Suspension & weight Questions for front and rear bumper on TRDP

[Big-Boy]

Hello,

I’ve put in a lot of research, and know how I want to build up my truck for what I’m intending to use it for. But when it gets to suspensions, it’s like people are soaking chineese to me.

I bought a 2017 Cement TRD Pro. I went with the TRD Pro because I wanted it to be kind of a 1 and done package. As I've been on here and reading through things though, I'm hoping I have what I need.

First things I am doing is putting a gobi rack on it, and SSO rock sliders. And then I also want to level the stance out. The drop in the nose drives me nuts.

So I have been looking at leveling/lift kits.

Here is my main question, I am planning on next year putting a SSO Slimline front bumper with winch, a CBI rear bumper, and a roof top tent.

I was wondering about the weight of all of this and if the TRDP suspension will handle it, or if I will need to upgrade anything? If I don't need to upgrade, I'd prefer not to, that was the point of going with the TRDP in the first place.

Also with doing the leveling kit, I've been wondering if I should do a small overall lift instead? I just don't want the wheels/tires to look tiny. Definitely not ready to replace those.

Thanks for following my thoughts, any help towards the suspension/lift questions is greatly appreciated!

 

[sn_85]

Hello,

I am admittedly a pretty big noob at this.

I bought a 2017 Cement TRD Pro. I went with the TRD Pro because I wanted it to be kind of a 1 and done package. As I've been on here and reading through things though, I'm hoping I have what I need.

First things I am doing is putting a gobi rack on it, and SSO rock sliders. And then I also want to level the stance out. The drop in the nose drives me nuts.

So I have been looking at leveling/lift kits.

Here is my main question, I am planning on next year putting a SSO Slimline front bumper with winch, a CBI rear bumper, and a roof top tent.

I was wondering about the weight of all of this and if the TRDP suspension will handle it, or if I will need to upgrade anything? If I don't need to upgrade, I'd prefer not to, that was the point of going with the TRDP in the first place.

Also with doing the leveling kit, I've been wondering if I should do a small overall lift instead? I just don't want the wheels/tires to look tiny. Definitely not ready to replace those.

Thanks for following my thoughts, any help towards the suspension/lift questions is greatly appreciated!

With all that weight you probably will want to upgrade the coils at some point. You don't necessarily have to throw out or sell the suspension but could get aftermarket coils with heavier rates on them. I believe Dobinsons and Kings make heavier rate coils that would fit the TRD Pro Bilsteins fronts.

 

[PliskinAJ]

I would wait until you load the 4Runner with your winch and RTT before paying money to get the vehicle level. On our 4Runner and FJC we installed a OME heavy spring suspension because we knew we would be loading them down with skids and front/rear bumpers and towing.

It takes a bit of work and looking around but you should be able to find some springs that will take the load accordingly.

 

[wfo9]

Your adding a lot of weight. There is no way the stock suspension will work well with it. Coils will need to be swapped at a minimum. Might as well put coil overs in the front while you are at it to make it adjustable. Just don't get the kind you have to take off to adjust....

Best advice is to keep all that weight off your truck until you are 100% sure you need the utility of those items after using it as intended. Sliders are fine.. The Bumpers and winch is what will kill how the truck performs.

Newbs and even experienced people make a lot of mistakes in how they build up their trucks when it comes to unnecessary weight.

Start with a ground tent... until you are 100% sure that RTT will make you happy. Most people learn as they go and I see the strip down process finally sink in for most after about 2-3 years.

 

[Big-Boy]

Thanks for the input.

I'm fairly confident in what I want to build. I've put a lot of research into that. And for what I want to do I see the winch as necessary, and I don't like the idea of a plastic bumper at all for the rear.

I do a lot of backpacking and kayaking, and very accustomed to camp life, I'm sure the roof top tent will work well.

I more so just don't understand suspensions, what all goes into them, and what I would need for what I want.

So it sounds like I'd need stronger coils. appreciate that. Anything else that would need changed?

Especially when being combined with a lift or spacers? And is the Stock TRDP lift enough, or would adding another 1-1.5" be advantageous?

Thanks guys!

 

[av8ter]

Thanks for the input.

