I need a smooth road-ride in my 2WD Tundra

[Chapter13]

I'm a neophite in the Tundra forums and could use some help with an issue which has been plaguing me.

I own a 2WD '03 Limited V8 Tundra --- just think of it as a car with a big trunk. I have kept it stock since purchase but I'm starting to consider some upgrades. The first thing I'd like to do and upgrade the ride.

The truck came with the TRD package with Bilsteen (Bilstine?) shocks which I've noticed are a moderately rough ride. Lots of bounce after speed bumps, lots of giggle and rattle on moderately bumpy road, etc. I'm looking for a smoother ride that absorbs the bumps rather than bounces over them. However, I'm still looking for the ability to load up the truck with 500+ pounds of whatever.

So, what I'm looking for from the Tundra faithful is some solid opinions on options to improve this never-off-road Tundra ride. Please don't assume I know anything about potential replacement brand names, places to buy or essentially anything about the engineering of the truck. Any of that information would be handy. Your experience and opinions requested. Thanks.

[H2O_MAN]

Originally Posted by Chapter13

I own a 2WD '03 Limited V8 Tundra --- just think of it as a car with a big trunk. I have kept it stock since purchase but I'm starting to consider some upgrades. The first thing I'd like to do and upgrade the ride.

The truck came with the TRD package with Bilsteen (Bilstine?) shocks which I've noticed are a moderately rough ride. Lots of bounce after speed bumps, lots of giggle and rattle on moderately bumpy road, etc. I'm looking for a smoother ride that absorbs the bumps rather than bounces over them. However, I'm still looking for the ability to load up the truck with 500+ pounds of whatever.

You have a great set up from the factory.
I will asume the less than smooth ride is
noticed when your bed is empty. This is
common. Your truck is set up to haul a load.
Keep two or three hundred pounds loaded
over the rear axle to smooth out your ride.
Consider something that will not slide around
and something that is easy for you to move.
Sand bags should work.

Good luck and welcome to TS.

[DevinSixtySeven]

something else to consider if the ride is too bouncy for you--ie the truck oscillates a few times after a large roller or speed bump--is a more aggressively valved damper. the bilsteins you currently have are imho very comfortable, however if the front bounces too much, you may want to consider a stiffer damper (the hydraulic thing more commonly referred to as a "shock") such as the bilstein HD units for the FRONT ONLY, available from gary wheeler at wheeler's offroad (link at top of page).

however, that's ONLY if the truck bounces after a bump, not jittering...stiffer valving can make the jitter worse, even though it will suck up the large bumps without bouncing.

-sean

[Agent WD-40]

If you never haul stuff around (ie your bed is empty most of the time) and when you fill it you never put too much weight in it you could get some different rear springs. Another member would have to chime in about where you could do this and what not, but that is an idea none the less.

[Chapter13]

In clarification, what I'm more interested in smoothing out is the average road ride. The ability to absorb the road bumps and general uneveness without transmitting the geography to the cab. All the while, maintaining the ability to load up with barkdust now and again.

Some things others have mentioned to me:

1. Couple of folks suggested a gas shock/strut combination (I forget the dealer name) which also maintains that load ability. (Forgive me if my ignorance is showing.)

2. After reading around in the forums here, I'm curious about the effect of anti-sway bars to the setup.

Again, your researched, considered responses are appreciated.

[H2O_MAN]

Originally Posted by Chapter13

In clarification, what I'm more interested in smoothing out is the average road ride. The ability to absorb the road bumps and general uneveness without transmitting the geography to the cab. All the while, maintaining the ability to load up with barkdust now and again.

Some things others have mentioned to me:

1. Couple of folks suggested a gas shock/strut combination (I forget the dealer name) which also maintains that load ability. (Forgive me if my ignorance is showing.)

2. After reading around in the forums here, I'm curious about the effect of anti-sway bars to the setup.

Again, your researched, considered responses are appreciated.

Your Bilsteins are high pressure gas shocks.

Adding a Hellwig rear anti-sway bar is a good thing (your truck has a front anti-sway) but it does have a tendency to tighten things up a bit.

Experiment with some weight placed over the rear axle first and see if that works.
4-50 pound bags of something for starters should help...

[dsconstructs]

My 2 cents worth.....KYB gas-a-just shocks. They are high pressure gas shocks, with velocity sensitive valving.

[Bbbutch]

OEM SR5 shocks all around.
Helwig rear sway bar.
TRD add-a-leaf.

Softer ride with the shocks. (too soft for me)
Flatter corning and better road control with the sway bar.
The add-a-leaf will help you carry a load when you want too and you will bearly notice a difference in the ride unloaded.

You can probably get OEM SR5 shocks from some one on this forum since most of us switch to the Bilstines.
I don't know who currently has the best prices on the other two products but here are a couple of places to start.

http://www.hellwigproducts.com

http://www.carsontoyota.com

Good Luck

[Agent WD-40]

I added the sway bar on my Tundra at it made the rear ride a bit stiffer. I have a 2001 4x4 with the TRD suspension. The around town and highway was about the same but speed bumps and such are a bit stiffer in back. It was a huge help with handling though. If you put a bit of weight in the back it will smooth things right out.

