‘14 TE hit 100k mi - Suspension Refresh?

[Throwback]

My 2014 Trail non KDSS just hit 100k miles. I’ve noticed, whether real or just mental, that it seems a lot more floatier and rides like an old Cadillac. More rocking on stopping and accelerating, and more body roll in turns. It’s smooth like riding on a cloud but doesn’t feel sure footed in case of an emergency maneuver.

I had the stock tires for 25k, then stock size C load KO2s for 50k, and now stock size P metric Michelin Defender LTXs for the last 25k miles.

None of the shocks are leaking and when I do the test of pushing the bumpers it seems to settle back to the neutral position pretty quick without a bunch of bobbing.

Do the OEM shocks deteriorate by 100k to feel looser before they start puking oil? Or am I just imagining it?

If they do need to be replaced is it best to go with OEM? Or should I use the opportunity to upgrade everything?

The stock coils don’t appear to have sagged. I measure hub to fender of 20” front, 20” rear. Maybe a quarter inch of driver side lean.

If I upgrade I want to keep a factory rake, or at least something more than level. I hate the reverse rake look and from time to time I load up for a family trip or pull a small utility trailer.

I don’t want a harsh jarring ride as this is my daily driver, work travel rig, and family mobile.

However, I would like a more firm, sure footed feel than it has right now. I do take the family off roading from time to time, up in the North GA mountains. Just day trips so no heavy loading.

As such I’m considering something to make it better for mild off roading and am even considering adding a slimline bumper and winch since we are solo every time.

I’m looking at a few options. I do not want to screw up the factory geometry and do not want UCAs. I want to do something and not think about it for another 100k miles.

1) OME 2883, 2895e on OME shocks.

2) Toytec 1.6” front coil, Eibach 1” Pro Truck rear coil on Eibach Pro Truck shocks.

3) Bilstein 6112 at 1.6”, Bilstein B12 rear coil, Bilstein 5160 rear shock.

4) Bilstein 4600 with OEM coils.

I would probably do another set of KO2s in either stock size or 255/75/17 C load.

What would you all recommend for a daily driver with no extra weight day to day? Will any of these be better than OEM? And do I even need to change at this point?

I realize it’s another can of worms but is a winch a wise and worthwhile investment? It would probably never get used but would be invaluable if I got the family stuck alone in a remote location with no overnight gear.

Finally, I plan to keep this truck for a long time and would just add another vehicle if this one becomes “too old” so I don’t want to do anything to lessen its longevity.

Thanks!

 

[fkheath]

In my opinion, the only thing you need is new shocks. Shocks can go soft without leaking; the internal valves and o-rings can wear. Modern springs don't sag. But you should check all the suspension bushing and tie rod ends.

I'd go after market such as Bilsteins. You should be able to get a bit firmer ride with those.

 

[gbarr]

I have in my garage all the oem stuff you need if that is what you want Shocks, strutts, all have 4000 miles on them. A few months after I bought my 14 I put bilsteins all around. I would this stuff cheap if you paid the postage. Pm me or call 7193319082 6232349974

 

[Throwback]

I called Slee, Wheelers, and Toytec. They all had slightly different recommendations when I described what I'm looking for. They all agreed that my OEM shocks are likely shot at 100k miles.

Toytec - The only thing they have in stock is their Boss Aluma 2.0 kit. Recommended to set the fronts at 2" via spanner. No UCAs needed. Elka makes this kit.

Slee - OME 2883, 2895e on OME shocks. Said they think UCAs on anything over 1" is mandatory. They like SPCs. They recommended I replace the OEM coils at this mileage.

Wheelers - OME 2883, 2895e on Bilstein 5100s. Said those ride softer than the OME shocks. Said absolutely no UCAs needed. Said they highly recommend a diff drop for CV angle health.

 

[DougR]

I noted your springs haven't sagged. The front suspension on my 2011 Trail sagged 0.75 inches in 115,000 miles. I installed Dobinson C59-238 which recovered the lost 0.75 plus another inch giving me 21 inches hub to fender.

 

[badattitude]

if you like the Toyota/Tokico shocks for the first 100K get another set and don't overthink it. Lots of options for nearly new, cheap Toyota/OEM takeoffs.

I have my eye on Dobinson's for my eventual XREAS replacement. But am also considering the cheap OEM takeoffs.

You may also keep an eye out for TRD Pro take offs. Maybe on ebay or FB Marketplace. Occasionally a dealer will have a set of TRD Pro takeoffs for sale on ebay.