Softer Suspension?

I've got a set of Icon coilovers in the front, resis in the back, and the RXT leaf pack.
The ride is tight and rough and while I like it my wife and new baby aren't exactly exited about being tossed around.
I have driven some Land Cruisers lately and while the whole geometry, suspension system, and interior are different, I'd like to find some way to get the taco to absorb a little more than just sent it straight to my spine.
I'm assuming the 'softer' the suspension will be less off-roady but at the end of the day I don't spend enough time off road to justify the bias towards off road in lieu of on road comfort.
What do you all think?

 

Maybe go back to stock suspension? Or are you wanting to try and keep what you have, just soften it up?

 

Good question. I like the lift height and don't plan to add much aftermarket aside from a canopy eventually... so keeping leaf pack would be nice.

 

You should be able to run the stock struts and shocks with the leaf pack I believe. Unless the leaf pack is providing lift of course.

 

What tire pressure are you running? RU running E load tires?

 

I think you might have some misconceptions.

1) Pickups tend to have a stiff suspension because they are intended to haul a payload. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.

2) Off road suspensions tend to be very compliant in order to soak up rough surfaces.

3) Road racing suspensions tend to be very stiff to limit body roll and maintain ride height to optimize aerodynamics.

In conclusion, although I think the Tacoma rides quite nice for a pickup truck, I don’t think there is much you can do besides:

1) install softer springs and shocks
2) replace your leaf spring suspension with a 4 link coil spring suspension.
3) replace your rear solid axle suspension with a rear independent suspension
4) replace the pickup with a car

 

Have a shop dial the coil over down, reduce lift and soften the ride.

Set the tires lower. 5 psi makes a big difference

 

Throw some weight in the bed. I drive around with 120 of sand back there and it made a huge difference.

 

Try letting a little air out of the tires (Assuming you’re not running an E rated tire. If you are, change them to an LT)

My wife has a FZJ80 Land Cruiser and, yes it rides much softer than the Tacoma. The LC is also a VERY heavy truck. The difference is the Tacoma is a light vehicle setup to run additional payload in the bed.

By comparison, our Dodge Diesel rides like brick with an empty bed.

You can also try throwing some weight in the bed. You’d be surprised how much the rear smooths out with weight.

(Also yes, between my wife and I, our house looks like a sketchy used car lot)

 

Buy armor, a winch, front and back bumpers, and get your tire on a swing arm. All that weight should preload the springs so you aren't so stiff. Convince your wife that spending 10-15 g's on all that gear will make the ride more tolerable.

 

He wants what we all want. For it to ride like a trophy truck. To hit the biggest speed bumps and deepest potholes at speed and soak them up like they’re not even there. To drive down the worst washboards and ruts and feel like it’s on a runway. It’s the dream we all have.

 

Haha @$yoda$ I feel seen! & @mic_sierra YES this is what I was hoping to see. I will crop all other replies and show my wife the clear direction to spend 15k on gear.

I appreciate all the quick and thorough feedback. Looks like my understanding of where the responsibility for the stiff ride and the solutions were a bit off. I will try airing down a tad, get some weight in the bed, and if all else fails buy a car like @gudujarlson suggested!

For the record I was really hoping someone said replace with KINGS and I could have a reason to go all in but my wallet thanks the more level responses.

Appreciate you all TW!

 

Spend ten bucks on some sand and throw it in the back. Mine went from a spine breaker to a Cadillac.

 

Get that cap you’re planning on adding. The extra weight will “soften” the rear suspension. See how that works for you and go from there. Worst things you could do is make expensive suspension changes, then add the extra cap weight only to find out you’re now sagging in the rear.

 

I have a Sport with spacers and blocks. I like the higher stance and have no interest in going back to stock. I replaced rear shocks with OME yellows. I also changed out my E rated tires for P rated. Made a real difference for me. No rush, but I’m thinking about getting new OME shocks for front as my next upgrade. It’s a truck, so it still rides like one.

 

I’ve made so many changes to mine trying to get it to ride better and that mad the biggest difference. My suspension is a little softer and I started with 180 and it was too much. Sagged a ton. I bet you’ll notice a difference with that in there.

 

Definitely revalve the shocks asap and get the best of all worlds. I just did during a rebuild (but wanted to go stiffer). If your Icons aren’t worth the effort to rebuild (lower end), I suggest ordering a shock through Accutune and tell them what you want— all shocks get a free re-valve.

The sand will for sure work on softening the ride, but reduce ride height and gas mileage… valving will change everything for the better without the negatives

 

You will never get a Tacoma to ride like a Land Cruiser. I've owned both and currently own a 100 series LC.

It's the leaf springs. They ride like a truck, stiff. You have a family now. I'd consider a 4runner or land cruiser. New or used. Will ride so much better.

 

If you know anyone with a sport test drive it. It's actually shocking the ride difference between the OR and sport shocks. I went from sport to OR and it was immediately noticeable. Sounds like you might want to go from OR to sport shocks

 

Harsh on even bumps or uneven bumps?