Have you considered air bags in back? I'm not sure if they degrade ride, but you can run them deflated normally and pump them up when you want to haul a bit of a load. This might be a good thing to add to a softer rear suspension while maintaining a load carrying ability.

[Possum]

The following was posted by nhparrot on 10/02/02. These prices may have changed. However, the information is valuable.

Dan

Originally Posted by nhparrot

Tundra Bilstein Shocks 101

1. OEM Toyota/Bilsteins - color yellow/blue , labeled with both the Toyota and Bilstein brand names - comes as part of the "TRD" or OF option package. Toyota part # 4851009350 (front) & 4853109141 (rear). Toyota price about $150 new (set of 4), often about $125 on ebay (set of 4)

2. TRD Bilsteins for 4x4's - color red/blue, labeled with both the Toyota and Bilstein brand names. TRD part number 00602-48500-100. Available from Toyota Dealers as a TRD Sport Part. These shocks are 40% stiffer on bump and about 25% stiffer on rebound than #1. about $285 (set of 4)

3. TRD Bilsteins for 4x2's - color red/blue, labeled with both the Toyota and Bilstein brand names. TRD part number 00602-48500-101. Available from Toyota Dealers as a TRD Sport Part. These shocks are slightly softer at low velocities, but stiffer at high velocities than #1. about $285 (set of 4)

4. HD Bilsteins - color yellow/blue, labeled with Bilstein brand name. BE5-6024 front & BE5-6025 rear. About $250 (set of 4).
NOTE - These shocks are NOT the same as the yellow/blue shocks that come equipped on trucks from the factory with the Off Road Pkg. These shocks are functionally the same as the TRD Bilsteins for 4x4's - color red/blue (#2 above)

[Chapter13]

Hey, its obvious I've stumbled into a solid community here. I appreciate the assistance and expertise --- and the tolerance of my, um, mechanically uninclined questions. Okay, onto business.

• I like the option of adding a rear anti-sway bar to the setup because of the improved cornering and handling characteristics --- but the tightening up concerns me. Do you mean the truck will tend to bounce more in the back?
• I'm currently set up with the blue/yellow TRD shocks. How about switching to the 4x2 Bilstein's (mentioned in Possum's post) --- anyone have any first hand experience with that option? Results?
• I'm going to try the bags of sand again but they tend to slide around a bit and the asthetic value is horrible. I would curious if anyone knows of an OEM product which essentially does the same thing (but isn't a toolbox full of sand)?
• The KYB gas-a-just has officially confused me. Essentially, the shocks adjust to the velocity of the vehicle automatically? No need to manual adjustment? How does that help?
• And finally, the add-a-leaf ... I'm going to guess this is something to do with a spring but beyond that, well, I just don't know. Could someone point me to the Tundra Truck Basics 101 course?!

Okay, once more, I appreciate the input and opinions. Anything else on this topic would be handy.

[H2O_MAN]

Originally Posted by Chapter13

...I like the option of adding a rear anti-sway bar to the setup because of the improved cornering and handling characteristics --- but the tightening up concerns me. Do you mean the truck will tend to bounce more in the back?

• I'm currently set up with the blue/yellow TRD shocks. How about switching to the 4x2 Bilstein's (mentioned in Possum's post) --- anyone have any first hand experience with that option? Results?
• I'm going to try the bags of sand again but they tend to slide around a bit and the asthetic value is horrible. I would curious if anyone knows of an OEM product which essentially does the same thing (but isn't a toolbox full of sand)?
• The KYB gas-a-just has officially confused me. Essentially, the shocks adjust to the velocity of the vehicle automatically? No need to manual adjustment? How does that help?
• And finally, the add-a-leaf ... I'm going to guess this is something to do with a spring but beyond that, well, I just don't know. Could someone point me to the Tundra Truck Basics 101 course?!...

*The Hellwig will make an empty bed bounce a bit more but it is a great mod.
*Add-a-Leaf's will make the bed bounce when empty, and even with a light load.
*Keep the shocks you have.
*I do not know of any OEM item that ads weight.

Since I have LEER caps on both of my work trucks my load is hidden. I have Line-X spray in bed liner and rubber bed mats in both. This keeps most items in place. I also have cargo gates that do a good job of keeping things sepperated.

I think you have to experiment and get creative.

Good luck

[Wstar425]

I'm sort of the opposite of you, but maybe some of my experiences can help you out. I have a 2000 SR5 4x4 non TRD, not at all the same vehicle as you. I test drove the same truck, TRD version, and thought it rode a lot rougher, or stiffer. So I went with the non TRD version. Didn't really care for the stickers anyway.

