Whats up guys, I'm new to the forum and I have a 2001 Tacoma V6 TRD. Since I got it I noticed the ride is rough, and not as smooth as I figured it would be or as other trucks I have driven. I am not sure if this is normal with the TRD offroad package or if this is just how the truck's ride quality is. Anyway, if you guys know how to improve the ride let me know, also, what are some good or basic mods for tacomas, lift kit, supercharger, dual exhaust, etc...

Thanks

 

TRDTacoma:

Welcome to the forum! While there are other forums out there, the folks here are very friendly and informative so stick around, read, ask questions, etc.

Boy, do I know what you are talking about. I drove a TRD Doublecab Taco many months ago and the first thing that came into mind was "Man, this is pretty harsh". Oh, I had a 99 4runner (now I drive a 98) at the time.

A few weeks ago I was hounding everyone (haha) about Bilsteins and the ride quality. I was asking if anyone on the forum drove a TRD Bilstein-equipped Taco as well as a Bilstein-equipped (aftermarket shocks) 4runner and to compare the two. Since no one had experienced both, I was outta luck. However, there now is one person who has experienced both. Little ol' me.

I will be the first to tell you that the difference between the ride quality is VERY different. While the Bilsteins that I installed (thanks Dave) two weeks ago definitely firmed up the ride, it is definitely NOT as harsh as the TRD Bilsteins.

Now I recall reading that alot of the TRD Taco guys ditch their factory-equipped Bils and either get the aftermarket Bils or some other shocks. I think they said that the TRD Bils aren't the same as the aftermarket Bils. Someone chime in here and confirm or disprove this!

That said and to reiterate, my aftermarket Bils on my 4runner is definitely not as harsh as the TRD Taco Bils.

I purchased my Bils from Performance Products w/ a 15% discount that I rec'd from Jalaber's PP website banner. Since I live near PP, I saved even more on not paying for shipping. Rock on!

Bob

 

back in 99, i bought a tacoma v6 trd with the extended cab. im sorry to say that the ride was alot rougher than my buddy's 98 without the trd package. I mean mine looked better than his, but the stock toyota shocks seemed a little more friendly on my back than the bilsteins on my tacoma. Thats part of the reason I got rid of that truck.

 

Welcome to the forums TRD.
I have heard the same thing as Bob has.

The factory TRD Bilstiens don't give a very good ride.
It's better to get the aftermarket Bil's for your rig.

They are thicker, and will give better rebound and smooth out the harsh ride you are getting now.

 

Thanks for all of the responses,

Well I guess I should start looking into replacing the shocks then. What model bilstein shocks should I be looking at, which will fit my truck. Also, do you guys recommend any other company/brand of shocks other than bilsteins??? how much are new shocks usually? do I need to replace any other suspension component when replacing shocks and finally where acn I get them, any good websites?

Thanks again

 

Hello! Welcome to the world's greatest forum ever! This is a magical place, where strange and wonderful things happen. Magic is all over here. You will like it. Your money will all disappear, but you will have a cool looking and running truck! :fireman:

 

I wouldn't be so quick to blame the shocks. Keep in mind that the TRD package also includes progressive rate coil springs with a higher spring rate than non-TRD rigs.

 

Good point! My son just got a 2000 Taco (not a TRD) and in my opinion, it rides pretty nice.

trdtacoma01.....welcome to a great forum!

 

i have a 99 tacoma (not TRD)... ride is really nice.. so it sounds like you should get some aftermarket Bils....... im gonna do that too when i can afford them, they are @#$@ing expensive. my shocks are fine now anyways.