RoadActive Suspension - TRD Pro Installation

Check out this short video I made for the Installation on my 2015 TRD Pro! I was honestly surprised how nice the truck drives after install.

https://youtu.be/8ci3eme7L5w

The entire install took less than 1 hour and was completed with basic hand tools. This system is unique in that it improves ride quality, load carrying capacity, towing stability/handling, and reduces squat with or without a load in all driving situations. The truck feels more solid around turns and even reduced axle wrap. Unlike airbags, this system doesn't need maintenance or adjustments which is great because it also has a 5-year warranty made in the USA.

The 2015 TRD Pro comes from the Toyota factory in Texas with a 2" lift in the front and 0" lift in the rear, but over time the rear leaf springs were noticeably sagging. The rear measured 0.5" lower than the front, so something had to be done!
The RoadActive Suspension kit has two settings. The first setting (1mm white disk) adds 25% additional carrying load. The second setting (2mm black disk) increases the load carrying capacity to 40% over the factory.

Typically these trucks come from the factory with 1" higher rear to accommodate for loading/towing and this kit lifts the rear 1.5" to give this truck the perfect stance! Now the rear is 1" higher than the front and it looks great again with no more sag.

Only 1,200 examples of the 2015 TRD Pro were ever produced and less than 500 in the world came with the Inferno Orange paint!

 

A little bit of constructive criticism. Please don’t take it personal.
But don’t be afraid to talk to us. I gained more from reading this post, than watching the video.

Camera skills were good
But we need audio my man.
Tell us what we’re looking at and how it benefits us.

Again, just trying to help you out here.
I always like to see new automotive channels on YouTube!

 

Thanks I appreciate the feedback

 

I had inquired to them a few months ago if their system would fit a Dakar HD leaf pack and they said “No”.

Maybe that will change.

 

I've installed RAS on my last three trucks. A Dakota extended cab 4x4 and a Dakota Quad Cab 4x4. Each truck had Leer Caps and on these rigs the RAS performed very well. The RAS on my Tacoma does what it's suspose to and initally did well, but after traliering or hauling my usual camping gear and dirt bikes, I noticed the truck was sagging. I adjusted the RAS for a heavier load (something I didn't have to do with the Dakotas) but the truck didn't really respond. I attributed this our wonderful leaf springs. After the recall springs were installed I replaced the RAS and added Sumo Springs that I bought used here on TW for a killer price. That was about 4 years ago and the recall springs are still healthy.

A year or so ago I watched a youtube video on a RAS install that made good sense to me. So after having installed the RAS on 3 different trucks the same way I made that change. I looked, but that video is gone. Now to my youtube video skills. I made a video when I made that change in 2020. Here's the link for the video. Have a good laugh on me!

https://youtu.be/HKE_S1J8Wxw

 

That’s good info! Thanks so much for the extra details and video too, that definitely makes sense. I was curious about the different adjustment holes when installing and figured since the bolt was in the furthest hole from factory I would just use the same hole for installation. Now after watching your video, I see how that would add more support by changing the length. Although, so far it’s been great, I will definitely keep that adjustment in mind. Thanks again for the post, cheers!

 

I just ordered the RAS system for my Tacoma as well. I’m going to contact their customer service to confirm this but I feel this is correct! Thanks for the information!

 

They have great customer service. Pretty sure it's a family owned operation.

 

+1 for RAS, I wanted minimal lift and I got about .75" at the +200lb constant setting. With a camper shell and 80lbs of tools in the back I may move up half a setting, I like to drive fast over potholes- I believe someone said a dime works as a feeler gauge to get between the two disc settings- pretty sure it's in the instructions, too. Also these are helping me get by on worn out leafs

 

Would you say it levels your truck out? I have about 200k miles on my original leaf springs, they are pretty much just flat but no cracks or warping. Considering just getting stock ones again (from Facebook marketplace) for around $50 to help with the sagging of my old springs and then throw the RAS on there

 

IMO- the RAS will not help your already flattened springs. They're designed to help prevent sagging (among other things) when hauling or towing. If the leaf springs you're looking at on FB are in good shape the RAS (IMO) will go a long way in preventing the Tacoma leaf springs from flattening out.

Like I said in the video, I kept the tires on (with the approval of RAS customer service) to increase the tension on the RAS and using a quarter (25¢) to set them for a heavier load. Something I didn't have to do with the Dakota trucks I had.

If Toyota had put some decent leaf springs on our trucks, we could just put the RAS on and call it a day.

 

oh okay thank you! I will definitely grab those leaf springs and add the RAS to those. I have a 4” block from my Rough Country lift that was installed and I think that’s what screwed up my leaf springs a lot. So surprised Toyota hasn’t done changed their manufacturing of these crappy leaf springs.

 

Yeah definitely get new/better oem leafs, as I should also do but I live in the mountains and work all the time. For now yes the RAS is helping. As far as leveled, I think lifting the front would put it closer to level since the tacoma rear is higher than front from the factory

 

I left the tires on, too; at full droop it's easy to reach around them- But a nasty pinch point if the truck comes off the jack stands

 

Now that you’ve had some time with your RAS corrected, are you happy with the changes that you made or have you made additions adjustments?

 

The adjustment is working just fine and without any ill effects. Please note that in addition to moving the eye brackets closer to the axle, I also adjusted the spring to the 40% tension rate with the tires on. This was after talking with the folks at RAS who said there would be no problem leaving the tires on while making the weight percentage adjustment.

Below is a picture taken from their website that shows the eye bracket close to the U bolts, which is very similar to the location on my truck after I moved the bracket on my truck 3 to 4".

Hope this answered your question.

 

That does. I’m waiting for mine to be delivered and I’m trying to prepare for its installation. Your information has been helpful. Thank you.

 

anyone know if stuff like this works with and is recommended for non stock rear

-Bilstein 5160
-Icon RXT op3
-hammer hangers

 

I do not see an issue with the 5160's, or the Icon leaf springs. When I reinstalled the RAS on my truck after getting the recall leafs springs I did have to remove a hardened rubber component on the RAS (as indicated on the attached picture) because of the added clips on the new leafs springs.


I can't speak for the hangers since I'm not familiar on how they function. Googling, I did see one picture where they did a leaf spring flip. If the leafs on your truck are flipped, then I'd have to say no. Looking at the top picture (stock photo) in post 16, you'll see how the rear bracket on the RAS "captures" the "spring eye." I don't see how this can happen with a flipped setup.

Hope this wasn't too confusing and somewhat helped with your question.

 

I hope RAS is still the best

not sure what flipped is. They’re installed as they come. SOA.

I’ll look into it. Worst I can do is try and see what happens.

seems like a good idea for hauling and towing. Hopefully no other compromise.

last time I took a trip it was not even with heavy things like tools one would move during actual moving vs a simple trip, and the thing squatted a lot.