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How can I soften the suspension of my 2021 TRD Sport?

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by Budge, Jun 21, 2022.

  1. Jun 21, 2022 at 7:54 AM
    #1
    Budge

    Budge [OP] New Member

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    I purchased my 2021 TRD Sport last fall without test driving a Tundra due to no inventory and while I do like the truck I find the ride/suspension to harsh. I went with a Tundra without considering any other trucks due to it's proven reliability. Previously, I had an F150 for 12 years and it seemed to have a more comfortable ride. I am not complaining about my Tundra as I do like it. That said, I am looking for advice as to what I can do to soften the suspension so it drives less "harsh". We use the Tundra as a family hauler, which is driven on pavement 90% of the time and we also have a light pop trailer (3500lb) which we tow only 10 days a year.

    For those who have "changed" the ride/suspension to make it less jarring and harsh on the road what advice would you have? \

    Full disclosure I have never modded any vehicle and am relatively clueless about suspension but at the same time I want to improve the ride quality. I started to do some "suspension" research but quickly got overwhelmed, with both pricing and options.

    Thanks in advance to anyone who has advice.
     
  2. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:02 AM
    #2
    memario1214

    memario1214 Hotshot Offroad Staff Member Vendor

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    So we can quickly go down a rabbit hole for suspension options that I can try to sell you, but it's not really sounding like you need an upgrade per se. Let's get a few clarifying questions out of the way:
    • Is everything on the truck bone stock? No front spacer lifts/leveling kits, etc?
    • What pressure are you running in your tires, and are they stock tires? Not a critical piece of info, but could be a contributor.
    • Where do you feel the "rough ride" being most prevalent? Cruising down the highway at 70, or slow speed stuff in town?
     
  3. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:15 AM
    #3
    frichco228

    frichco228 Valued Member

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    Eibach Pro Truck Stage 2 suspension, HD RAS, 285/75-18 Nokian Outpost AT, LoPro bed cover, TRD rear sway bar, DD 10 inch exhaust, and various other goodies
    Are you still stock suspension and tires?
     
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  4. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:25 AM
    #4
    Budge

    Budge [OP] New Member

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    Thanks for the quick response. Yes, my truck is bone stock (only 6 months old). Currently I have the factory tires which a terrible, I think they are dunlop 5000M. I would be open to an 18" AT tire, as I prefer the look of an 18". Tire pressure is currently 35lbs all the way around, so might be a little high. I feel the "rough ride" mostly in town, so slow speed.

    Thanks
     
  5. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:27 AM
    #5
    Budge

    Budge [OP] New Member

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    Yup everything is stock.
     
  6. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:28 AM
    #6
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos New Member

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    This isn't a dig at you per se, but just an interesting observation about how subjective ride quality is. I have the same truck, stock 2020 sport and I find the ride fantastic.
     
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  7. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:39 AM
    #7
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

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    Being you have a TRD package I'm guessing you have the blue shocks?
    You could replace them with the stock black shocks (non TRD) and that would give you a smoother ride.
    As in smoother, my 2014 with black stock shocks was more of a floaty ride, like being on a boat..
    My 6112s are stiff as f**k, I'd like something in between.

    As far as tires go, stay away from D and E rated tires.
    I had 285/55/20 KOs stock, then on to 275/60/20 KO2s, both D rated and the ride was stiff, even before the 6112s.
    My last tire purchase was Discount Tire's Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT.
    Goodyear Wrangler UltraTerrain AT | Discount Tire

    My size, 275/60/20 has an SL rating.
    The ride much smoother than either of the D-rated KOs..
    Yet it keeps the look of an AT tire..

    Right now I'm driving a rental 2021 Tacoma with the TRD blue shocks.
    It's a little stiff for this little truck.

    My 2005 DC had the best ride.
    Just about drove like a car, had it 10 years with stock shocks...

    Good luck..
     
