2021 TRD Pro rear suspension stiff

I just picked up a new TRD Pro this weekend. After driving it around for a few days, the rear suspension seems really stiff compared to the front. The balance isn't what I was expecting. The front front feels soft, but firms up on a big bump. The rear feels very firm all the time.

Is this normal for the TRD pro or could there be something wrong with the rear shocks?

 

It's normal for any unload pickup to have a stiff rear ride, they are trying ensure even the slightest load doesn't make the tail squat.
Try checking your tire pressure, a few psi reduction can make a big difference. Service shops tend to overfill em too.

 

My '18 Pro was not like that. I also drove 5 minutes from the dealer to install 33's and run at 30 PSI. So I never drove on the stock tires. Have you checked your rear tire PSI? If they are over inflated it is possible that they could create a harder ride in the rear. Outside of that it could be shocks I guess, or they stiffened up the rear this year. If it is not your PSI go to the dealer and go jump on the tail gate of another Pro, and then jump on yours. That will tell you if your rig is different.

 

I adjusted the tire pressures to 30 psi all around, so it's not the pressure. I'll take it to the dealer and see what they say and like JBRz85 says, see if there is another Pro to compare with.

 

What was your last car ?

have you owned a truck before?

 

Throw a few bags of Quickcrete, or a couple of live/dead bodies in the very back of the bed, and test drive, it'll smooth it out fine

 

I was just about to say throw some 80lb bags of concrete in the back and go drive over some speed bumps to work the spring out. It could just need some massaging.

 

1988 Toyota 4x4, 1989 4Runner. This is my first Tacoma, so I really don't have any driving time on a current truck. Maybe I'm way off, but I thought the suspension would be a lot more balanced front to rear for the TRD Pro with the Fox shocks. I have experience with dirt bike and mountain bike suspension, and if they felt like this, that would definitely be wrong. But again, I my be way off when it comes to a truck.

 

Welcome to the board - and congrats on the PRO!
Details? - Color, etc.?

I did not experience this stiffness you mention even on the first trip...
It is definitely a truck... but I can tell you that I noticed - and was impressed by how good the rear felt when I first drove it... I had never driven a PRO until mine was delivered - only the off-road.

- Even when UN-loaded, the rear seems comparably plush compared to other trucks I've driven in the past. It is well-balanced and there is none of that 'rear-end bounce' commonly experienced on an unloaded pick-up. (to a reasonable degree... - of course, I could make it bounce!).

When loaded even 100lbs - it is cush... (I do have real rock sliders now, but started with the aluminum predator steps).

This is my first Tacoma, but I driven many buddie's truck on offroad trips, and I've had long term use of several work trucks. I do recall one Chevy 1-ton truck that seemed to have a super cush suspension. I never looked into whay that one stood out... But I do remember it...

FYI - I am still playing with tire pressures. I'm around 34 in the front and 32 in the rear currently... (I started higher - but I'm heading lower around 32 and 29 maay be the sweet spot for my tire size and daily load...).

I did change tires, but my first impressions above were on the stock tires.

Try to compare with another PRO - if you can (I do not see any around...). Maybe at a dealer as someone mentioned. Worth trying to loosen them-up a bit by loading the rear end - also as mentioned above.

 

Put some gear in the bed at least 80lbs, I got to this weight with the retrax tonneau cover and my normal shooting gear. Also check to make sure the dealership put 30lbs of air not 40lbs of air in the tires as recommended on the door jam. The ride will be butter smooth.

 

@NomadDan - let us know how you go...
Any 'movement' on the 'stiffy'?

 

There is a big difference with weight in the bed. For a test, I put about 100 lbs at the very back of the bed and the ride was noticeably better. It's to bad that it doesn't ride like that when unloaded, but at least I feel better knowing that there is nothing wrong with my truck.

Thanks for all the replies.

 

if it feels jittery or harsh over small stuff then you're experiencing the cheap shackle hangers on these trucks, they are crap quality for sure. keep your suspension and get a set of Hammer hangers installed and it will change your life.