Tacoma suspension upgrades?

[DonC]

I currently have a 4 cyl, manual transmission, 2006 Tacoma 4x4. The most basic you can get. I’ve done a lot of stuff with it and love it, it does everything I need. I do quite a bit of off road, some light 4x4, but not real hard core.

I’m looking to get a new v6 Tacoma 4x4 so that I can better support a FWC Fleet. My question is what do I need to get related to suspension or other upgrades? I could care less about TRD decals, or anything I absolutely don’t need functionally.

The Toyota tow package adds a transmission cooler, engine cooler, 130 amp altenator, and heavy duty battery.

The TRD off road package adds a ton of useless stuff but does include Off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers, electronically controlled locking rear differential, 16-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich® tires, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) (4x4 models only) with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) [20] and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) [20] (HAC and DAC available on 4x4 automatic transmission models only).

My question is – do I need any of this extra stuff? Or can I get the base V6 4x4, add some air bags, and will I be good to go?

 

[Cort]

I have an 01 V6 Tacoma TRD and did the following suspension mods. I had Deaver build me a custom leaf spring pack, I replaced the front coils with OME 881 or was it 882 coils? and I replaced all shocks with bilstein 5100's. I do have airbags but they are only used for leveling, I can run without them. I would not spend the money on the TRD package as you will end up replacing most of the parts because they are not up to the job of carrying a camper. I would be concerned with carrying a camper with the Tacoma automatic transmission but I have no direct experience. I have the standard transmission and have no problems with power, overheating, and yes I can even stop the truck.

Now the 3/4 ton and 1 tons guys are going to chime in and say.....just buy a bigger truck because its safer and can stop faster and while you are at it buy a diesel because it gets better gas mileage. There is some truth to this, and if I had $35,000+ in disposable income I would likely do it as well, but I think that some people blow it way out of proportion. With the price of diesel and the maintenance costs it takes quite a long time to recover that money via better gas mileage.

Their is a huge safety of factor that goes into GVWR numbers. You don't want to be stupid about it but if you are reasonable a half ton truck such as a Tacoma with the appropriate suspension upgrades is an extremely capable vehicle and can be a much more affordable option. On the other side if you are the type of person that has trouble leaving stuff at home and feels the need to bring everything you may be better off with a 3/4 ton or 1 ton.

The one thing that I can't emphasize enough is PLEASE PLEASE don't just put airbags or timbrems on a Tacoma and think that it will make it capable of carrying the extra weight....especially if you plan on doing any offroading. You will end up tweaking or breaking your frame and in all honesty the truck will not be that safe and may leave you hanging out to dry when you really don't want it to. If you want to run one of these campers on a Tacoma or similar 1/2 ton truck you have to be committed to upgrading the suspension...both front and back in my opinion.

Check out some of my mods to see what I'm talking about.

Good Luck,

Cort

PS

The DAC may help you save your brakes but a standard transmission would be much better. the rear Dif locker can be acquired aftermarket and will be much better. The larger stock tires....why pay more for larger crap...get them aftermarket and get real rubber. You will want to upgrade to load range D or E tires.

 

[Gerdo]

The suspension on the TRD package is not going to carry the load any better than the standard. You may need to still do the air bags, add a leaf or leaf packs.

 

[buckland]

I currently have a 4 cyl, manual transmission, 2006 Tacoma 4x4. The most basic you can get. I’ve done a lot of stuff with it and love it, it does everything I need. I do quite a bit of off road, some light 4x4, but not real hard core.

I’m looking to get a new v6 Tacoma 4x4 so that I can better support a FWC Fleet. My question is what do I need to get related to suspension or other upgrades? I could care less about TRD decals, or anything I absolutely don’t need functionally.

The Toyota tow package adds a transmission cooler, engine cooler, 130 amp altenator, and heavy duty battery.

The TRD off road package adds a ton of useless stuff but does include Off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers, electronically controlled locking rear differential, 16-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich® tires, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) (4x4 models only) with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) [20] and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) [20] (HAC and DAC available on 4x4 automatic transmission models only).

My question is – do I need any of this extra stuff? Or can I get the base V6 4x4, add some air bags, and will I be good to go?

I'd add the Firestone air suspension... I have a 4 cylinder Tacoma and it handles great with the Eagle.

 

[buckland]

I'd add the Firestone air suspension... I have a 4 cylinder Tacoma and it handles great with the Eagle.

 

[Capt. REDBEARD]

I currently have a 4 cyl, manual transmission, 2006 Tacoma 4x4. The most basic you can get. I’ve done a lot of stuff with it and love it, it does everything I need. I do quite a bit of off road, some light 4x4, but not real hard core.