I'm fairly confident in what I want to build. I've put a lot of research into that. And for what I want to do I see the winch as necessary, and I don't like the idea of a plastic bumper at all for the rear.

I do a lot of backpacking and kayaking, and very accustomed to camp life, I'm sure the roof top tent will work well.

I more so just don't understand suspensions, what all goes into them, and what I would need for what I want.

So it sounds like I'd need stronger coils. appreciate that. Anything else that would need changed?

Especially when being combined with a lift or spacers? And is the Stock TRDP lift enough, or would adding another 1-1.5" be advantageous?

Thanks guys!

3/8'' top plate spacers with Toytec 1'' pre-load lower collars in front and Wheeler's T12 or T13 springs in the rear would be the ideal setup if you're interested in staying with the stock Bilsteins. Will handle the weight just fine and will give a height boost still. Plenty for 33" tires.

Want some extra height or room for tires you can throw on a 0.5'' Bandi Body lift.

 

[Big-Boy]

3/8'' top plate spacers with Toytec 1'' pre-load lower collars in front and Wheeler's T12 or T13 springs in the rear would be the ideal setup if you're interested in staying with the stock Bilsteins.

I know I’m being dumb, but I don’t really know what all of that means. Can you link me to the products or explain more?

Sorry and thank you!

 

[greatape]

You can piece meal springs and or spacers with the additions you plan on adding, however you'll find a complete suspension swap will be needed eventually especially if you decide higher on lift as you'll notice on your ride quality with all that weight on stock suspension however you compensate

 

[mmanuel]

I once got a front end alignment and the guy asked me what I weighed, after I told him he put that amount of weight (using lead shot bags) in the drives seat to make sure his adjustments were correct for when I was driving. Anal, probably, but it never drove better!
Most items sold on the net list a shipping weight at a minimum and sometimes the actual weight, figure out what kind of weight your adding and where then simulate it with weights of some sort. Measure before and after and you'll know exactly what lift you'll need. Anal, probably, but it'll take out all the guess work!

 

[Jhalko]

I know I’m being dumb, but I don’t really know what all of that means. Can you link me to the products or explain more?

Sorry and thank you!

Based on the weight you want to add you will need a new suspension with stiffer springs. [MENTION=139970]greatape[/MENTION] is right, you can piecemeal crap now and spend more money or just wait and get something that suits your setup.

I don’t have a swingout on my CBI and had to go heavy duty rear springs for the weight. I have Toytec super flex hd.

 

[Big-Boy]

Based on the weight you want to add you will need a new suspension with stiffer springs. [MENTION=139970]greatape[/MENTION] is right, you can piecemeal crap now and spend more money or just wait and get something that suits your setup.

I don’t have a swingout on my CBI and had to go heavy duty rear springs for the weight. I have Toytec super flex hd.

So if I am looking at a complete suspension swap out, what are some suggestions and price ranges, if you guys don't mind.

 

[yotantexas]

Are you planning on a swing out for the rear bumper? While the added weight is not the biggest factor, it is where that weight is located(way past the rear axle). I had the Toytec HD springs on when I installed the CBI bumper/swing. I immediately swapped for heavier rear springs. Went with the OME 898 and after a trip with them I will be going with the heavier 899 springs before my next outing.
The slimline bumper is not bad on the front suspension but the winch along with it will tax the stock springs. As others have said the coils will need to be upgraded with the weight you are adding and adjustable coilovers in the front would be hi on my list to adjust the preload to your liking and needs.
Based on personal experience if you are doing the swingout and jerry can holder I would opt for the OME 899 springs or something along that same weight rating. You also need to think about the weight of the added gear and people.

 

[Big-Boy]

Are you planning on a swing out for the rear bumper? While the added weight is not the biggest factor, it is where that weight is located(way past the rear axle). I had the Toytec HD springs on when I installed the CBI bumper/swing. I immediately swapped for heavier rear springs. Went with the OME 898 and after a trip with them I will be going with the heavier 899 springs before my next outing.
The slimline bumper is not bad on the front suspension but the winch along with it will tax the stock springs. As others have said the coils will need to be upgraded with the weight you are adding and adjustable coilovers in the front would be hi on my list to adjust the preload to your liking and needs.
Based on personal experience if you are doing the swingout and jerry can holder I would opt for the OME 899 springs or something along that same weight rating. You also need to think about the weight of the added gear and people.

