the price or want to talk the dealer down because of what you're feeling, get it at the right price, pull off the shocks, and replace with something worthwhile, KING, FOX, ADS, bigger bilstein 6112's, etc.

 

46K miles.

Dealer was pretty firm on the price when I walked in this evening. They're supposed to call tomorrow and we'll see what we can work out. We'll see how it goes. Hoping to talk him down not just because of the ride quality/suspension, but also because the tires need to be changed, and 4 KO2s or Duratracs aren't exactly pocket change.

 

46k and a little over 2 years, sounds like she was used quite a bit. I know others drive a ton more every year but average is 15k/yr, right? For what its worth, it looks in good condition. I've also ridden on older balding tires and I've felt a major difference going to newer tires. Could just be the tires your feeling. If the price is right, get it. If you still don't like the feel after tires, invest in some new suspension components. For the light offroading you're speaking of, and you don't want to spend a ton, I would go with some simple 5100's and your choice of coil, OME, Eibach, etc.

 

Thanks for the advice. If I do the suspension components, I'm probably going to do something stupid and get the Fox 2.5 bypass for the 1x a year I take it to the desert...

 

Anytime. If you're just planning on testing certain components, do as you please, but if you're really that "stupid" and want to spend money to have your own mid sized "Raptor", LT, SC, and cage

 

That's a great looking truck. I bought my 2015 TRD Pro with 21k miles on it, swapped out the bilstein suspension for a set of icon coilovers and couldn't be happier. You'll get some coin for that stock pro suspension as well, so sell them and you'll recoup half your money on the icons.

Edit:
The icon comes with a 650lb spring rate - the pro (I think) is around 590. That will solve your "bouncy" ride. Nothing wrong with the bilstein reservoirs in the rear, so keep them and add a 3 leaf progressive pack from @HeadStrong Off-Road and you're done.

And I'll always take a chance to whore out the truck...

 

I say no to the Pro because its black. PS tires have nothing to do with the value of a vehicle. They are a wear item.

Go find a White pro like above

 

What if he likes black?

So if a truck has a worn out clutch, worn out brakes and worn out tires is it worth the same as a truck that had all those items replaced? After all they are all just wear items...

 

I'm 100% in favor of the pro. I think the black one is sweet! I wouldn't trade you though...

 

Hmm, I've never considered my Pro "bouncy".

@baachou
The black one looks like the one listed at Toyota of Hollywood, correct? I believe there was a one or two whites listed in the SoCal area when I was looking at the asking prices. I do know there are two other inferno pros, You sure you don't want an inferno?

 

I would say yes. All worth the same. Just like a truck having a fresh oil change doesn't change the value.

The tires being bald just means the OP has to change them now vs in a year. Price of a pro doesn't change over 12 mo of treadlife.

 

What are they asking for the truck OP?

 

Where are the infernos at? I only saw this one and a white one that was ridden like a rented mule (92k miles...)

 

31 was advertised price, I tried to get him down but he wouldn't move much - we left at 30.5.

 

Ah just looked. They're in California but aren't socal
Haidlen Ford- 21k miles but $37k

Fremont Cadillac- 17k miles $33k

Also a Certified one from Folsom Toyota, but its 45k miles for $37k