I’m looking to get a new v6 Tacoma 4x4 so that I can better support a FWC Fleet. My question is what do I need to get related to suspension or other upgrades? I could care less about TRD decals, or anything I absolutely don’t need functionally.

The Toyota tow package adds a transmission cooler, engine cooler, 130 amp altenator, and heavy duty battery.

The TRD off road package adds a ton of useless stuff but does include Off-road-tuned suspension with Bilstein® shock absorbers, electronically controlled locking rear differential, 16-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R16 BFGoodrich® tires, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) (4x4 models only) with Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) [20] and Downhill Assist Control (DAC) [20] (HAC and DAC available on 4x4 automatic transmission models only).

My question is – do I need any of this extra stuff? Or can I get the base V6 4x4, add some air bags, and will I be good to go?



I just bought a 2011 V6 SR5 w/tow package [manual transmission]. The SR5 has all the functional stuff like variable rate wipers, cruise control, auto windows/locks, sliding rear window ect. The tow package beefs up the alternator, and oil cooler [tranny too on the auto]. The TRD just has a lot of "aftermarket" items - that cost as much as the aftermarket stuff w/o the benefits of customization and function. Save the money from the TRD package and just buy what you want in aftermarket goodies - for exactly the application you plan on using it for.

 

[robbie]

We have a 2008 Tacoma 4 x 4 basic model, xtra cab, and a 1981 Fleet. I added airbags and that is it.

If you would like some pictures send me a message..

robbie

 

[gandhii]

Probably late in adding this to this thread but in case some one ends up here with the same question....

I have a 2007 tacoma 2wd 4 cylinder.. reg cab/bed etc.. except got auto trans. Wanted manual.. but hard to find. At any rate I found an '83 fleet model last august and I just added timbrens (timbren.com). Which are something of a specialized bump stop built to compensate for heavy loads. Works really well and very easy to install. Just unbolted the old bumpstops and put the timbrens in their place. It was so easy that I thought I must have done something wrong at first. They work great. I don't even notice they are there with the exception that my truck doesn't sag like it would otherwise. With all the complaints of "air bags" getting leaks and popping and such I'm surprised that timbrens aren't used more. Nothing to pump up or anything. .. Just pieces of rubber bolted into place that do their job quite well.

 

[2'overhead]

I'm running a 2004 Tacoma, TRD, Pre-Runner, V6, Automatic with a 2001 Eagle. I have SuperSprings installed with Firestone Airbags, which has worked great so far.
I originally just had the SuperSprings, which increased handling but did not address the sagging, hence the reason why I ended up installing the Airbags.
If I could do it all again, I would have completely replaced the Rear leaf springs with some heavier duty ones and installed Airbags.

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

I have a '99 Tacoma X-cab 4 cyl, 5-speed and a custom spring pack done by my local spring company. 5 leaves, rated for 1500 pounds. Rides better then the stock springs and an add a leaf. 9 years ago I added the add-a leaf because I couldn't afford new springs. About 6 months ago (75,000 miles) one of the add a leafs broke and broke the spring above it necessitating replacing and re-arching both sides. I carry a '04 Flip-Pac ( still saving my quarters for a Fleet) With a new mattress. Camper weighs about 325 pounds. Total weight 4,000 pounds with full tank of gas. My GVWR is 5100 pounds, so subtracting two 200 pound bodies, still leaves 700 pounds for camping gear, food, and beer.

 

[tnscoots]

Hey - would you mind sending the specific part number or model of the Timbrens you mention below. About a month ago I bought a Tacoma 4 cyl. auto tranny, and two weeks ago a 1998 Eagle camper. On the return trip from Dallas, the back did sag, but the ride was stable. Maybe the Timbrens will work for me too. Thanks Tom (tnscoots-AT-cox.net)


Probably late in adding this to this thread but in case some one ends up here with the same question....

I have a 2007 tacoma 2wd 4 cylinder.. reg cab/bed etc.. except got auto trans. Wanted manual.. but hard to find. At any rate I found an '83 fleet model last august and I just added timbrens (timbren.com). Which are something of a specialized bump stop built to compensate for heavy loads. Works really well and very easy to install. Just unbolted the old bumpstops and put the timbrens in their place. It was so easy that I thought I must have done something wrong at first. They work great. I don't even notice they are there with the exception that my truck doesn't sag like it would otherwise. With all the complaints of "air bags" getting leaks and popping and such I'm surprised that timbrens aren't used more. Nothing to pump up or anything. .. Just pieces of rubber bolted into place that do their job quite well.

