Mismatched Suspension

Just curious if anyone is running mismatched suspension components. for example, Kings coilovers on the front and Fox shocks on the rear. If so, any feedback on the setup. Would this cause any issues?

Reason I ask...

I currently have the TRD Pro Fox 2.5 suspension all around on my TRD OR. So far, I have only added the weight of the TRD Pro skid plate and a set of BAMF sliders over the stock configuration.

I have ordered and am planning to install the SSO Slimline hybrid bumper, along with a Warn M8000 (synthetic line) winch. While I'm not too concerned about the estimated 1/2" sag in the front, I am more concerned that the driving characteristics will be adversely effected. Because the TRD Pro Fox coilovers are not adjustable and adding stiffer springs would not be advised, I'm considering replacing just the fronts with an adjustable coilover with stiffer springs. I believe the Pro Fox springs are about 550 lb. Would it be recommended to go with a 650 lb spring?

BTW, I'm not interested in lifting the truck over the current Pro suspension height at this time.

Sorry for the oddball question, I'm pretty new to truck suspensions.

Thanks for the input.

 

Most dont but its certainly possible. Some people upgrade the front coilovers first like say running Kings up front but then Bilsteins in the rear. The front handles the majority of the work so you dont need a super high end rear suspension.

 

I'll also add that I have full sliders and skids and the SSO slimline bumper and I upgraded my coils to 700# and no regrets.

 

i have bilstein 5100 with ome 887 up front... but have Tundra Rear Fox 2.5 inch rear shocks with resi and DSC.. Upgrading to the Fox 2.5 Full coil with resi and DSC in the near future..

 

Mismatch shocks will have no effect as your current shocks (just like all good shocks) are mismatched front to rear anyway. From what you described your best bet is to simply change the spring, not sure why you think that is not be advised?

if you don’t want to effect the ride, then go with adjustable shocks with same spring. If you do want to change the ride, then change the spring rate. But if you are going for a stiffer spring, I’d keep the current shocks and just replace with a stiffer spring.

 

I was reading another thread, where the individual was dealing with the same weight issue. He spoke with a Fox rep and they recommended not changing the spring, as the shock is tuned to that specific spring rate. It would therefore be better to select a coilover that was intentionally matched/tuned with a specific spring rate. I personally can't substantiate any of that, as it's not my expertise, but it made a bit of sense to me.

 

I have a TRD Pro suspension (600 lb springs). Winch + US Offroad winch mount. Mobtown sliders, tail gate skin, SOS skid plate, Hi lift jack in the back and misc stuff. Nothing terrible wrong with the setup but when the front coil overs go out I will go with a 650 LB spring.

 

I'll certainly have to wait and see how everything turns out, as it might be fine as is. However, I'm just preparing for worst case scenario if it's unbearable.

 

If you are vastly changing the spring rate, then sure, but a little it’s not going to make a huge difference. the Fox like king are also rebuildable, so simply rebuilding what you have with different valving or oil weight will change for the spring rate if you are that concerned. And good fox / suspension shop can do that for you.

 

I ran King fronts and Fox rears for a while. Worked fine. But I just swapped to a new leaf pack and King 2.5 for the rear and it’s way smoother than the fox 2.0’s

 

I assume you're running 700 lbs springs on those Kings?

 

Correct

 

O

ooo quick question about the SSO, do you have the optional bull bar on, and a follow up does it effect your approach angle ?

 

I haven't received or installed it yet... but yes, I got it with the bull bar. And no, it does not adversely affect the approach angle and if anything, may slightly improve it... that's assuming your ride height doesn't decrease from the added weight.

 

I figured just by looking, but i was trying to find info on the site ( 25% off is a great motivator) i like it plus id like to start somewhere and 25 off is a good start

 

I have Fox 2.5 fronts and Icon 2.5 Rears on my 4runner, makes no difference really, they are separate from each other and completely different in design and operation anyways, so the shocks are going to work the same regardless of what's at the other end.

 

I do and no issues with approach angle.

 

FYI to others, I just got the following email from Fox. Turns out the TRD Pro's have 650 lbs springs.

 

The 650# is what gives the TRD Pro the fabled lift. I always questioned it because the shocks are the same length. So really the Pro just sags less in the front than other Tacomas. They have 600# springs

 

2nd gen here, but I'm running a 3 link sas up front with 12" Kings with dual rate coilovers up front, with a fox mid travel lift in the rear and AP standard leaf pack. Talk about mismatched
but the truck drives great. Better than stock. I also have BAMF shock towers and 12" king smoothies for the rear sitting in a box, but no time for that lately