Upgrade Shocks Suggestion

Hey, if toyota stands behind it offering the same factory warranty as if not having the lift...go for it if you need it.

 

Is this the setup you're taking about?

https://theyotagarage.com/products/fox-2-0-ifp-shock-kit-2016-toyota-tacoma?variant=29155273834575

 

Yes. Keep in mind FOX uses a PROGRESSIVE valving scheme that results in a plush, floaty ride over smaller road imperfections and potholes, at the expense of a little body roll and brake dive. They Firm Up the bigger the hit. BILSTEIN uses DIGRESSIVE which means a firm, sporty ride on the street, with little body roll but you will feel the bumpy road more. When you're bombing fast fire roads they actually Soften Up the bigger the hit.

 

Thanks for the explanation. That really helps me understand the difference between what I currently got and Fox. Which shocks were you referring to when you mention bombing fast fire roads they actually soften up the bigger hit?

 

Well, these stock hitachi shocks have zero body roll on my sr5...truck takes sharp curves like my brothers 77 trans am. The ride is far from plush, but has gotten better from when it was new new.

 

Did you ever find out what tires you are running?

I'd love the 2.5 Fox Shocks (2.5" diameter body means more heat dissipation, larger internal). Nothing worst than 60 miles of washboard to overheat shocks and take out your fillings. Way overkill unless you are on washboard roads that often.

https://theyotagarage.com/collectio...rnal-reservoir-rear-shocks-2016-toyota-tacoma

The remote reservoir has adjustable low-speed and high-speed settings so you can fine-tune the shocks once mounted. Not cheap, but fully rebuildable.

 

I think all bilsteins are digressive though I could be wrong. 5100 are a very popular one. I have 6112/5160 bilstein which are a 2.5 front and a 2.0 rear with a reservoir. They might be a good option for you. They are Very sporty on road, you feel road imperfections, Especially with E-load tires, but I love the flat handling and no dive or roll. With C-load or softer tires the faster you go the plusher it is. I’ve hammered through potholed sections of FSR at speed and it soaks it up pretty good. Now with stiff E load Toyo M55 tires it’s far less comfortable at speed.

 

This is what I am currently running.

 

What’s the max inflation pressure?

 

115T load rating, good tire. 40.8 pounds is a good lightweight! 44 psi max.

https://www.nittotire.com/light-truck-tires/terra-grappler-g2-all-terrain-light-truck-tire/

I was concerned you had the LT265/70R17 E 121/118S††. Those are too stiff. (note 80 psi tire pressure)

You can adjust your tire pressure for a ride on-road/off-road. You don't want to run low pressure too long on the street as it builds up heat, which destroys the tire—Off-roading, 10 mph that isn't an issue.

 

Thanks for helping me out. When the tires are cold, it sits at 38-39 psi depending on the weather outside. Once it heats up, I get 41-42 psi.

 

Get a take off set from someone who upgraded their OR.

 

Always set tire pressure when cold. Don't overlook setting them down to 30 or 32 psi to see how the ride feels. Just be aware you will get more body roll, but test that out on empty streets first to see how it feels.

AutoX, we checked our tire temps across three points (outer, middle, inner). Helped set tire pressure, with the Tacoma I do keep an eye on how the tire is wearing but no longer measure tire temps. I haven't done any AutoX in ages, I wonder what they would think if I showed up in Taco? Maybe I should get Supra to have a little fun? Just not found of maintaining BMWs.

 

I would set them for 32 and see how it feels. 38-39 you’re already near max and the tire will be hard and unyielding.

 

Holy cow, that is way too high for those tires. You should be running closer to what is on the door sticker, about 32 psi cold.

 

I have same tires and agree. I recommend ~32-36 depending. Tire shop says 36, but I think 34 suits me better. I chose them for the weight, looks, and reviews. They were great on wet until they weren’t. I find more slide on them now as they wear/age. Still great tires otherwise (other terrains).

EDIT: I should add that I have OR with Sport suspension because I found the OR to be too fluffy with too much body roll / nosedive for me. It was heavily a road queen for the last couple years and I needed that controlled feel. As others have said, swapping in OR is cheap and easy. Just make sure you get the full front struts (spring/cap) and rears. There is a L and R front, so get that right (accounts for engine torque/taco lean). Enjoy!

Great tips everyone, I’m notating for my future replacements.

 

What is your psi at cold? Do you get the “bounce” around in your truck with the sport suspension?

 

I’m running 34 cold. I know what you are describing. Some of that is shock age (less damping control). Honestly the way I check things is force a rebound (push down and watch return) and I ask a friend to video my vehicle (in another vehicle) from the left rear and the right rear as I go along a known area. This lets me see how the shock/strut is handling the issues. Easy to identify early failures this way.
Personally, I’m interested in some better handling of potholes, speed bumps, curbs, etc. but I think the sport handling is a good highway/hybrid compromise. Also, consider WHERE you are feeling the issue. If it’s front/rear/both. You may only have to adjust one set. An unloaded bed will feel totally different than loaded or even partially. Traction Sandbags may be a tweak you need?

 

I will have to deflate my tires to 34 cold then. I'm with you, I just want better handling of potholes, speed bumps, curbs, etc. I just want the setup that will absorb it the most and bangs for my bucks. It's a tough decision since it's a lot of money for a nice set up. I learn a lot about suspension from the comments on here.

 

After a lot of research, reading, and watching videos about suspension, people’s reviews, and specs, I have decided on the Blistein 6112/5160 setup for the front and rear. I looked into the setup after you recommended it. I will raise the front 1.5”. What do I need to do on the rear to get the truck level? Do I need better upper control arms or can I reuse my stock ones?