Bilstein TRD Sport suspension vs. Stock

I was curious on peoples opinion on how the ride, and feel is between the Bilstein TRD Sport performance shocks are versus the stock ones? I'm thinking of switching to them on my 15 Platinum. Just wanted some feed back. I already have TRD front and rear sways. Now looking to maybe upgrade to those.

 

I test drove both ( all three actually; Standard, TRD Sport and TRD Off Road) and did not feel any significant difference. The different size tires probably made a bigger difference in ride than the shocks. I would not spend the money, unless you can get them for a bargain, for instance someone who takes theirs off to upgrade to aftermarket suspension. If you do want to upgrade, aftermarket shocks might be a little more expensive, but will give you a significant different ride.

 

The black stock ones are soft.. red off road were stiffer and more rigid on road. Work well off road though

 

I thought the red and blue TRD's are a "race inspired on road" shock. Is this not true?

 

There are supposed to be a difference between the TRD Sport and TRD OffRoad shocks, and they are "race inspired". Sport is tuned more for road use and OffRoad obviously for off road use, but I have heard conflicting stories about the difference. Most opinions is that the road shocks are stiffer (like a race car's suspension) for cornering etc. and Off Road is softer to absorb all the uneven terrain. From my test drive experience I could not tell much difference. I don't think I would spend much money to get one over the other.

 

I would suggest go test drive a Sport and see if you notice a difference. Keep in mind tire pressure when you do so. When I bought my truck the tires were at 28psi. Nice soft ride, but they wore on the outsides. I upped it to 36 psi - noticable difference, but of course it had nothing to do with the shocks, so make sure if you test drive and compare to your Platinum, that you keep tire pressure and even tire make and model in mind. Sport and Platinum should at least be the same size tire if you are still stock.

 

Only worth it if you’re getting everything from the Sport for 250 or less. Otherwise go with a better upgrade, like a Bilstein 5100

 

I swapped my OEM black Gabriels to a set of TRD Sports about 6 months ago. They’re awesome. Tad bit stiffer than the soft, black ones (what new shocks aren’t) but in a good way. Got used take offs with less than 100 miles for $200. Raised truck 1/4” from sagging OEM shocks with 75k.

 

Thanks, that is what I was hoping for. I never offroad more than driving in a front yard. I'm wanting to get better handling, because I like to drive like its a race car since I don't have one... right now

 

That's a really good idea. I just might go and do that.

 

I think the ride in the Sport is because of the shocks and weight?? Shocks diffidently make a difference in the ride. My daughters TSS rides like a tank and I attribute that to the shock difference and less weight than my Sport. My Bilstien shocks along with the weight of the four wheel drive make the ride in my Sport very comfortable. The Billstiens front and back come with the truck. The TSS is a rough rider, you hit every bump very hard compared to the sport.

 

Buy the most expensive shock you can realistically afford.
The expensive ones, last a long time. And you literally feel the payoff, nearly every second you’re in your truck.
It only took me 19 years to figure that out, after 12 different off-road shock setups.

 

I'm not looking for an off-road shock, I'm looking for a better on-road setup without really lowering. Do you know of a better on-road setup?

 

Took off my sport shocks for 6112 highest setting. Didn’t regret one bit. More softer but still firm and hit bumps like a champ.

 

I’m 99% street and switched from stock to the 6112s set to the second lowest spot and comparing the two is night and day when it comes to handling. I agree with @Boosted4runner, get the best shocks you can afford.

 

Does the 6112s lift the truck?

 

Four heights, and you need to pick one because changing means taking the shock apart a bit. It raises .9”, 1.3”, 1.9” and 2.5”

 

Toyota's plain jane OEM shocks on the 2nd/3rd gen tunny are KYB.Taco's got Tokico's

 

I'm really not looking to do a lift at all. Even if it's 0.9 inches. I really think I'm going to go with the red and blue TRD

 

I take on/off ramps at no less than 70 in my race truck...

 

Thats what I'm talkin' bout

 

I can't wait to get rid if my TRD Yellow and blues. Upgrading to 6112 soon

 

You should do it. It’s not safe driving on inadequate shocks.

 

Totally unsafe

 

Looking to purchase a set of Bilstein 5100’s to level out the front. What setting should I use #3 or #4 without the truck going nose high?

 

I've had 5100s for about 3 yrs now and if I was to buy shocks again they will be the Billstein 6112 and 5160

 

Well, the expensive off-road shocks, handle amazing better on-road as well.
My old TRD set-up I could never do 110mph without white knuckles on road (floater-boat style). Kings (while in Mexico) can easily tap out the limiter and feel planted as F.
There are areas/bends on the freeway that a stock car wouldn’t do 90 around, and the Tundra on Kings does with zero issue. Not saying anyone has to do 100mph to enjoy them, just trying to give an idea of how correct dampening should work in a truck. It’s hard to explain. Test drive a TRD Pro and you’re almost there.
I’ve turned a few friends onto Kings that are pavement pounders, and they will admit it turns a stock vehicle into a drive they didn’t know existed.

Edited to add - I’m not running a front sway bar either LOL.

 

Very interesting. Good to know. I assumed since lifting give you a higher center of gravity it would hinder handling capabilities.

 

Generally speaking, yes. But the better shock makes up for it.

Ever watched the stadium trucks on the road courses? They are pretty badass!

 

I need to stop going in this forum. It's getting more expensive than my racecar build. But I will look into King next time. I need to convince my self and justify the cost and effect.