Replacement Suspension

Got a Tacoma a few years ago and overall really like the truck. However, the ride - even over normal streets and highway - is really rough. It's rough to the point where over normal streets a conversation with a passenger is hard due to the amount of bumps and overall rough ride. I can even hear it in their voice. Sounds like someone is shaking them when they talk.

Stats / current configuration:

- 51k miles
- Stock suspension / no mods
- New tires (K02s at 30psi / just liked the way they looked and everyone seems to say they're good)
- Never taken it off-road so it's not likely in the future either
- Very rarely haul anything or have substantial weight in the bed
- I'm not a DIY and know less about cars than your average newborn child

I've searched through the forums and don't really understand all the coil-over/leaf spring/fox/bilstien stuff. So my question is are there good shocks I can buy that will make it a much better street truck and make the ride a lot less bumpy?

Appreciate any suggestions.

 

Welcome to TW

There are a ton of options out there and it all depends on your budget

 

Thanks - Awesome place with tons of info for sure!

Was thinking around $1k but have to admit that was with zero idea on what that would get me. I plan to have the truck for years to come so don't mind upgrading. However, I just didn't want to spend a lot of cash and have the ride be more or less the same.

 

Are you the original owner?

 

Tires might be E load range tires. These have a stiff side wall and might be what is so stiff- read the side wall of the tire to confirm. With only 51k your stock suspension should not b3 much different than original. So not likely a suspension issue, more of your personal ride preference.

 

No. Bought used at 26k from the original owner.

 

Ok thanks I'll check to see what I have. The P range tire is what I want to daily driver/ no off-road right?

 

If the tires are E rated the ride will be pretty stiff especially if the roads are in any way rough around where you live

Like someone said the suspension shouldn't be too different from when it was new, but you could swap in a fresh set of stock OR or sport suspension or pick up some 5100s, should ride better

 

Then are you positive its stock suspension?

 

I did this for about a grand. My truck as of today.

 

recommendations to get 2.5" lift without any blocks, pucks and maintain the softest possible ride... dont want to modify anything much beyond UCAs, shocks springs, AAL, and bags for towing? my off roading is 90% trails a factory stock TRD Sport can tackle with aggressive ATs and the chin spoiler removed. mostly just interested in softening the ride, maintaining towing, and sitting a wee bit taller.....basically same question as OP, similar budget, maybe $2k

 

I put a takeoff suspension from a 3rd gen OR on mine. Ride seems to be much better.

 

As you already know, I love this truck. What front bumper is that? Is it aluminum?

 

Pelfreybilt, cold steel. Also has lower frame plates, no worries about using the winch when needed. Not into crazy mods, just a well built and functional truck. We are heading to Montana and Wyoming this Spring. Will post pics. Take care my TW Brothers.

 

What suspension setup is that? Looks good!

 

As others have said 3rs gen take offs or 5100s all the way around.
If you have the funds highly recommend 5100s or ome nitrocharger softer valved w/ome 884s an a 3 leaf aal will give it a plush ride an mild lift retaining stock ucas.

 

Where's the best place to get this setup? Thanks for your help

 

I am running FOX 2.0s set at 3", with all of the steel plates it sits at 2 3/4th. SPC LR UCA, AllPro links, rear has 3" expedition springs, FOX resi shocks and airbags. I tow and usually have a dirt bike in the bed. Truck also has ARB air locker in the rear.

 

Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road She’s super knowledgeable an outstanding customer service.

 

A set up like this would probably have a good ride.