Clueless to suspension upgrades - Platinum 2020

Greetings!

I have had my tundra for 2 weeks and have zero buyer's remorse.

I test drove the TRD Pro and preferred the ride over the Platinum. I mostly drive on pavement and lots of highway driving.

I intended to replace the wheels, since I hate chrome.

I also intended to replace the shocks/struts with TRD Pro-like components.

A local shop is trying to steer me to 18" wheels, but the wheels that I want are not available in the 18" size. This is not a deal breaker because I can paint things to achieve the look that I had in mind.

I've read that the suspension should match the tires/wheels.

I don't have much room for a lift and that has never been a goal. I want to be able to tow things occasionally.

I have front and rear TRD sway bars.

Which suspension is recommended for 20" wheels, maybe switching to 18"?

Thanks in advance -

Deb

 

Seems like there's an easy answer but there isn't. 20s will have a harsher ride than 18s. The increased side wall on 18s provides a little more "cushion". The sway bars also make the ride a little more harsh. A bump or pot hole on one side is automatically transmitted to and felt on the other side. They do reduce body roll but, IMO, it's a truck and not a sports car. Still, maybe they're nice for a DD, I don't know.
The shocks on the new Pro are Fox and can be installed on your truck. They're not cheap and if you're gonna spend that much, there are better alternatives IMO.
King, Fox, ADS are the premium shocks with a premium price tag. Bilstein is, I'm guessing, is the most common upgrade with several different options. Elka's are a newer option but I know nothing about 'em.
Best thing, if possible, is to ride in other Tundras and see what you like. Otherwise it's a shot in the dark.
Tires have a LOT to do with ride quality. Stock tires provide a smoother ride because, for one, they're lighter weight.
It's a very subjective question. But, if you like the ride of the Pro, you may just wanna install the Pro shocks.

 

Thank you!

 

Also consider long travel.

 

I had the Fox on my last Tundra and was talked into getting the 6112's and I much prefer the Fox. The 6112/ 5160 do not element the bed bounce and the Fox shocks did.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

Good to know.

 

FYI you can’t buy Fox pro shocks from a dealer unless you have Pro vin#. Folks do sell there pro suspension. Keep an eye out, they sell quick. Enjoy your new Tundra.

 

I have a Pro and love the way it rides. One advantage you will have if you go with the Pro setup is the dealership will not be able to deny warranty work because you modified the suspension. Some dealerships have been known to do this. If you use the OEM Pro components, they won’t have a leg to stand on.

 

Greetings from Georgia!

Consider lowering the rear 3.25" using kit from SOS Performance, including the Air-Lift kit.
I did this with my 2007, and left the front suspension stock. It's a pavement pounder.
I run two sets of 18" wheels with different tires 255/70/18 in winter, and 285/60/18 in summer.

Check my signature link for details.

 

Will do - thanks!

 

I'm in the same boat: 2020 Platinum and looking for a more plush ride on road and more capable off. I don't tow.

What suspension did you end up going with?

 

I kept the stock wheels, so my ride could be improved with smaller wheels.

I got the Fox 2.5, coilovers with reservoirs.

It was kind of a mess after the install, since it got lifted. I expected it to be leveled, but that didn't work out. The installer added a 1.5" block in the back. As a female with ZERO depth perception, I had to relearn to drive the truck . The TRD skid plate wouldn't reinstall correctly. I hated it all.

I had the installer set to the lowest setting possible in the front and after a few days, the truck made this creaking noise when I would turn or hit the slightest bump. It was too much for my OCD. I thought that, after spending 5k on a suspension upgrade, it would ride like the TRD Pro.

So, the front had to be raised a bit and I am now getting used to it.

I think the upgrade is way better than stock, but not sure it was worth 5k, and like 4 days to get it right.

The installer, a local Toyota EXPERT, did encourage me to get the 18" wheels, but the husband refused.

I think better tires will improve the ride. I have Michelins LTX on my 2001 Sequoia and feel like they are a better tire than stock.

 

18” tires ride better than 20” tires/wheels because there’s more side wall to absorb what ever the road throws at you. You can buy a taller tire that would work with this example. I’m looking for 17” wheels currently.
Good luck, nice truck.

 

Thanks for the update> Not sure which direction I will go.