I also pull a horse trailer with a very heavy tongue weight, and that put the back end about 4 inches lower than normal. Maybe 2 inches below level. So I added some Helwig helper springs, EZ 550's and cranked them up so that the truck is level with the trailer and horses loaded. And that works well, except I think I am probably about back to the the TRD ride when not pulling the trailer. Or, maybe stiffer! It raised my non loaded rear height 3/4 inch, the truck does head downhill a bit, but it doesn't really bother me. And, every other method of keeping it from sagging below level,with the trailer, was a lot more money.
Oh well, got used to it after a week.

The prices for new shocks, as posted by nhparrot, seem to be totally outrageous to me. I will be the first to admit that I am still living in the 70's. Bought a NEW '69 ford f100 for $3100.00 and think that should still be the price today. Well, that is about what a ford p/u is worth. A JOKE! I would be willing to pay at least $3500.00 for a new F150!

I liked the idea of the non-TRD factory shocks that someone mentioned, especially if you could get them on the cheap! Not sure how you post for items to buy, think there is some place for it other than general topics. It is sort of funny how one member thinks his truck rides great and the next person thinks it is a rough bouncy ride. Do the trucks ride that much differently, or is it just a different perspective and expectation? Maybe it is what you drove last to compare against. Compared to my F250 that I had,
the Tundra rides like a dream. Compared to the Honda Accord, it doesn't compare quite as well, though not far off considering it's a truck.

This is a great site, everyone's more than willing to help out as needed.

Happy Hauling,

Doug

[RockyMtnRay]

Originally Posted by Chapter13

Hey, its obvious I've stumbled into a solid community here. I appreciate the assistance and expertise --- and the tolerance of my, um, mechanically uninclined questions. Okay, onto business.

• I like the option of adding a rear anti-sway bar to the setup because of the improved cornering and handling characteristics --- but the tightening up concerns me. Do you mean the truck will tend to bounce more in the back?
• I'm currently set up with the blue/yellow TRD shocks. How about switching to the 4x2 Bilstein's (mentioned in Possum's post) --- anyone have any first hand experience with that option? Results?
• I'm going to try the bags of sand again but they tend to slide around a bit and the asthetic value is horrible. I would curious if anyone knows of an OEM product which essentially does the same thing (but isn't a toolbox full of sand)?
• The KYB gas-a-just has officially confused me. Essentially, the shocks adjust to the velocity of the vehicle automatically? No need to manual adjustment? How does that help?
• And finally, the add-a-leaf ... I'm going to guess this is something to do with a spring but beyond that, well, I just don't know. Could someone point me to the Tundra Truck Basics 101 course?!

Okay, once more, I appreciate the input and opinions. Anything else on this topic would be handy.

It's going to be hard for you to get specific advice here because what you're trying to do is almost the opposite of what everyone else wants to do...you apparently want the classic "boulevard" ride which is the antithesis of nearly everyone else.

Shocks 101: When it comes to ride quality, generally the softer (or "mushier") the shock absorber is the more it will let the suspension oscillate beneath you without letting that oscillation into the vehicle. So if you want to get rid of jiggles and harshness, then the recommendation to switch to the standard non-TRD Tokico (black) shocks (or any "standard" shock from Monroe, etc.) will be best. However...and this one huge however...with a soft shock, once the truck does bounce (like from crossing a speed bump), it will bounce a greater distance and may bounce several times. It's very difficult to find a shock absorber that totally soaks up the little stuff and controls the big bounces...some of the high end self-adjusting velocity-dependent-damping gas-charged shocks come close but to be honest, that's pretty much what you already have and don't like.

You definitely DO NOT want to put in an add-a-leaf...yes, it is an extra spring leaf...that will make the already stiff suspension even stiffer. What you might be able to do is have a custom rear spring crafted that is much less stiff (or load carrrying) than the stock springs and then add an air suspension bladder to provide extra capacity when occasionally needed. Expect to spend multiple hundreds of $ though. As I said above, nearly everyone else wants stiffer, not softer...so expect difficulties trying to go softer.

If you do get a softer rear suspension, then the Hellwig is absolutely necessary. Yes it definitely will make the suspension stiffer (rougher riding), particularly when cornering so you probably don't want it...nor need it...with the stock suspension.

If you don't want to spend big bucks to modify your rear suspension, then adding weight over the rear is your only option. If you don't like the visuals of that weight, then you'll have to add some kind of tonneau or cap to hide the bed. Also, adding weight to the back does require more power...and more gas...for acceleration. It will cut into your mileage.

And finally, keep in mind there is no escaping this is a truck. A very good riding truck by truck standards, but it is a truck. The suspension was designed for load carrying and towing and not particularly for an ultra smooth ride. For one thing, it has a fairly heavy "live" rear axle and load carrying springs which is not a conducive to a smooth, well controlled ride when unladen.

[mike.elmes]

I have a 2000 LTD...Non TRD. The front springs and Toicko(black)shocks made the TUNDRA ride like an Oldsmobile, especially with the tires deflated to Toyota's original tire pressure specs. The tire pressure is important 26psi front 30 in rear I believe. Now that we're talking tires here, new passenger rated Revos or Michelin's pressured down to suck up the road vibration would also be an improvement over the stock rubber.


Good luck,

mike