Suspension Recommendations/Advice

I Have 2019 DC SR5 and looking at upgrading the shocks. Don’t want to lift the truck except for leveling the front end but also as far as upgrading the ride quality goes will the 5100’s make a big difference over stock and also will replacing the rear shocks make a difference over just doing the fronts? I mainly just drive on city/highway roads and occasionally pull a 20’ boat to on longer lake trips. Or is there something better than the 5100’s for similar cost? Any advice would beappreciated....suspensions are not in my wheelhouses of expertise.

 

The 5100's will level the front and are pretty popular for those who don't want any more lift than that.

 

pretty much what I have concluded as well from the research I have done.....will it benefit ride quality to replace the rears with 5100’s as well or will it make that much difference from just doing the front?

 

The rears may help too.....especially if you have the black shocks currently.

 

Bilsteins are a great choice for a solid upgrade from the factory “spine busters” suspension. However once you feel the difference you may go down the rather expensive rabbit hole of suspension upgrades.

I upgraded my 2017 factory platinum shocks to 2017 TRD Pro suspension, only because I got everything new in box for $1400 shipped. Msrp was almost $2700 at the time.
Otherwise I’d suggest Kings or Icons when spending real money $2000+ on suspension. You will really feel it when blasting along forest roads or romping through the high desert.

 

5100s will do just fine for your uses. The next step up would be 6112, if you have the money - never hurts. Being that you tow, maybe even consider 5100s up front and the 5160 out back. Itll help keep the shocks cooler.

Hit up Erick at @state48overland, he can talk you through the multiple stages for lifting. He will take the time to listen to your needs and get you the best setup based of your individual needs!

 

Yeah not looking to spend anywhere near that and I don’t “off road” at all. I plan on replacing the rears myself and even though I feel confident I could do the fronts I don’t have the equipment to do it so I will have them done by a shop....but I do tend to want the best available though so I will have to resist temptation lol.

Thanks for the info!

 

Yeah I don’t off-road at all but I do appreciate a smooth ride just the same...and with the AT tires that came on my truck the ride is a little rougher than I expected. I know the 5100’s or the 6112’s can lift the front but do the 5100’s or 5160’s have any height impact on the rear?

 

Shocks don't affect height in the rear. Shackles, leafs or blocks would.

Check your AT tire pressures, they may be too high. You can also check the load range. Probably D or E. You can look into going down to a C if you want. But I'd start with pressure and go from there.

 

They are 20” KO2’s load range D....probably sitting at about 47psi cold currently

 

Try dropping that pressure to 42 cold & see how it rides.

 

I have KO2 load range E (their max is 65psi, not the usual 85psi FWIW). I personally run 32F and 30R.

Play around with pressures and see what works best for you.

 

As well, FWIW.

My tires are a 3195lb at 65psi, so x4 12780lbs capacity.

Truck weights 6200lbs.

So 6200/12780 = 48.5%

65psi / 48.5% places me at 32psi cold, so that's where I started and that's where I see the best contact patch for DD.

 

A good way to get a starting psi is to find a parking lot. Make chalk lines across the tread. Drive a few revolutions and check the marks. If the center wears first, it’s too high, if the outer edges wear, it’s too low. You want the marks to wear evenly. That will give you a good baseline for your psi.

 

This is what is recommended....will it not cause excessive wear and or impact gas mileage to run that much below? I have never had AT tires before and been a while since I’ve had a truck before this one so wasn’t sure about this.

 

Didn't realize the TSS 20s came with LT tires...but what was the load rating on the factory tire?

For example, the raptor comes with LT KOs, but in a load range C.

 

Those are for OEM tires which usually have a lighter build / lower weight capacity then aftermarket tires. It makes them ride better when you take a test drive.

 

This is what’s on there currently so it matches the door sticker. It’s a TSS off-road model so those were added by gulf states Toyota I assume.

 

So your at 2835lb at 65psi, 11340lb total
5500lb/11340lb = 48.5%
65psi x 48.5 = 31.5psi

I'd start by lowering the PSI and running a chaulk line test as mentioned above.

Why the door states 49psi is beyond me.
Maybe for increased fuel economy?
The 20s and LT tires add more rotational mass so the increased pressure could be used to overcome that and keep it at the rated MPG...

 

Well I have been getting pretty much right around 15 average so couldn’t hurt to try a lower pressure. Thanks to all for the input

 

Based on your requirements - towing a 20 foot boat (leveling kit bad idea here... unless you buy airbags), never going off road and wanting a smooth street ride - I would personally leave the truck alone unless your prepared to buy like Fox Tundra PRO coilovers for $900 a piece - then you may appreciate something like that, but I just don't think your going to be happy with 5100's based on the driving habits you mentioned.

 

If your towing check out the Falcon shocks. They have multiple settings and a bigger diameter then the 5100s.

 

well the more I read other posts I may go with 6112’s to get the better ride even though I don’t off-road and go with a setting that leaves a slight rake to allow for towing..(saw your post before editing - really nice stereo system already done lol). Our Boat is about 3000lbs with Gear so not super heavy and it’s definitely not an every weekend thing but if I’m going to do it then might as well get as good of a ride quality as possible and do it once instead of possibly upgrading later.

 

I’ll check those out as well, thank you.

 

Yes those 6112's look like a nice intermediate option - I am strongly considering them too, just don't have the experience to recommend them to you - I also have an older Tundra - if I had a 2019 and you have any money left over from that stereo and boat - then I'd check out the PRO coilovers!

https://www.trdusa.com/fox-shocks.html

 

I towed an 18.5ft searay, probably 4k with trailer when running my 5100s top setting and 5100s out back. Personally, I never had any issues.

But there is something to be said about taking the next step up....buy once, cry once.

 

Yeah definitely like the cost of the 5100 option but since I I’m having them installed the difference in cost of the 6112’s up front is about the same as a 2nd install if I change later. and from most posts I have read, regardless of whether the 6112’s are overkill or not it appears the ride quality is a noticeable upgrade. I want to get rid of most of the take but I definitely don’t want the front higher than the rear so will probably stay away from that top setting.

 

Well I don’t have $$ just falling out of my Arse but I’ll spend a little more if it’s worth it.

 

Yes, its absolutely going to depend on your tongue weight and how you have the trailer set up - if you have the right height receiver hitch to balance things then I totally agree there shouldn't be much tongue weight or sag - even with a leveling kit/shocks.

 

Slight downhill slope but looks almost level to me with stock suspension and the boat attached....I think it’s around 350 lbs tongue weight.