3rd Gen Suspension Upgrade Without a Lift

What are the options, if any to upgrade the suspension without a lift?

I honestly don't know if this is even a thing or is common, but I just don't want to mess with the vehicles stock geometry or have to replace UCAs.

I would consider options that maybe provide only 1.5-2 inches of additional clearance as I believe this would not require UCA replacement to get the vehicle in alignment.

I don't off-road extremely often, I just want the rear to be a little stiffer and think an AAL could work unless better shock absorbers could do this.

I also want better performance out of the front in regards to compression and damping, for it to feel less mushy off-road.

Thanks.

 

Bilstien, Eibach... from my research. I am sure there are others.

I just ordered the Eibach Pro-Truck stage 2 kit. Adjustable front 0 to 2.5 and rear 0 to 1.5. I also ordered the 1 inch block for the rear.

 

What are your expectations around gaining clearance, without a lift?

Where would the clearance be gained?

The "cheapest and best" way to gain clearance is bigger tires. Depending on how big you wanna go, that has other downstream demands.

 

Billstein 5100’s. you can set them at no-lift them move them up later if you change your mind. They ride better than the stock shocks by a long shot, do not need maintenance, and don’t break the bank. Only trouble is finding them in stock lately.

 

I plan on going to a 265/75 on stock rims in the near future, that's maybe an inch of additional clearance. I really don't plan on going anywhere that require more clearance than I already have so I wouldn't personally benefit from additional clearance and don't want to sacrifice any daily driver comforts.

 

I would suggest Bilstein 5100’s all around. I got mine from Shock Surplus

 

The 5100's are nice because you can take out the sag from the left front spring if it has any. Plus it will accomedate the rear add-a-leaf if you chose that route.

If you want stock height and the best road manors the 4600 is very similar but rides a bit softer on the road. I'm running 4600's in the front and I'm adding a leaf this weekend, I may run a 5100 depending on how much lift it creates.

 

I fit 265/75/16s on my stock 2014 sr5 with 0 issues for years. YMMV.
Another option would be tall / skinnies. There are multiple threads about these. Either 235/85/16 or 255/85/16.

As Chris mentioned I'd be a fan of 5100s all around. Gives you options for an AAL in the rear, as well as changing the settings with stock springs, or going with OME springs up front.
I just installed 5100s on my 2014 a month or so ago before "selling it" to my son. Solid choice.

 

E rated tires aired up to 50psi.

 

Well, there seems to be a consensus, more or less, on Bilstein being a solid choice for what I want.

Thank you all for the input.

 

lol that will stiffen 'er right up!

 

Save your money! I also have a SR5 and the suspension is crap. I too wanted a better ride and light off road capability without a lift.

I bought factory Bilstein shocks and TRD spring take offs from an off roader who upgraded. They had 1400 miles on them. $275 for the shocks and springs with another $500 for professional install including wheel alignment. The bilstiens are worth the upgrade. I do fireroads in the PNW.

Look for OR take offs on Facebook, OfferUp or eBay. Alot of off-road guys/gals are upgrading the sh*t out of their trucks out the gate. Throwing away parts "stock suspension" because they can't be resold. If you don't hardcore off road also consider the throw away skid plates for the OR. They might as well be a tin can but it's added protection for small rock kick up.