    Tripleconpanna likes this.
  8. Jun 21, 2022 at 9:20 AM
    #8
    g6t9ed

    g6t9ed Novice Tundra Modder

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    My opinion is that you have two things that stand out that might contribute to your stiffer ride out of the gate. You have the TRD Sport which are the blue top/red cylinder shocks and I'm guessing 20" wheels. Both of these will give a more stiff/harsher ride. As others suggested and what you appear to be interested in, maybe change out the wheel size to 18" and try the TRD Off-Road shocks (Blue top/yellow cylinder).

    I just wanted to clarify that the blue coloring are both on the TRD Sport and Off-Road versions. It's the cylinder body (red vs. yellow) that differentiate the shock type.
    shopping_9a8b5cbb8bcbaab0f516f3e3b9cb8561b56304ac.png
    upload_2022-6-21_11-10-5.jpg

    Although, I am seeing that they have the black top/blue cylinder on the Tacomas (which you said you were renting) being used for the TRD Sport models but don't appear to have transferred to the Tundra:
    upload_2022-6-21_11-19-55.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

    Joro43, 1lowlife[QUOTED] and Oey12 like this.
  9. Jun 21, 2022 at 10:32 AM
    #9
    Winning8

    Winning8 New Member

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    Mumba 18x9 ET 12, BFG KO2, FOX suspension, diamond back HD cover w/ rack, LED head & fog light bulb, TRD rear sway bar, timbren enhancement, RAS helper spring, avs auto shade, Carhartt front seat cover, bench seat cover
    Upgrade to TRD pro suspension
     
    Bergy24 likes this.
  10. Jun 21, 2022 at 11:44 AM
    #10
    dt325ic

    dt325ic Member

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    Changing over to 18" wheels will probably help the most. Assuming you use the stock 18" tire size used on TRD Off-Road Tundras, there will be more tire sidewall than the 20" version, which should help.

    I personally would NOT change the shocks to non Bilstein. I have found Bilstein gas shocks to provide the best ride and last longer than regular shocks.
     
    Budge[OP] likes this.
  11. Jun 21, 2022 at 11:54 AM
    #11
    Budge

    Budge [OP] New Member

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    I have considered it but man is it expensive. If I knew it would give me the ride I was looking for it would be an option worth considering.
     
  12. Jun 21, 2022 at 12:23 PM
    #12
    Gaston

    Gaston New Member

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    I know you said you use the truck 90% on pavement but have you considered removing the sway bars? On even bumps like a speed bump when both tires move at the same time they don't affect the ride but when going over uneven bumps the sway bars will fight that movement and stiffen the suspension a bit. Personally for a road truck I'd leave the sway bars on and deal with the stiffness they add because of the body roll reduction they provide but it is an option to help soften the ride and it's free to try.
     
  13. Jun 21, 2022 at 12:27 PM
    #13
    pursuit2550

    pursuit2550 New Member

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    If you want a more plush/bouncy/mushy ride then I would switch to OEM SR5 shocks. Me personally, I could stand the SR5 suspension. It rode just like I described in my first sentence. Going over a speed bump, you could see and feel the front and rear end bounce up and down about 2 times. Now with my 6112/5160, it is more planted. Go over speed bumps and it just goes over no rebound. SR5 suspension on the highway was also the same. If you went over a dip in the highway the truck would bounce/rebound up and down. Now it just goes over hardly any bounce/rebound. And 20's don't help the ride issue either.
     
  14. Jun 21, 2022 at 2:11 PM
    #14
    NyCSnEaK

    NyCSnEaK New Member

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    My 21 has the TRD OR suspension and 18inch stock wheels. Very comfortable ride loaded and unloaded. I would ask a local member with this set-up, if they would allow you to ride it for a bit.

    I’ve been happy and have no complaints.
     
    Budge[OP] likes this.
  15. Jun 21, 2022 at 7:34 PM
    #15
    Budge

    Budge [OP] New Member

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    Are you running P or LT rated 18" tires? What tire?
     
  16. Jun 21, 2022 at 8:15 PM
    #16
    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    TRD Sport is designed to 'handle' better on pavement than a non-sport Tundra. This is done primarily through your suspension and through the tire/wheel combo. Here's kinda the basics...

