Need some realistic suspension advice...

Good Morning Guys,

I have done some reading but want a fresh opinion. I came from the Tacoma world so I am familiar with a lot of the "typical" setups which seem much similar to the Tacoma's.

I have done spacer lifts in the past mainly for the money factor and the fact that I'm probably not taking this thing off road beyond some bumpy dirt roads.. However the other thing I want is a decent ride. I have a nice truck, I don't want to slap spacers on it and have it ride like garbage.. My Tacoma had a spacer lift (when i bought it) and 10 ply mud tires and that thing road terrible in comparison to the Tundra which now feels so nice stock.. What are folks opinions, is there a way to maintain a decent ride with a spacer lift on the Tundra's? (my buddy says his 16 rides fine with toytec spacers) I'm looking for 2-3" lift. Or should I pony up and go for something more serious..

If I am going to spend the money - roughly 2-2500 I believe I have narrowed it down to 2 options

1: Bilstein 6112/5160 combo probably set at 4th notch with Dakar's rear pack and SPC upper control arms for alignment. 2400~ ish

2: OME full kit w/612 spring, Dakar's in the back and SPC control arms 2300~ish

If I am going to go cheaper rout with spacers id probably consider Toytec or Ready lift. Toytec looks like it goes above the spring VS Ready lift attaches to the top of the strut assembly. I don't see a definitive logic as to which is preferred. probably an add a leaf or shackle out back..

I can spend the money, granted it is a big investment for me with a house and a family, so I need to justify it. Or am I wasting money on a full setup when its not going to be utilized to its full potential an should just spend 500 bucks on a spacer setup and call it a day?.

Ultimately what I am asking is, is it worth the extra 1500 dollars for what is assumed to be a better ride quality.. Is it going to be 1500+ dollars better..

Thanks for the advice in advance..

 

Yep, worth it. Buy once, cry once. It’d suck to trade up (in cost) to a Tundra, then ride around on bricks. Plus, by all accounts, the Bilstein or OME are good choices at your price point.

 

Both those options will suit your needs just fine and both have great reviews on this forum.

 

I have these on the front of my truck at the 2.25" ride height. It rides like it did stock in my opinion with the stock upper arm. I don't do any offroading really, except some fire roads to get to dirtbike riding areas. My rear is stock, but here's a link for all 4 since you are doing the rear as well. I have no experience with a rear set up.

I paid less than 200 for the fronts, so it was a great alternative to the spacer lift.

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...height-adjustable-front-and-5100-rear-shocks/

 

Fox 2.0 could be a good option to.

If you for some reason do go spacer lift get the in spring setup it’s better and will ride nicer.

 

I vote to leave it stock. I have had 2 lifted tacos and once I rode in my tundra I knew I'd never lift it. I like the stock ride too much

 

Just for thought...Toytec has 15% off through Dec 2nd.

 

5100 bottom setting with 2" level kit/ 0 rear (Leveled with a slight rake)
5100 mid setting and 0 rear (Leveled with a slight rake)
5100 top setting and 1-1 1/2 shackles
5100 mid setting, 2" leveler and 2-" shackles

For the price point 5100 is more cost effective. It's a big difference from the factory shocks. Like you, my truck is mostly highway use, and the suspension upgrade is for occasional unanticipated off road excursions. I carry a lot of load in my truck and airbag can only help with the compression, but not the rebound.

If you have the budget for OME = 5100+TRD Swaybars.

 

Correct me if I’m wrong but, the OP has a TRD offroad. I thought they don’t recommend 5100’s on those front springs because they are progressive and will ride harsh.

 

My OME setup on my 07 performed and rode quite well on and off road. On sale now at Toytec!

 

Leave it stock. Or maybe long travel?

 

I did not know this. Hmm. I have 5100s on my TRD offroad and I don't think the ride is harsh. I didn't know that the springs were different, just the shocks.

 

I do not know. I just know it feels than factory. Until I get to drive someone else's set-up for comparison, I cannot say.

 

Swapped my Pro Comp block over the stock front coilovers for ToyTec Coilovers with SPC Upper Control Arms. Went with SPC because they don't use a ball joint. Once dirt and whatnot set in, ball joints tend to squeak/squeal. I also went ahead and changed out the rear shocks for ToyTec BOSS shocks. I was a little apprehensive as to how stiff the new ride may be but, it feels more solid on the road. It was a huge handling improvement.

 

I have toytec on my 2016 CM as well with firestone bags and a trd sway bar just in the rear. It corners great, rides as good as my stock 2010 but it's a beast in corners. 700 lb coil keeps front end planted and ride is good. Some say front sway bar makes it rough on bumps?

 

Did you mean to say you went with SPC because they don’t use a uniball? Because that sure looks like a ball joint.

 

Correct, they do not use Uniball joints.

 

I feel like the front sway bar did attribute to a rough ride after I lifted my truck. I used Eibach leveling shocks and a week after install I had to go back in to add a shim on the drivers side. At that time I pulled the sway bar just to try it out. No regrets.

Got it. I like the ball joint factor with the SPC arms as well. My only concern is: what kind of ball joint is it? Is it a joint that’s commercially available at an auto parts store? What if SPC goes under and the BJ is proprietary? No replacement joint?

 

They use something called Sealed Flex Joints and Rod End Ball Joints.