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What suspension is really the best

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by tundraneer, Feb 6, 2019.

  1. Feb 6, 2019 at 9:46 PM
    #1
    tundraneer

    tundraneer [OP] '19 MGM TRD Off Road

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    So after purchasing my 2019 TRD OR I have been looking into upgrading suspension to level it and maybe give it some better off-road capabilities while not completely breaking the bank.

    There are so many suspension combos. For someone who will be doing some fun off road but nothing too crazy about 20% of the time what are the thoughts on below.

    1. Upgrading to OEM TRD Pro coil overs (even more drilled down, TRD Pro Bilstein or new Fox)
    2. Bilstein 5100
    3. Bilstein 6112
    4. Toytec/Eibach
    5. Toytec Boss

    In addition, what should be done to the rear? The biggest options I have seen are Bilstein 5100, 5160, Toytec Boss.

    Thank you all, any help is appreciated. The engineer in me will probably take everyone's responses on performance, ride comfort, price, etc. and make a matrix of these options, and of course, provide to the group.
     
  2. Feb 6, 2019 at 9:47 PM
    #2
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

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    It depends on what you mean by off-road fun. How often do you plan to tow or haul? What tires are you going to get?
     
    OR18TRD likes this.
  3. Feb 6, 2019 at 10:59 PM
    #3
    831Tun

    831Tun heartless Bastrd

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    Unless you get a REALLY good deal on the Pro suspension it's not worth it IMO. It can't be easily rebuilt and the cost (new) is too close to King, Fox, ADS to justify.
     
    Skew12, Nic146, Black Wolf and 4 others like this.
  4. Feb 7, 2019 at 6:33 AM
    #4
    tundraneer

    tundraneer [OP] '19 MGM TRD Off Road

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    Well, off-road fun would be some ranches and some trails every now and then, most likely not huge rock climbing. I may be towing some mid-size trailers here and there, and one day a nice Triton or Nitro bass boat :)
     
    SomeGuy4 and Black Wolf like this.
  5. Feb 7, 2019 at 7:17 AM
    #5
    TrooperDC4x4

    TrooperDC4x4 New Member

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    Bilstein 5100 2.5", 1.5"
    Grandaddy likes this.
  6. Feb 7, 2019 at 7:42 AM
    #6
    pop's

    pop's 1794

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    Leave it stock It's a TRD. Save your money for gas and pizza
     
  7. Feb 7, 2019 at 8:40 AM
    #7
    TrooperDC4x4

    TrooperDC4x4 New Member

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    Bilstein 5100 2.5", 1.5"
    If you spend any time on this forum that's not easy to do.:bowdown:
     
    Nic146, Ducarius, YotaBro and 2 others like this.
  8. Feb 7, 2019 at 8:09 PM
    #8
    computeruser6

    computeruser6 Gott Mit Uns

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    What tire do you want to run?
     
  9. Feb 7, 2019 at 8:19 PM
    #9
    r1-superstar

    r1-superstar Kailua Boy

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    I'm in the same situation as you. I have a2018 CM Sport and I leveled the front with 5100's middle setting. I won't be hardcore off-roading but will hit a hill climb or a trail here and there (Moab). I ride dirt bikes a lot so I tow a trailer too. I will be going with your option #4 once the coil overs are in stock. The lift kit I'm getting is 3/2 from here: Oh, and I'm pretty set on getting Falken Wildpeak AT3s 305/65-18 18X9 Ray 10s.

    Cheers!
    db
     
    040Tundra likes this.
  10. Feb 7, 2019 at 8:29 PM
    #10
    Samoan Thor

    Samoan Thor God is technically an alien

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    It’s hard to say which is the best suspension, like which tires are the best, some will say(place brand here) are the best and many more will say no based on their experiences. Super subjective, I guess it comes down to what you can afford. If you want the best off-road then go long travel suspension but that is not cheap and can cost as much as a brand new car. You can do a lot with just 2.5” shocks front and rear, plenty of threads here about this subject too so feel free to use the search bar. There’s no definitive answer to be honest.....
     
