REVIEW 3rd gen suspension on 2nd gen

Been curious since I saw this thread, what size wheel are you running on yours? I love the look and I’m wanting to ditch my 245s soon now that my tax return is coming back 14 weeks later lol

 

At the time those were 265/75/16s. Now on skinnies 235/85/16s.

 

So I just scored a set of 3rd Gen TRDOR struts off CL but they didn’t come with nuts for the top. Will the nuts from my OE shocks fit?

 

I tried the same size tires from my 4runner onto my Taco just to see how well the 4 banger liked a taller tire. I had plenty of fender clearance with the 3rd gen OR suspension on my 2nd gen, I had no rubbing issues, forward or reverse, I just had to put the tires back onto the runner. The 4 banger wasn't having it with all of the hills around here I live, too much constant downshifting/converter unlocking/ RPMs screaming.

 

Yes.

 

V6 here and the 265 is the same diameter as the 235, so didn't notice a difference really. Although the steel wheels I switched to are heavier and I do notice that a bit.

 

And, it's on! Along with a bunch of new suspension components - basically a full rebuild. Check out by build thread for full details, but here is before and after. I can't praise the improvement in looks and handling enough. Like a dingus I forgot to take measurements before the install but it's definitely a lift! Keep in mind, though, I installed HD leafs from General Springs as well as 1/4" spacers in the front. Depending on how the leafs settle in a couple of months I may go up to 1/2" spacers if it needs more leveling.

Before:



After:

 

Anyone with updates on running an AAL with 3rd Gen stock coils and struts front/year? I have a topper on all the time and didn’t want to be nose high without an AAL but I don’t want to max out the strut either.

 

I didn’t go AAL, but I did lift the back with a full HD pack replacement.

 

I put the 3rd gen TRD struts on my regular cab and was pretty disappointed. The truck still rides super rough. Maybe I have some other issue causing it.

 

You do.

The issue causing it is that it’s a Tacoma!

Seriously, though, 3rd Gen shocks on a 2nd Gen probably aren’t going to make it ride softer, because, as people have commented here, the 3rd Gen Bilsteins have higher spring rates than the 2nd Gen Bilsteins. And, your truck is lighter than the truck they came off of.

I’m not sure if the damping changed from 2nd to 3rd Gen. Maybe someone here knows.

Now, it might make your truck handle a bit better.

 

How was the height with that.

 

I think they still need to settle a bit, but here is how it looks today. I just installed all of this, less than 100 miles on the setup. Important to note that I also have 1/4” spacers on the front otherwise the rake would be worse. I may end up switching to 1/2” spacers

 

Ah I see I wonder how mine would look with my topper on it

 

So has anyone put the off-road suspension on a 3rd gen SR?

Just curious if anyone has tried this, and if you get the same "lift" up front as you would installing this on a 2nd gen.

 

You wouldn't gain any lift. But you would gain ride quality. The SR5 suspensions is just meh at best. If you have an opportunity to ride in an Off Road that would give you a good idea, or go to a dealer and test drive one.

 

My brother in law started with 3rd gen struts with 3/4 inch spacer and had some bro-lean upon acceleration. We put a progressive AAL and he got a little rake when we were done. I am running 3rd gen sport struts with 1/2 inch spacer and single AAL and have close to factory rake. Below is my truck.

 

Thanks! So assuming I JUST run the 3rd gen set up of front coils and springs and the 4 leaf STOCK 3rd gen pack without an AAL ( I am coming from the 3 leaf pack because I didn't qualify for the TSP ) and I run a snugtop I imagine I will be at about factory rake...or level.... ?I am assuming my sagging 3 leaf pack will go up about an inch and then settle to the height of that additional leaf and my front will raise 1"... I was going to get a progressive leaf pack but I don't want spacers and my math seemed to think that I would have a BIG rake if I didn't do anything to the fromt while adding a progressive and a 4 leaf pack haha

 

also what size tires did you go with?

 

With a topper (assuming around 200lbs) you probably will be about level. The 4 leaf 3rd gen springs (same ride height as 2nd gen recall springs) are have been swapped on this thread before. Unless you are sagging there is no lift in the rear. The leaf springs are the same ride height on the 3rd gen and 2nd gen.