Help! Fixing my Super Stiff Suspension

Hey guys- looking for advice on how to fix a super stiff lift on my 2011 TRD Sport DblCab.
Specifically, I'm looking for advice on the front. Take a look at the specs below.

CURRENT SET UP:
Truck: 2011 TRD Sport Dblcab w/ Leer canopy (see avatar)
Tires: BFG AT KO2, 275/70/17 Load E Rated, 40psi
Front Suspension: Bilstein 5100 @2.5". Stock coils
Rear Suspension: Bilstein 5100. Ride Rite airbag at 30psi

I love the look and am down with it riding like a truck, but the ride is STIFF AF. Here's what I'm thinking for the fix:

REAR:
I've talked to local shop and they have recommended this for the rear:
OME 2” Lift Rear Springs (EL095R - Medium duty)
Keep the bags to help with heavier loads, towing, etc.

FRONT:
The shop recommended keeping the front as is (stock coils, Bilstein 5100 @2.5"). However, I'm skeptical and would rather fix this right. What would you recommend for the Front?
I have considered moving the 5100 back to 0" and putting on OME 885s.

What do you think?

 

THe medium Dakars will be nice with the weight of the cap. The front could be lowered to the 1.85 notch and add a 1/4 inch top plate spacer to get 1/2 inch of height. This will soften up the front a bit. Or get OME 884, set at zero and add the small top plate spacers.

 

I believe the ome medium leaf pack is stiffer than stock so I'm not sure it would help much with the ride in the rear but lowering your front end to a lower knotch would help your ride in the front.

 

Front with at 0 with the 885's has been really great.

 

Go with 5100’s and 885’s up front. Currently have them with E load tires at 35 PSI and the truck rides like a dream.

 

Thanks @bzzr2. Great insight. Why would you recommend the 884 over the 885?

@azzwethinkweiz - the main reason that it's so stiff in the rear is because I'm relying on the rear airbags to lift and match the front - not because of the leaf springs. My hope is that by replacing the stock leaf springs to the medium OME springs, i can deflate the bags to nearly zero and rely on the springs to give the lift, which would soften it a bit.

 

40psi is pretty high unloaded, try 30-35 I run a different tire at 32 all around thats the sweet spot spot for me.

 

@TrdSurgie and @Matmo215 - great to hear. How much lift are you getting with the 885s and the 5100s at zero? What is your rear lift?

 

I recommend the 884 with a small top plate spacers because the 885 coils will have the front 5100 in a more extended position at ride height, this means less downtravel which can result in topping out giving a rough ride on bumpy roads. The 884 will sit a bit lower and provide more available downtravel, the top plate gives back the height loss. Basically the fronts of these trucks have little downtravel which can give a rough ride

 

I ran the Dakars on my 2nd ten with a leer 100r and the ride was nice. Firm but smooth. You may need to replace the rear shocks also if they are just stock length replacements, stock length rears also top out resulting in a rough ride on bumps

 

I have the Dakar medium 095 with Icon 2.5 reservoir front and rear with 700 lb spring running 35 psi and it’s not too bad.

 

30psi in the bags? Empty? No wonder you are riding rough

 

2.5” or so up front with a 1/4” spacer on the driver side for taco lean and I have JBA upper control arms. In the rear I have the Headstrong 3 leaf AAL. I do eventually want to get the medium Dakars, and I will be switching out the 885’s and selling them soon for 886’s when I get my hybrid bumper and full skids put on later this week

 

2.5 I think.

 

Like they’ve said before, 2.5” on stock coils with E rated tires is your problem.

885 & lower that psi you’re good.

 

Maybe a little less air pressure in the tires? I had load E tires on my access cab in 285/75-16. Truck rode very stiff and I could see my center tread was starting to wear. Dropped PSI to 28, and ride was much better.

 

I agree that your tire pressure seems high
Do the chalk test and find your perfect pressure.
I’m running Cooper ST Maxx load E 32 front 30 rear

 

This would be your best bet I think, stock coils aren’t that great, preloading them makes them much worse imo

 

OP, I know well that ride quality is very subjective but there is a reason our trucks come with P metric tires, 3-leafs for the rear springs, coils on the front that are not set up several notches, and so on. Just sayin'.......

 

You need this and then drive faster.