  11. Feb 7, 2019 at 11:13 PM
    #11
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    @ADSracingshocks - F 3 point ohh / R 2.5 - w/clickers @camburgracing - uniball UCA @rigidindustries - 40" amber/white split, Dually XL, D2 @coopertires - 35/12.5/17 STT MAXX @bayareametalfab - low pro bed rack @toyotausa - 17" rock warrior @sdhqoffroad - rock sliders, a-pillar @hondogarage / @apple / @gaiagps / @dualgps- navigation @wheelersoffroadinc - superbumps
    Three point ohhhhhhhhsssssszzzzzz

    :D

    IMG_20180831_174335_313.jpg
     
  12. Feb 8, 2019 at 4:00 AM
    #12
    T-Rex266

    T-Rex266 Elon approved Staff Member

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    I think the Eibach or BOSS kit would fit those needs just fine. I run the BOSS kit.

    F2E5F5E7-8106-4912-A47A-7B79AC8AF729.jpg
     
  13. Feb 8, 2019 at 6:16 AM
    #13
    tundraneer

    tundraneer [OP] '19 MGM TRD Off Road

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    You guys rock. I love all these answers. It seems that most of you are in the same boat as I was and I am leaning towards either the Toytec/Eibach or the 6112 in front and 5160 in rear, even though it is more costly.
     
  14. Sep 18, 2020 at 7:13 PM
    #14
    Cherishctz

    Cherishctz New Member

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    Borla exhaust toyo AT3 W/method mr305nv 275/70/18
    I used to have Icon suspension for FJ cruiser ! Very happy with it 3inch lift with total chaos lower control arms than every thing Icon! But they are really expensive !
     
  15. Sep 18, 2020 at 8:15 PM
    #15
    The Patriot 1776

    The Patriot 1776 Asskick Fabrication: Shit Is Sick!

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    If you want simple and effective, OME with Dakar full leaf packs. I would choose, and did choose, that over all the lifts you listed. Since you’ll tow, I advice a full leak pack. I had OME on my FZJ80 for 60K+ miles with zero issues and I beat the hell out of it from Mexico to Canada borders and tons of places in between.
    I had a $3K Fox kit on my Tacoma and just wasn’t impressed for that kind of money. It was nice but not $3K nice. My buddy has the Boss kit on his Taco and it’s worked out pretty well but rebuilding the C/O’s can be costly and a PITA. My input is OME, even though you don’t have it listed.
     
    Teddybear18, HulkSmurf14 and Skey44 like this.
  16. Sep 19, 2020 at 5:03 PM
    #16
    Ace402

    Ace402 New Member

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    ADS 2.5 RR front and rear. MCM UCA & Shackles
    6112’s & 5160’s if you’re on a budget.

    2.5” coilovers & shocks from King, ADS, or Fox if you have the cash.

    5100’s lost relevancy when the 6112’s came out.
     
    tonynw318 and TundraLaw like this.
  17. Sep 19, 2020 at 5:16 PM
    #17
    C.I.

    C.I. Surf, off road, sleep, repeat

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    Best is -as mentioned before- subjective. Set yourself a budget and that is probably the best suspension for your needs. However, I'd strongly recommend rebuildable shocks since they can be tuned to a degree non-rebuildables can only dream of.
     
  18. Sep 19, 2020 at 5:17 PM
    #18
    alpinepro4

    alpinepro4 What is your MPG Today!

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    Hmmm... Pizza with a topping of ADS and King sausage.
     
  19. Sep 19, 2020 at 5:30 PM
    #19
    Skey44

    Skey44 GreenvilleOverland

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    My Dobinsons have been perfect. Just have to seek expert advice, much like other brands listed, for specific applications. I have the 737lb front coils with 55mm lift, removed the front sway bar, and the heavy load rear springs with 55mm lift. The full suspension system made all the difference for my truck with the Four Wheel Camper. I also like how it’s simple and keeps mostly stock geometries. The leaf pack made al the difference in drivability with the slide-in camper. For normal towing is probably suggest their regular leaf pack or it will ride poo without a load.
     