    When we are talking about the suspension (in this case) we are primarily referring to shocks/struts and springs (coils and leafs) that Toyota put on your specific model to increase highway performance efficiency (cornering). Sway bars and other components can improve performance or hinder it based on application, but your stock Tundra's 'ride stiffness' is coming from tire/wheel, shocks, struts and springs.


    As stated above by g6t9ed... Toyota uses different parts to provide a different ride, handling and performance experience. The purpose of a shock or strut is to push the tire against road surface to maintain optimum efficiency of rolling friction (traction). While a stiffer unit will give you better cornering or better off road performance by keeping more consistent contact on the pavement by allowing less body roll and suspension travel, it will also give you a stiffer ride. My guess (I'm not positive about this) is that Toyota may have also used a stiffer coil spring on the front to compliment the struts and shocks (which will also stiffen the ride but increase performance).

    Regarding tire/wheel combo... Larger diameter wheels equals thinner sidewalls; which increases handling performance by stiffening the flex of the sidewall under hard cornering. However this causes a harsher ride. Generally the 20s being used will also have a little wider surface area which means more rubber to be in contact w/the road (more rolling friction) and that equals better handling.

    So, look for some 18" take offs and run a stock 275/65/18 tire. This is a good start and well help a bit. But, you'll need to also move toward replacing the "sport" suspension as well.

    Caution on the TRD Pro suspension: I have both: 08' Tundra Crewmax SR5 w/aftermarket shocks/struts 18" and a '21 TRD Pro w/Pro factory set up....

    My 08' handles much better on the highway. I can take corners faster and the vehicle is much more stable in that environment. The same holds true for towing. The '08 is more capable and more stable when towing than my Pro.

    My '21 Pro feels "softer" on the highway and has a bit more body roll in corners (but the 'ride' is very nice). It can at times feel "sloshy" if I try to push it beyond what it should be doing on-highway.

    Off road though, the Pro suspension shines. The harsh bumpiness of my 08 on gravel and dirt roads is almost eliminated w/the '21 Pro and the truck becomes more stable than the '08 in those conditions. Increased wheel travel of the suspension and the intentional design to allow some more body roll helps the Pro maintain performance and as off road conditions begin to get more challenging (rock crawling, higher speeds in dirt/gravel, etc.).

    The Pro suspension will also lift the front end about 1.5 - 2" in case you were not aware of that.

    I guess what I am trying to say here, is that if you are trying to get SUV highway performance and ride quality out of your Tundra the Pro suspension may be taking you too far the other way. If so, I'd look for stock suspension set up from a non-sport SR5, limited, etc...

    A lot of time you can find take offs w/very little mileage and wear at a better price than after market set ups.

    Good luck!
     
    Last edited: Jun 21, 2022
    AGTundra likes this.
  17. Jun 22, 2022 at 2:38 AM
    #17
    Bergy24

    Bergy24 New Member

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    I know having sway bars with the PRO suspension is kind of counter productive, but if its only on road, would this assist with the body roll in the corners.
     
  18. Jun 22, 2022 at 3:42 AM
    #18
    Saltyhero13

    Saltyhero13 Throbbing Member

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    Yes the sway bars significantly control body roll but I've not tried it with specifically with the PRO suspension.
     
  19. Jun 22, 2022 at 4:51 AM
    #19
    nobodyintexas

    nobodyintexas What?

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    Whatever this forum told me to do
    the 1794 suspension is cush & could be considered floaty. it has stock suspension - whatever that is. the black shocks.

    I have both sway bars + traction bars.

    I ride in all brands of trucks as course of business.

    mine is the smoothest - by far.

    the new f150's are nice tho'.

    Dodge dually 3500 is the worst...do they even have suspension? you need a NASCAR neck brace for that shit.
     
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  20. Jun 22, 2022 at 10:02 AM
    #20
    batman900

    batman900 Yep

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    I have the PRO suspension and TRD sway bar. I've tried it on and off. For now I'm keeping it on because it helps the truck stay stable at highway speeds through wind and junk roads. I do feel more rear end bounce and bumps on our bad small town roads but not enough to bother me.

