Shock suggestions for 2023 Hybrid

I recently got a lift (3/1 I think), installed at my local Toyota dealer. This was not the TRD lift. My suspension is significantly rougher. Yes, I expected the suspension to be rougher after the lift but not this rough. Every time I hit a significant bump, the traction control system warning comes on. I have asked my dealer about new shocks but they keep saying no one has made an aftermarket shock for that lift. Does anyone know of a shock that would help alleviate my rough ride? Any suggestions on a fix would be greatly appreciated.

 

We’re going to need some additional details on the lift they installed in order to give some suggestions. Do you know what type of lift they installed? Was it a preload collar/spacer setup like the Westcott?

My assumption is they slapped a cheap(er) lift on with the stock springs and automatically set it at max preload in order to give the most lift possible. It’s likely maxing out/borderline too much preload on the OE springs & shocks and that is causing your awful ride.

I would also be reluctant to visit that dealership again. They’re out there installing lifts without the correct knowledge. There’s many aftermarket shock options: King, Elba, Icon, Fox etc. If they don’t know that, then I’m worried about what sold you. They’re either dumb or lying to you in order to sell you something quickly. Either way is not good and points to a shoddy dealership.

Edit: Pics of your front suspension, especially around the top hat & lower spring area would help.

 

It was Westcott design kit. When they installed it they called it a 3/1 lift. 3 inches in the front and 1 in the rear. However, I called them today to get more specifics and they called it a Westcott leveling kit. I’m not sure if this helps you or not.

 

Attached are pics. I hope this helps. Let me know if I need to take anymore pics.

 

why not just go back to stock and enjoy a great riding truck?

or do it the right way, bit the bullet and get the TRD lift

 

That's a tough one, because there aren't many ways to improve the ride with the Westcott Kit. Your ride is rough because that kit is a spacer/preload hybrid hit. For simplicity's sake of a description, it's "squeezing" the spring (i.e. adding "preload") which is shortening the spring rebound & shock stroke. That kit is designed to work with the factory Bilstein shock that you have. That's where you're getting a rough ride.

If you want to maintain a 3/1 lift and maintain ride quality that is as close to stock as possible, then you're looking at a true suspension lift. That changes both the shock & spring (combined they're referred to as "coilovers").

The cheaper options for a front coilover kit are:

• Icon 2.5 Series Front Coilovers - up to 3.5"
• Rough Country Vertex 2.5 Adjustable Coilovers - up to 3.5"

You can leave the spacer in the rear as that's not the main issue. The main thing impacting your ride quality is the front.

 

KroppDuster, thanks for your input. In your opinion, are the cheaper options worth it or is there a higher end that you like? Which of the cheaper brands do you prefer? Also, do you know much about the TRD pro 3/2 lift?

 

It depends on what you want to do with your truck. If you plan on building it out, adding a winch, front armor (bumper), and adding a bunch of gear in the bed...then I would look at higher end options. Weight really impacts your lift & ride quality. More expensive kits will give you some adjustability that you won't find on cheaper kits. If you just want a lift for the looks, or the occasional dirt road adventure...then the cheaper kits will work great.

I have the Stage 4 Icon kit on the front of my truck right now, but I'm upgrading soon(ish) to a custom King setup from @AccuTune Offroad for the front. I'm running a Dobinsons setup in the rear because of my gear weight. I've maxed out the adjustment on the Icons in the front and need to upgrade to a heavier spring. Icon was one of the first suspension lifts that hit the market, which is why I went with them. There weren't many other options in the Spring/Summer of 2022. I haven't used the Vertex line of adjustable coilovers that Rough Country offers. They have some features that you usually only find on higher end kits, but at a much lower price. You might ask around to see if anyone has experience with them.

There are tons of owners that put on the Toyota lift kit. It's a great option if you want an all-in-one kit and don't plan any of the mods I mentioned above (bumper, winch, gear, etc). If you start adding weight to it, then the kit's big downfall is its lack of adjustability. @Eurodriver can weigh in on that (no pun intended).

I would encourage you to look at the following two threads. They're both very long, but if you take the time to read through them...you'll come away with a lot of first-hand knowledge from other owners.

• 22 Tundra TRD Suspension Lift Kit - All things about the Toyota kit
• 3rd Gen Suspension Lift - MEGA THREAD - The general discussion thread for all kits (King, Elba, Icon, Fox, Dobinsons, etc).

 

That is all very helpful. I will be adding a front covert bumper, probably not a winch. I will also be adding a Diamondback cover to the rear.