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

This is an update to my post dated Feb 12th.
I sold the Flip Pac in March and took delivery of an Eagle shell May 8th. Shell with options weighs 840 pounds.
Total weight of truck 4440 pounds. Camper sits level on truck with NO sag. Milege so far is 20.5 hiway, 18.3 50/50 and 16.5 city. 4cyl has pleanty of power except going up hills then I have to downshift to 4th or 3rd.
A V6 or V8 would be an improvement in performance, however retired I'm still at least two years away from replaceing the truck.

 

[buckland]

I too have a 4 cyl. 4wd extra cab Tacoma 2001 (new frame) with Firestone airbag suspension. I was wondering if anyone has tried the Supersprings that shackle onto the existing 3 leaf? Here is a link:
http://www.autoanything.com/suspension-systems/61A3782A0A0A2652818.aspx
I would like to add a bit of 'insurance' to my suspension and though mine are new I'd rather play it safe

 

[Marmot-WTW]

I have a new Tacoma TRD off road and will soon have a Fleet camper for it. I'm getting air bags installed at the Tigard shop, or at least that's what they recommend. What would it cost to further upgrade the suspension with leafs and or springs all the lines that folks are discussing here? Just curious what I'd be getting into...

 

[RC Pilot Jim]

In 2013 we replaced the '99" with a new 2013 V6 4wd, automatic, TRD, trailer towing . Bolted the Eagle shell down. Installed a custom 4 leaf rear pack to support 1,500 pounds and 10 ply tires half inch higher (265/75 R16).

We do some desert mostly category 2-3, Have had no problems over the last 45,000 miles...even pulling the 1988 Suzucki Samurai.
Get the trailer towing pkg as it comes with 3:73 rear gears. We have used everything tin the TRD pkg on our adventures.

 

[moveinon]

I now have a lot of miles on a 2011 Tacoma and fully equipped Fleet, both on and off road. As others have said it is a good idea to minimize what you will carry because my Fleet is over weight just stock. I added Firestone Air bags with commercial screw on hoses because I take the camper off for the winter. If I kept it on full time I would get springs instead. Springs are awful with the camper off for ride quality. Definitely upgrade to E rated tires. I have KO2 10 ply and they have been great for me and are some of the highest rated tires. My V6 and automatic transmission handle the truck and Fleet just fine. The towing package makes a lot of sense both because of the added coolers but also because the alternator will charge your camper batteries without as much work as the standard one. It is not a must have but quality slotted brakes and quality pads greatly improve braking as does upgrading to Tundra brakes from a junk yard. It also improves the ride and off road performance to upgrade the shocks, especially the rear ones. The shocks that come on Tacos are good shocks, but are not designed for the added weight or bounce of air bags. The modifications are not costly and pretty easy for a DIY. The only real cost is for the tires which run around $900-$1,000. So yeh add Ride Rites and Tires and you are good to go, upgrade shocks and brakes and you will go in better style and safety.

 

[Roaming_Eagle]

Another 4cyl 5spd 4x4 access cab here. Running OME HD Leafs and Fox 2.0 custom valved to control the extra weight of the 08 Eagle.

Tires are 245/75 R16 General AT2 load range E.

 

[VanGoOutdoors]

16 tacoma
OME BP51 suspension
Dakar heavy spring pack with extra leaf also
Firestone bags

rides great with or without camper.

 

[Marmot-WTW]

Very helpful feedback - thanks all!

 

[Sharx]

I personally went with Sumo Springs (from SuperSprings) after taking a look at a variety of supsension help for my 2013 Tacoma V6 before I added a '15 Fleet. They are made of a very dense urethane and look like solid coil springs. You pull the factory bumpstops and they screw right in. I had an old '99 Taco 4 banger and had used an Add-a-leaf made by the same Co. yrs. ago and it was a well made product that outlasted the truck. I carried way too much using it commercially which eventually wore out the tranny and clutch after 155k miles. But that truck is why I went with another Tacoma, this time with the larger sized V6 that I bought used with only 5k and at a large discount. It's 2WD/Access Cab, SR5 and Long bed, came with the tow pkg. and a 2" lift which was a nice addition. I had read about the only problem the truck was said to have and that was the rear suspension. I added Bilstein 5100's and it made a huge difference over stock. But then I got the Fleet and knew I needed more help. I checked with the guys at FWC who said the Sumo Springs would work fine and I have to say that thay have. I like the minimalism, low cost, easy install, and bullet-proof construction. My choice for them was based upon my reason of using the camper solo and carrying very little extra weight so I figured I would not need custom springs or bags. They give a nice ride as well as the truck rides on the suspension and any good bump hits the Sumo's and they compress and rebound very nicely as well as keep sway around corners pretty tight;

I will add that anyone that can add a K&N Induction system to replace the factory air induction should. A simple, but effective add on to increase HP and MPG. Do I wish I got a 4WD, sure, but my current and short term needs didn't seem to make sense for it.