    OP I would try an 18 inch wheel / tire combo before dropping big money on suspension. The TRD sport Bilstein's aren't "that" stiff. You can also try removing the rear sway bar, you will feel an improvement and it's easy to do. Note that you will need 2 frame/hitch bolts to replace the bolts used on the sway bar, you can't use the sway bar frame/hitch bolts without the sway bar itself.
     
  21. Jun 22, 2022 at 11:20 AM
    #21
    Tripleconpanna

    Tripleconpanna Just an X who bought Bud Light from Target

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    Yes. The PRO does have a sway bar in the front, just not in the back. So, adding one to the rear would definitely help w/body roll. Also, the slight lift in the front and increased suspension travel accounts for some of that as well.

    In terms of sway bars... the thickness of the bar and the stiffness of the sway bar bushings (and material they are made from) play a roll in sway bar performance.
     
  22. Jun 22, 2022 at 11:41 AM
    #22
    Jpagansr

    Jpagansr New Member

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    could try sumo springs but for roll sway bars for sure
     
  23. Jun 22, 2022 at 3:15 PM
    #23
    Bergy24

    Bergy24 New Member

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    What suspension did you have before the PRO suspension was installed? Any regrets going with the PRO?
     
  24. Jun 22, 2022 at 8:04 PM
    #24
    Tundraofnv

    Tundraofnv New Member

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    I wanted my 2020 to ride like my 2017 F150 too.
     
  25. Jun 23, 2022 at 3:44 AM
    #25
    batman900

    batman900 Yep

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    First I had the stock SR5 black shocks. They were ok just squishy and weak, lots of nose dive and lean in a turn. Then I got 5100s front & TRD sport shocks rear because I wanted a mild lift and put the front at middle setting. Those 5100s were WAY too stiff, I felt literally every bump in the road and had crazy bed bounce on a certain stretch of highway I drive. So I bit the bullet and got the PRO fox shocks to keep my lift but get my comfort back. They did what I wanted but IMO they aren't worth the price. Maybe I just don't care enough about fancy shocks I dunno but to me it isn't a mind blowing difference from stock, certainly better but not 3-4k better.

    I use my truck on mostly bad small town roads, highway and mild off roading through fields etc. I'm sure my opinion on the fox would change if I was using them to their full capability but I probably never will. I just didn't feel like trying anything else because I was sick of messing with it.
     
  26. Jun 23, 2022 at 3:53 AM
    #26
    Bergy24

    Bergy24 New Member

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    I picked up the PRO suspension and wheels for a great price and debating if I should swap the suspension or resell it.
     
  27. Jun 23, 2022 at 3:59 AM
    #27
    batman900

    batman900 Yep

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    IMO if you are happy with your current setup then I'd resell. But if you want an upgrade, I would have been much happier with these if I had gotten a deal on them like you did. They are very nice just not OEM price nice.
     
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  28. Jun 24, 2022 at 12:16 PM
    #28
    Asimov2025

    Asimov2025 Not Sure

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    I have a 2019 TRD Sport. I switched to 18" Fuel wheels with +20 offset and 275/70 r18 ridge grapplers. Going to the larger sidewall tires made a big difference in the ride. I have also adder the Teraflex Falcon Sport Two/Haul shocks and a Coachbuilder +1 Shackles because I regularly tow a boat.

    The 18" wheels with larger sidewall made the biggest ride difference.
     
    Budge[OP] likes this.
  29. Jun 28, 2022 at 8:33 PM
    #29
    Budge

    Budge [OP] New Member

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    Were your 20's P-rated and your 18's E-rated?
     
  30. Jun 29, 2022 at 6:27 AM
    #30
    Asimov2025

    Asimov2025 Not Sure

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    I went from the stock 20" wheels with stock tires to an 18" wheel and a tire with a larger sidewall. Did not notice a difference in handling.

    The Sport model is a pretty tight suspension package well suited for good roads and handles well but like all "sport" suspensions it does feedback more than a non-sport suspension.
     

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