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TRD Shocks Compaibility on a non TRD Tacoma

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Ken Kikuchi

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Jan 28, 2003, 11:55:49 PM1/28/03
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Occasionally, you see a set of Bilstein TRD Shocks on the internet auctions.
The front shocks with the coil springs and the Rear shocks both with
hardware and bushings.

I was wondering if these would fit on a Non TRD Tacoma 4X4. Bilstein's
website says the shocks are compatible. I was wondering if just switching
out the package on a 4X4 would equal the ride characteristics of a factory
TRD package?

Ken

Rich Lockyer

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Jan 29, 2003, 12:08:05 AM1/29/03
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On Wed, 29 Jan 2003 04:55:49 GMT, "Ken Kikuchi" <kkik...@prodigy.net>
wrote:

Pretty much.
On the Tundra, the only functional difference between TRD and non TRD
is the springs/shocks and the LSD

The '03 TRD Tundra is just a step below the Limited when it comes to
the trim options thrown in with the package, but the springs and
shocks are the key items (and the reason the TRD package is a $1000
option for an SR5 and a $400 option for a Limited).

--- Rich
http://richlockyer.tripod.com/

Mastiff

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Jan 30, 2003, 11:44:33 AM1/30/03
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The ONLY suspension difference between TRD and non TRD is the coils and
all 4 shocks. But if your looking for superior suspension, get the real
Bilsteins, not the Toyota/Bilsteilns. They are different. The
Toyota/Bilsteins ride softer but don't hold up as well. I've purchased
4 sets of struts and coils trying to get the best, and ended up getting
Old Man Emu all around. I've had the coils and struts on for over 6
months and love them.

Good Luck,
Mastiff

houblues

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Jan 30, 2003, 1:50:27 PM1/30/03
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Mastiff:

Would you mind telling us what were the characteristics of those four sets,
and what your use is?


Mastiff

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Jan 30, 2003, 2:26:38 PM1/30/03
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Sure. My 99' TRD PreRunner came with the TRD/Bilsteins. They were OK,
but I drive on dirt roads on the weekends and they would completely fade
out. I could go for 100 yards over a rippled wash section and they
couldn't keep up.
Then I saw the TRD coming with the Tokico struts, so I figured they must
be better. Purchased the front and rear and left on my TRD springs.
Same problem, but now my paved road ride was even worse!
Third, I got Fabtech adjustable coilovers in the front. They did pretty
well, but the strut seemed to need constant maintenance. Also, it would
not hold the same ride height, always sagging.
This all led me to Old Man Emu. After buying all the other stuff, I was
reluctant to spend more money. But I'm now glad I had the others so I
could see the difference. I've got the 880 coils and soft valved struts
I left the rear factory leafs but I have the real Bilsteins and a HD
shackle and Fabtech FTS-205 add-a-leaf. I carry around 100lbs or so so
the rear is not too stiff. Those OME coils and struts are awesome.
They never seem to fade, my truck holds corners WAY better than stock,
and the street manners are excellent. I don't know how they do it, but
my truck is way more comfortable on the street (95% of my driving) than
stock, and off-road its better than any truck I've owned.
Sorry for the x-tra long post. You asked.
Good Luck,
Mastiff

houblues

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Jan 30, 2003, 4:04:22 PM1/30/03
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Mastiff:

No problem on the long post - I was afraid to ask for so much information
and I am thankful that you gave it. Everyone is interested in the issue of
the Tacomas ride, and and many people have tried alternate suspensions, but
you never quite know how their judgements were weighted between on-road and
off performance.

I have read about the OME equipment on another board, where it got equally
good reviews. I will file that away for reference. Thanks again for your
reply.


"Mastiff" <Masti...@webtv.net> wrote in message
news:10602-3E3...@storefull-2277.public.lawson.webtv.net...

Ken Kikuchi

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Feb 2, 2003, 10:47:53 PM2/2/03
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Checking the parts list on the suspension components there is one more
difference.

The Rear leaf Springs come with the Off Road Package specification.

And one more specification that I don't know much about.....the Camber Wedge
(With or Without).

What is a Camber Wedge on a TRD Rear Leaf Spring??????

Ken

"Mastiff" <Masti...@webtv.net> wrote in message

news:29226-3E3...@storefull-2273.public.lawson.webtv.net...

houblues

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Feb 3, 2003, 12:02:58 AM2/3/03
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Ken:

Thanks for mentioning the rear leafs, I had wondered about those for a
while. Have you seen any evidence of the sway bar being different?

The only possible location for a wedge I can think of in rear suspension is
between the axle and the leafs, to change the angle between the rear end and
the drive shaft. Maybe the TRD sits a little higher, because of the
different springs, and needs the angle to be corrected?

Mastiff

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Feb 3, 2003, 1:27:51 PM2/3/03
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Yea, that's what a camber wedge is. But I've had my springs apart
numerous times and there wasn't one there. When my truck was stock, the
height seemed exactly as the non-TRD, except for maybe the tire
difference. If you were to lift it at least 3", I could understand the
wedge. But I've never known anyone to need it on the Tacoma. Everyone
I know of drops the center carrier bearing 1/2"-1" if they have any
vibration, but most of us don't.
Good Luck,
Mastiff

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