2nd Gen Suspension Upgrade My Experience

Hi all,

Love the forum but have never posted before. Here goes. In June 2022, I bought a 2013 Limited SR5 double-cab with 171000 km and in mint condition. Loved the truck but my suspension was shot and rode like a mule - bucking and kicking down the road. My wife hated how stiff it rode, so upgrading the suspension to something softer was the priority.

First, let me say I have to spend hours and hours on this form, I know there are numerous suspension options available but, admittedly, I did not want to spend a lot of money on a 10-year-old truck. Yes, I would have loved to go with Kings, Icon, Fox or other high-end shocks but they were beyond my budget and Canadians pay 25-50% more on almost everything...ugh. Second, I wanted to keep the truck stock and I drive 95% on street. I should also point out, the thaw and freeze cycle plays havoc with the roads up here...they are awful. Over the past 8 months, I have swapped out the suspension 3 times and, for my driving needs, I think I now have something that will work now.

Swap one: Bought OEM Bilstein take-offs for $300. I found a used set (front and rear) from a 3rd gen with the progressive springs already mounted. Generally, the truck drove much softer...at least in my experience but the progressive springs made the front end jittery over small bumps and had a funny recoil that made it feel unsettled.

Swap two: Upgraded to Bilstein 5100s. Many Tacoma owners run these shocks...in fact, most of the threads on here seem to recommend them. Okay, great I thought, here is the solution. Bought the front and rear for about $700 and then had a local shop swap over my SR5 springs for $180. Installed them but clearly, I did not do my homework. Given, I had no interest in lifting my truck and don't offroad, I should not have bought them. The 5100 is harsh without a lift or bigger tires.



Swap three: Back to OEM Bilstein. Given I had sold the previous set of 3rd gen OEM Bilstein (I stupidly sold them) I bought another set. I paid $75 for rears from a 2021 and front for $25 from a 2018. Once again, I had a local shop swap over my SR5 springs. I have only had them on for a week but I really like the ride now. Soft over crappy roads, good control in corners (okay...not as good as the 5100s but I need to compromise somewhere), and the truck feels planted. I will need a wheel alignment soon but this suspension works for me.

The conclusion: 3rd gen OEM Bilstein with SR5 springs... a winner.



Cheers everyone.

 

I went the 3rd gen takeoff route as well when I broke my rear leafs and love how it rides. Can’t go wrong with oem parts

 

Welcome to TW! I did the 3rd gen swap before going with my 5100s. I think the main thing that got you was using the stock OEM coils. They’re dookie.

 

Hey guys, I’m having the same problem here. Just wanna make sure, your 2nd gen sr5 coil fits the OEM toyota/bilstein 3rd gen shocks?

Thanks!