OME 881 + 5100 too stiff, any other shock options?

I recently installed brand new OME 881 springs with billy 5100's (Set at 0) on my 2004 2.7 extracab and they ride a bit stiff for the roads around me. Will investing in Nitrochargers really make a big difference in softening up the ride? Any other shock options that will work with the 881 spring? Hell I would even consider OEM type shocks if they will soften up the ride yet function well with the slight lift. Thank you. I did search but I couldnt find a very clear answer from people that felt the same way as I did.

 

Are the 5100s preloaded at all or are they set at 0? Springs should settle and be a little less bouncy with some time and miles under their belt.

 

I have the OME 881's with 5100's set to zero. Now, I do have a little more weight with the 3.4 V6.

It is definitely not a car-type ride, but it is one of the better "truck" rides I have been in. No complaints after about 40k since install. I don't remember if it was stiffer when first installed and loosened up - I don't think it has changed much, though.

 

This would cause a stiff ride along with the fact it should not be preloaded.

 

The shocks are set at the "0" setting. I really enjoy the stable ride on smooth freeways/roads but it is too stiff when the roads are rough. I have less than 3k miles on the springs/shocks now and didnt notice a ride change other than the springs settling a tiny bit. I tried airing down my tires to 35 psi and that helped a tiny bit but is probably hurting MPG too. The light 4 banger definitely doesnt help. I was contemplating getting OEM spec Monroes and see if the ride improves. I think the springs may overpower the shocks though and be too short. The 881's gave me about 2.25 inches of lift. I think I can deal with the ride but its annoying hearing my wife complain that its a lot bouncier than the stock set up.

 

Tell her its a truck, go buy a caddy if she wants a plush ride. That's what I tell mine for a guaranteed eye roll

 

I went with OME 880s with 5100's (V6 DC) because I thought 880s were slightly softer, no complaints on ride.

 

Might be just too lightweight for that spring rate?

 

I have that same setup on my 98 xtra cab 2.7 4x4 and it rides really nice, near stock imo.
I do have a winch up front and a custom mount though.
Probably just need to get them broke in.

 

I have a '99 with 881s and 5100 set at zero. It was noticeably stiffer, so much so that I removed the sway bar. Not recommended for daily use either. But I have a plate bumper coming and it should smooth out once it's mounted. When the wife rides with me she complains as well. But it's from her boobs bouncing.

What tires are you running that you aired down to 35psi?

 

+1 to ALL of this.

 

well there's a fundamental problem with your setup. You're running a linear spring with a shock that's valved for a more progressive one. The 5100's are meant to be used with stock TRD coils which are progressive and the OME's are all linear which makes for an interesting style of coilover.

I'd recommend you change either your coils to a softer linear, get some progressive coils, or change the shocks to match the coils (OME Nitrochargers).

Oh and to the rest who say its a truck it'll ride like one: it's not a tractor it doesn't have to ride like a tank. there's nothing wrong with someone who expects they can get a better than stock ride out of a lift.

 

and I feel your pain OP. had the same setup for a year and a half, put ~30k miles on that setup and HATED IT. It never softened and I wheeled the hell out of it on the weekends. Switched to Eibachs and I can't say it's a world better but my kidneys don't shift place over bumps anymore. That's a victory.

 

Thanks for the help! Which springs are linear that arent OEM? I'm not sure if the Eibachs are linear but they weren't an option because they exceed 3" of lift on the 2.7 xtracabs. I was originally going to purchase the OME 880 but I was told they are also 500# like the 881 so the ride is the same.

Are the OEM V6 TRD springs different from standard Pre Runner springs on a 2.7? I always thought TRD tacomas seem to be higher in the font than my OEM springs.

I am running Nitto Terra Grapplers 265/75/16 load range E. Not sure whats really ideal for a light truck like mine but it seems to be wearing evenly at that cold psi. I tried 40 psi + and it was bone jarring. My wife has smaller breasts so I don't even get the satisfaction of visible bouncing.

 

E rated tires are really not helping your ride.

 

Outside of Eibach and OME, I don't see many people running other springs. They're pretty much the most popular around here. Other than that people usually run full coilover setups (Fox, King, Icon, etc).
You might look into Pro Comp but I feel like they're not as "serious" about off roading and quality parts as others.
Yeah the TRD springs are different than the regular V6 springs and I think 4cyl also have different springs (not exactly sure). You could experiment with these different springs or ask around to some other dudes who have run a couple different ones.
I feel your tittie pain.
I run as low as 32 up front and 30 in rear just to offset the stiffer lift I have.

 

It'd be just as easy to put the factory springs back on and put the plate at the 2.5" setting.

 

I'm not sure there's any ride improvement going from 881s to fully maxed out 5100s on stock coils.

I'd try a softer spring, softer strut, softer tire, or any combination thereof instead.

 

35 psi is still very high. You should be closer to 26 front 28 rear, check your door sticker and try lower pressure.

I had 881s and 5100s set on zero, and they seemed to get stiffer over time. I ditched them and got nitrochargers, which are designed specifically to work with the OME coils. Much better.

You could also try removing your swaybar. You need to be a little more cautious driving in certain conditions, but it allows the front to be truly IFS and helps to soak up bumps better. I took it off and left it off.

 

Good post.