Improving mall crawling (i.e., road handling)

I've a 2016 Offroad 4x4 Doublecab shortbed. I split seat time between that truck (bad weather, utility tasks) and an M2 competition. I try not to compare the two from a drivers perspective, which is probably good because they don't. However, I was driving a 2012 FJ today, and I was shocked at how much better it was. I understand it's got a completely different rear suspension set up, and a 20" shorter wheel base, but the ride and throttle response was far superior for how I use the truck. My truck is completely stock. My questions:

What are the best options to reduce body roll and improve street handling?

What can be done to improve throttle response? I've seen the thread on OVTune, is that my best choice here?

 

Without a doubt, Helwig swaybars.

 

Replace your 4 shocks with 5100's or better. This will get rid of the bounciness and firm up the ride.

Also, try to get this your dealer to apply this TSB:
T-SB-0062-18: Stumble at Wide Open Throttle Takeoff *thread link*
For me, it improved throttle response to the point where I now rarely use the ECT button for city driving.

 

Thicker, stiffer sway bars and heavy duty shocks will tighten it up for sure. Don't over do it or it will ride like a log truck.
Also try adding more air pressure to your tires First.

 

subbing to this

 

Is this the one in particular? Hellwig 7744

I usually run pretty high already, near 40psi. I haven't bothered much with the ECT button, but I'll probably try that a bit. Is there a cost to get the dealer to run the TSB if I'm out of warranty?

 

I don't think so. After all, a Technical Service Bulletin is a Corporate fix to an issue that affects a significant number of vehicles. The problem is to convince the dealer to do the ECU update.

First, make sure your VIN is included in the list of affected vehicles. Then go down to the dealer and tell the service advisor:

1. you noticed a delay in acceleration and you'd like the TSB done, and if the service advisor balks,
   
2. ask to have a technician go for a test ride with you.

I've found that you have a better chance getting a tech to approve it than the service advisor. I am not sure the reason for their hesitation, since it is only a computer update. Like software on your home computer, you should be entitled to any software fixes. Anyways, if the tech doesn't notice a delay related to the TSB, ask if he can do it as an act of "customer service" or "good will". If he agrees, the service advisor will write an order to have it done. Good Luck!

 

Without boxing or bracing the Tacoma frame, I fear your M2 will do nothing but spoil your Tacoma ride quality experience. The FJ Cruiser with the boxed frame and 4 link rear is vastly superior.

 

I believe that the FJ and 4runner are identical when it comes “driver experience”. Having both (taco and t4r), I can tell you that I am not a fan of either (in stock form).

I believe that an upgrade in shocks is in order. If you are on a tight budget, I’d do some 5100s. If you wanna splurge a little, I’d do some 6112/5160s. If you wanna go crazy, go top tier Icons.

5100s = great improvement on and off road manners.
6112/5160s = huge improvement in all aspects and tougher.
Top tier Icon set up = totally new driving experience.

you can also get a wheel with a bit more aggressive off set (negative) to increase track width.

for power, try driving with ECT on all the time, or have the TSB performed.

 

I'll take a look into shocks. I'm not against spending money, but also not trying to replicate the driving experience of my other car. And in regards to power, again I'm not aiming to get more, I really just want the go pedal to be way more responsive. There seems to be a huge lag, which could be both engine mapping as well as transmission logic related to shift points. I'll try to get the TSB executed.

 

where are you located? you can check out my truck. i have it setup differently from anyone on here that I've found.

i agree that the Hellwig can help. i have mine mounted in hole 2 of 3. OVT is indispensable on this motor. i have the MT and you can't do without it if you want to bring the truck to life. if you have an AT you're pretty much out of luck with a good responsive drive relative to what is possible with this chassis. Toyota's steering is so great it's not to be missed. even with the MT we had to do things like delete the clutch accumulator just to get good response, so there's lots of little things to tighten up.

also, a main part of my handling edge and responsiveness comes from running 30" E range tires (265/65-17). these are the most stiff & firm tires you can mount on a Tacoma. they are MUCH firmer than E's even in 265/70-17, and you cannot compare. tires this stiff are not for the faint of heart. you will have no grip until you weight shift into them. it's a very engaging manual style of driving, learned from karts & open wheelers, so i wouldn't recommend it unless you're a serious tarmac driver. my Tacoma spends lots of time above 90 solid as a rock, and dances around commuter cars around town effortlessly. but it's very demanding in terms of driving skills due to the tire setup.

the folks who say it's a truck and can't handle or perform or whatever are simply talking from their sofas. typical inexperienced yappin.

rather than going into all these details, it's better just to share it. any chance you're in DFW?

 

up to you, but if you upgrade shocks, you will be happier than a pig in shit

 

this is not true, sir. Not true at all.

 

lol ok.

I'm speaking of what is possible with the chassis, since that's a big part of the responsiveness of handling. I'll rephrase this. the AT has no way to be as responsive as the MT, because the MT allows you to weight shift in a way the AT's do not. that's a fact Jack.

 

“lol okay” meaning?

 

Yep! It's the only one for the rear and 7719 for the front.

 

Shocks, lower profile tires, rear sway bar, poly body & steering rack mounts...

 

You know what he means

 

pretty weak

 

upgrading my tacoma to 4runner 17" wheels and KO2 tires improved the handling quite a bit, specifically the steering feel and lateral grip. compared to bone stock w/ oem tires which are terrible.

i'm into sports cars as well so this stuff is important to me also. wheel/tires/suspension - same stuff as cars, and lots of fun on a manual truck.