  20. Sep 19, 2020 at 5:33 PM
    #20
    Skey44

    Skey44 GreenvilleOverland

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    So many people just “run what they brung” and are totally happy. Just not many people who post here :cool:
     
  21. Sep 19, 2020 at 6:54 PM
    #21
    Ace402

    Ace402 New Member

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    ADS 2.5 RR front and rear. MCM UCA & Shackles
  22. Sep 19, 2020 at 6:57 PM
    #22
    Ace402

    Ace402 New Member

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    Lol just noticed how old this thread is. Wonder what the OP ended up with.
     
  23. Dec 30, 2020 at 7:30 PM
    #23
    mp5

    mp5 New Member

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    Was wondering that too.
     
  24. Sep 16, 2021 at 6:50 AM
    #24
    COTundra23

    COTundra23 New Member

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    Hoping someone can answer a simple question for me.

    Fox offers their coilovers in 2" and 3" options. Why? What do most users for Tundras end up running?
     
  25. Sep 16, 2021 at 10:19 AM
    #25
    alpinepro4

    alpinepro4 What is your MPG Today!

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    2” levels the truck. Makes for good stance.
    3” if you want more Clarence and bigger tires. You will need new UCA’s for proper alignment with 3” lift. Are you looking at 2.5 or 2.0 Fox shocks? I would recommend 2.5 diameter shock for how heavy the Tundra are.
     
    AccuTune Offroad and COTundra23 like this.
  26. Sep 16, 2021 at 10:50 AM
    #26
    COTundra23

    COTundra23 New Member

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    Looking at 2.5 Fox. Already have SPC UCA's so I am in good shape there. In some of the research I have done it seems that the 3" options are for the trucks looking to go mach-40 through the dunes of Nevada whereas the 2" option is for everyone else. This truck is being built for everyday / overland travel and seems the 3" option would be overkill? Open to more feedback from other users before making a decision.
     
  27. Sep 16, 2021 at 11:59 AM
    #27
    vtl

    vtl New Member

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    After years doing overlanding in my old, slightly lifted Volvo XC70 + KO2 rubber and going as far as http://jamesbayroad.com/ttr/ a few times, I decided to choke my irrational urge to lift Tundra as high as legally permitted (properly, no cheap spacers, etc) and switch to 35" MT tires on proper rims, I ended up with Bilstein 5100s in the middle setting, +1" rear shackles and 33" General Grabber A/TX on stock 18" rims. And RCI engine skid plate, since my stock TRD Offroad tin plate has been annihilated in ice.

    While pleased with 5100s, I think I'd be just fine with 4600s and the stock ride for the next 10 years. Maybe update them to 5100 when the stock shocks die. Higher ride certainly made bed time pee interruptions more difficult, I just could not get back into bed as easy as it was with the stock truck =)

    The truth is the stock TRD Offroad Tundra is so capable for general purpose overlanding out of box. Just get some decent AT tires and put a LEER/ARE cap. Power is plenty, suspension articulation is crazy (thanks to twisting frame), ton of space, 38 gallons of gas, reliability is legendary. What can you wish more? It even sips less gas than my old turbo Volvo was gulping while on the march to wilderness, thanks to low revving, mighty V8, regular gas and favorable gear ratios.
     
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  28. Sep 16, 2021 at 7:39 PM
    #28
    alpinepro4

    alpinepro4 What is your MPG Today!

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    I’d say what are you waiting for pull the trigger. Go with 2” lift.
     
    COTundra23[QUOTED] likes this.
  29. Sep 17, 2021 at 6:42 AM
    #29
    COTundra23

    COTundra23 New Member

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    Just doing some research at this point to see what vendor has the shortest lead times! lol
     
  30. Sep 17, 2021 at 10:10 AM
    #30
    ronh

    ronh New Member

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    I recently installed the Toytec 2.5 Aluma up front and Toytec shackles set at 1” in the rear with the 2.0 shock and couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. I initially had about 4” of lift up front but I dialed that down to just under 3”. The ride is nice, not harsh or rigid at all.
     

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