Base to Sport?

I'm a total newb and don't even own a Tacoma yet (hoping to in the next few weeks). I'm looking at a base model 2010 that I really like- the guy added some nice features, but the suspension feels kinda springy. Is it pretty easy to swap out the shocks and get this car to feel more like a sport? I'm not going to be doing any serious off-roading and really like the feel of the sport, but don't love the hood scoop and like the rest of this truck.

Thoughts?

 

There are guys on here who buy the sport models and instantly uprade their front and rear shocks/ springs to OME or Bilstein 5100's. Check the for sale threads, you can pick a nearly new set up of Stock Sport Bilsteins quite cheaply.

 

The base model and TRD Sport have the same coils and leaf springs and I believe the same shocks by 2010 (Assuming you're comparing base 4x4 or Prerunner to TRD Sport). The TRD Sport has taller wheels (lower profile tires) and a stiffer sway bar supposedly.

The shocks on the 2010 are probably just worn out. Bilstein 5100's are a stiffer shock if that's what you're going for.

 

I did not know that the Base and Sport packages had the same suspensions. For some reason I thought the Sport package was built stiffer to support towing. I am likely mistaken unless there is a difference in the Canadian version of the truck. Pugga knows his shit, so would tend to believe what he said .

 

I have an SR5 with the springy/spongy suspension. I already had installed adjustable Ranchos on the rear. I just put used Bilsteins from somebody's TRD on the front and the difference is incredible. The Bilsteins are seriously more firm. Before, with the old Tokico shocks I was getting a sore neck from all the bouncing around. Now it's pretty smooth but maybe a little bit jarring.

 

Meh, I get lucky once in a while but thanks!

The Canadian trucks all came with the 4 leaf suspension, US all came with 3-leaf so the Canadian trucks came from the factory better suited to handle weight.

The older models, the base Tacoma prerunner and 4x4 had the same coils as the TRD Sport but came stock with black shocks and were a little more spongy. I believe the newer models (2009 or 2010 - 2011) all came with the Bilstein shocks but the TRD Sport has a stiffer sway bar and lower profile tires to make it feel more planted on the road.

From what I've heard about the 2012, the TRD Sports come with a 4-leaf rear while all other models have a 3-leaf rear.

 

its a truck

 

I think he was referring to the OP who said "Is it pretty easy to swap out the shocks and get this car to feel more like a sport?"

 

I missed that. Sorry Anthony. I'll delete my post then.

 

exactly.