Looks like I need to lower....

See if I got this right, due to some lower back issues (yeah yeah my ego wrote a check a while ago that my body tried to cash) I need to substantially change the suspension on our stock 04 TRD Tundra 4dr to something a little easier on my nerve damaged lumbar. Is lowering the answer in order to provide more comfort and if so, what kit or ? to use?

 

Welcome from CO. The first thing that came to mind is aftermarket seats. At least the driver seat. More members in the know will chime in soon enough. Do you 4 wheel a lot? Occasionally? Any info in that regard will help the "diagnosis". Any "outdoor" photography tips are welcome here too.

 

North Texas says hey ya'll backatcha. No off road for me. Any kind of serious bouncing like that ends up with 2-3 day of paralysis followed by steroid shots and morphine drips if things get to bad. Really. Just need to improve the 'comfort' level. Make it smoother, not as much bounce and not as difficult for me to enter/exit. Been looking at the trdracing lowering kits...

 

Definitely need lowered suspension for ease of getting in and out with minimal effort. Lowered ride is not my expertise. Someone here should have some point of view concerning that issue.

 

Are step bars off the table? Way cheaper than redoing your suspension..

 

Not sure as to what 'I need' to get to what I want, Sean I want to get to something much more comfortable to operate and access, what I need to do to get there I'm not sure of but I'll research all suggestions (eg I don't know much about 'airbags' but I'll start looking at them).

 

Already have stepbars (they were on it when purchased), the problem is I still have to stand and twist to get in, much easier for me to put my butt up on the seat and pull my way in.

 

I replied to your other post. Opps. Read that one for your seats.

Other option is to use hydraulics to lower one side of the truck for getting in and out.

 

Cool! It be like having an elevator. Never thought of that. Have to run that one by the guys at the shop.

 

Hydraulic only works when it lowered. When its at factory height its disengage so the frame is free to move.

I have seen kits for cars like that so a simple conversion shouldnt be too hard.

 

Thanks Mike, will check around on all your recommendations. Off to never never land, the meds are kicking in...

 

Also, what type of tires are you running? If you have LT tires on it, switching back to P rated makes a huge difference in the ride. I ran BFG AT's for years and switched back to P rated BFG Rugged Terrains and was amazed at the difference. Also, if you are running empty, a bit of weight in the back will soften things up quite a bit. My 02 is fairly loaded all the time and rides like a big marshmellow....as to actual lowering kits, most I have seen are stiffer than stock. You might look at an actual "Air Ride" suspension. My buddy has a Radical Taco that is really tall. He built a full air suspension (his wife has MS). He can drop it way down so she can get in and then flip a switch and up she goes to normal ride height.

 

Yep, a lowered truck is going to ride stiff. Would not help your case except for when getting in or out.

 

My lower back is a little messed up at times. Seems it doesn't matter whether I get into my truck or my son's Mazda 6 which is low. Back still hurts when I twist to get in. It's a matter of finding that sweet spot and going from there.

 

Thanks for all the tips! Going to review them all in the upcoming week and see where the Queen wants to land. Really appreciate everything, hadn't thought about the hydraulics or the air suspension. Had the thought lowering it would make it stiffer but nice to understand I wasn't far off. Thanks much, gentlemen. I'll be back and report the outcomes..
-rodger