Softer-riding front struts that keep stock ride height?

Hey all, I'm new here. Long time lurker, first-time poster.

Anyway, I am looking for a softer on-road ride--less crash-through on pitted bumpy roads, railroad tracks, etc. Important note: I like the stock ride height and the factory rake--I don't want to lift or level the truck. I have replaced my rear shocks with Fox 2.0s, and I think it helped a lot back there. Now I'm turning my attention to the front.

Considering the Bilstein 6112 and Fox 2.0 strut assemblies. Trouble is, I'm reading that the Bilsteins will raise the front end about 0.75 inches.

QUESTION: Does anyone know if the Fox 2.0s at their lowest setting will keep the stock ride height?

Are there other options I should consider?

 

Eibach can be set for 0 lift and they are quality shocks. Do you have the stock black hitachi ones now?

 

Yes, just the stock black ones. I actually bought a set of the yellow/blue TRD off-road shocks (Bilstein 4600) on my local classifieds, but learned after buying them that they’re probably even worse than the black ones I have.

 

Consider 17 inch wheels with larger sidewall tires?

 

I had 20s and switched to 18s. I have the TRD off road wheels with Goodyear Wranglers. Stock size. 275/65/r18.

I don’t have interest in switching to 17s.

 

Falcon is what you seek.

Bilstein 6112s and Fox 2.0s will not soften your ride at all. They will be much more firm.

 

Not sure what Falcon is. Is that a brand of strut?

What’s your experience with these struts? The other forums I’ve read extensively suggest both the Fox 2.0 and Bilstein 6112 will substantially improve ride quality.

 

Falken is a tire brand. Your stock struts are good enough for what you look for. Ride comfort is determined by rear suspension as your empty bed even the softer stock suspension to make your truck bouncy.
I installed Road masters active suspension on the back with rest being stock to avoid squatting pulling trailer but RAS helps to eliminate the bounce considerably too. Much better smoother ride and it barely lifts the back up. You can adjust the RAS to the low setting and you barely get a 1/2'" lift. Your smoother ride in back will result in smoother ride overall. That's my experience. Billstein 6112's will stiffen your ride and from what you say its the opposite of what you want.

 

Yes Falcon is a brand and they blow both the 6112s and the Fox 2.0s and 2.5s out of the water. I have had them all and my Tundra rides on Falcons now. They are far superior to Bilstein and Fox offerings.
Not only in ride comfort but pure build quality.
https://www.falconshocks.com/2007-toyota-tundra

https://youtu.be/AtCqYjx2JxM

You are some what correct. Falken is a tire brand but we are talking Falcon which is Teraflex’s shock brand.

Ride comfort comes from much more than just your rear suspension.
I have had the mentioned Bilsteins and Foxes they are not really that good in the comfort realm.

I now have Falcons with Coachbuilder +1 shackles and the truck rides like an absolute dream both on and off-road.

The only way it would ride better is spending thousands more on fully dampening adjustable setups.

 

I really enjoy the Eibachs. Like was already stated they can be set at stock ride height. I’m set at 1.9 with a ranch hand bumper on the front and it rides great. Very comfy on/off-road.

 

I just got a set of Eibach Pro Truck Sport shocks in after reading recommendations on here. You confirm what I am going for. Can't wait to get them on.

 

@Black Interesting. Do you know if the falcons can truly be adjusted to stick ride height? The Bilsteins say 0” is the lowest option, but the people I have spoken to said even the 0” still raises the front of the truck 0.75”.

 

Yes. There is a setting for stock height.
The reason the Bilstein can raise the height slightly even though it is the stock setting because the 6112s utilize a new spring.
Their point of measure comes from a setup with their old spring that was likely a bit worn so it is not the truest measurement comparison.
A brand new truck to Bilsteins at the stock setting likely would see very little difference.

 

Did you get the 2.0s??? They are truly a bargain and give a fairly good ride.
We put a set of the 2.0s on my buddy’s Tacoma and I was super impressed with their ride quality and performance for the price.

Though I really feel these Tundras would do better with a 2.5 option and would love to see Eibach make a larger shock body for these trucks.

 

Do you have a rear sway bar? I feel that helped improve the ride.

 

No. I talked to Eibach with my specs and what I use it for and they said I can keep my oem front springs and replace the front and rear with the pro truck sport as the RAS already improved ride in the back and I have the option of raising the front a bit and have a bit better struts at the front.

 

I'd go with Falcons on the stock height setting. They are way better than anything close to their price point.

 

I have 6112s set at +1.9. I have no problem with the ride but I have always owned trucks so maybe just use to the way a truck rides. I had a Tacoma Baja before the Tundra and it had 6112s from the factory. I was definitely a little rougher riding then the Tundra. I have to bite my tongue when I see posts about how a truck rides.

 

Not sure I understand your post. I have driven trucks all my life as well and realize that a truck is not going to ride like my Granny’s Cadillac. I am also well aware that one can make a truck ride far better than they do from the factory all while gaining far better off-road performance as well.
So I am not sure what you are getting at or why one needs to bite their tongue when folks are asking questions about something that is certainly achievable.
There is no doubt it is a truck and not sure anyone is trying to change the fact that it is a truck.
But my Tundra with this Falcon setup rides smoother than a few of my sports cars I have had over the years.

 

+1 on the Falcons.

 

Thanks @Black . You've done your homework! You've given me some good leads.

@Stumpjumper I understand that trucks ride stiff. I also know that within the Tundra realm, there are some that ride better than others--for example, the TRD Pro comes from the factory with a much more comfortable setup.

I use my truck for towing and outdoor adventures, but I also daily it. I'm willing to invest a little in my comfort.

 

And failed the quiz twice while I was at it. Since I had Bilsteins and Fox before getting the Falcons.
But also the Falcons weren’t available when I first started shopping.
The Bilstein and Fox are good product. The ones you have listed just do not provide a comfortable ride which is what you are trying to obtain.

Also being that you tow the adjustable rear Falcon shocks for towing are nice.
I don’t tow a lot but every spring I haul loads of compost and manure and the switch makes a very noticeable difference.
I presume for towing it would do the same.

 

@Dawoofles did the rear sway bar stiffen the rear end, or make it more compliant? I've heard it helps with axle hop.

 

Do the Falcons have longer shafts than the stock shocks? Wondering if you gain any travel with them.

 

You will never, ever notice a .75" difference in height, even with a tape measure and on level ground.

 

Yes you sure will notice it. Put Eibach Pro Truck Coilovers (adjustable) on my stock height 2018 DC SR5 and with them all the way down it was 1” higher.

 

Okay, if you say so.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/fs-falcon-front-suspension-700-shipped.123420/