Sway bars

I agree that the Taco could use properly tuned SBs. After driving an OR with the SB, it felt like my Sport without. I've gone up in size on cars, mainly to shift the traction, and believe they have a purpose. Just the factory setup was all wrong for me.


For the OP though, it can't hurt to try if he feels the need. Just some awareness of possible negatives while feeling it out.

 

All very true.

That said, it is funny how well the 4.0ls react to a TSB or a tune. Toyota didn't seem to get those as right as we are lead to believe.

 

Big difference with some thing with rear coil springs not so much with leaf springs.

 

What would you say are the negatives?

 

I took mine off, not much different, especially if you can drive. I am off road a bit, and it helps

 

Like I noted above, it could make the rear more twitchy because you are stiffening it. Like cranking in more "wedge" in a Stock Car.

With a big enough SB, I was able to make our long gone FWD car be neutral to oversteer, depending. Worn tires in that thing were fun, for me.

 

I have Helwig sway bars installed both front & rear, swapped out the stock front bar for their larger diameter unit. Also running Helwig helper springs, Bilstein 6112/5160 shocks & Firestone RideRite air bags. Truck is very flat/neutral in corners.

 

That makes sense.

The Taco is fun to play with on road. Kind sad when you roll up on a German car in a corner with their pricey rubber bands that are not even getting a workout.

 

Spot on!

 

Not to be a dink, but for clarification.... aren't these really "anti" - swaybars ?

I have a Helwig out back (painted red of course !) set in the middle position with Sumo springs, upgraded TRD shocks and an AAL.
Still stock up front except for the new Sumo bump stops and TRD shocks.
The (anti) sway bar in the rear firmed things up quite a bit. I have a fiberglass cap, carry tools daily and tow a trailer on occasion.
After your fourth or fifth speed bump, you'll start to get used to it.... at least I have, not so much the Missus.

Just drove a stock SR5 at the dealer and was surprised how whimpy it felt compared to my silver steed....

 

What does the Platinum come with as far as SB and suspension?

 

Platinum is not a word associated with tacomas, do you mean the limited perhaps?

 

I run Helwig sway bars front and rear. They perform really well and I would recommend them if you like a good handling truck on the street.

 

I have an X-runner rear bar and the thicker Hellwig front bar. Huge improvement in cornering. And much more comfortable to me.

Stiffer shocks and the SOS lowering kit are next, but I have a few expensive projects on my race cars first.

 

Does it feel more planted in the rear in snow?

 

Never driven in the snow. Not sure.

 

They're actually anti-roll bars. Roll is the motion it is designed to control. Sway is technically a different motion than roll. But the nomenclature is so far along incorrect it's begrudgingly just accepted.