Yes planning on doing swing out and jerry cans.

Will I only need stiffer coils in the back, or anything else?

 

[yotantexas]

Yes planning on doing swing out and jerry cans.

Will I only need stiffer coils in the back, or anything else?

You will probably be good with the stock Bilstein shocks.

 

[CF_Machete]

If you plan on lifting the front suspension at or past 2.5 inches, you will need larger upper control arms to allow for increased caster in your alignment, otherwise your high speed driving will become "twitchy".

If you are confident that you want to a specific ride height, spacers are fine. I went with Bilstein 6112's ( the adjustable version of the Pro suspension). What I should have done was added 1/2 inch spacers to both coilovers and a 1/4 spacer to the driver side (for gas tank lean). Then I should have used the snap rings to set the truck to 2.5 of lift initially. Now I would prefer to go up to 3 in the front, but I'm stuck at 2.5 unless I pull my front coil overs.

Snap rings are a pain in the ass compared to the spanner wrench adjust able coilovers, but the 6112's were way cheaper than Icon's or other adjustable coilovers and don't need to be rebuilt.

 

[Big-Boy]

If you plan on lifting the front suspension at or past 2.5 inches, you will need larger upper control arms to allow for increased caster in your alignment, otherwise your high speed driving will become "twitchy".

If you are confident that you want to a specific ride height, spacers are fine. I went with Bilstein 6112's ( the adjustable version of the Pro suspension). What I should have done was added 1/2 inch spacers to both coilovers and a 1/4 spacer to the driver side (for gas tank lean). Then I should have used the snap rings to set the truck to 2.5 of lift initially. Now I would prefer to go up to 3 in the front, but I'm stuck at 2.5 unless I pull my front coil overs.

Snap rings are a pain in the ass compared to the spanner wrench adjust able coilovers, but the 6112's were way cheaper than Icon's or other adjustable coilovers and don't need to be rebuilt.

So what if I wanted to get the front level with the rear, keep the stock TRDP lift where it’s at, and support the weight?

Could I just go with stronger coils on front and back and spacers on the front?

 

[CF_Machete]

So what if I wanted to get the front level with the rear, keep the stock TRDP lift where it’s at, and support the weight?

Could I just go with stronger coils on front and back and spacers on the front?

Yup, if I recall, the pro suspension already has a 1/2 inch of lift in the front, so you'd need a 1/2 inch spacer, but double check before you buy.

 

[wfo9]

Spacers are far from the ideal solution. You want springs that support the weight not springs that are pre-loaded so that they bounce like a pogo stick....

If you want to cheap out for now throw some 600-650lb (same size) springs on the front. I think they come with 500. That should raise it just a bit with the added weight of a winch and small plate bumper. Then get new springs for the rear.

Spacers are a waste of time in most situations. You will have to break down the struts to put them on.. .so might as well put on the proper parts. Unless spending an extra $200 or whatever will break the bank. I personally never understand why people want to cheap out on the part of the truck that you will feel the most.

The problem with all this.. is it is a guessing game without coil overs. You won't know the height until you try it and it will change as things settle. Coil overs allow fine adjustment and are very worth it.

 

[Big-Boy]

Spacers are far from the ideal solution. You want springs that support the weight not springs that are pre-loaded so that they bounce like a pogo stick....

If you want to cheap out for now throw some 600-650lb (same size) springs on the front. I think they come with 500. That should raise it just a bit with the added weight of a winch and small plate bumper. Then get new springs for the rear.

Spacers are a waste of time in most situations. You will have to break down the struts to put them on.. .so might as well put on the proper parts. Unless spending an extra $200 or whatever will break the bank. I personally never understand why people want to cheap out on the part of the truck that you will feel the most.

The problem with all this.. is it is a guessing game without coil overs. You won't know the height until you try it and it will change as things settle. Coil overs allow fine adjustment and are very worth it.

I appreciate your guys input. I told you I was stupid when it came to this, I was thinking spacers were the only way to lift it.

I understand now that coil overs are adjustable, and yeah it would seem stupid not to go with them. I didn't understand that previously, nor that they were replacing the coil and the shock.

I think you guys got me enough information to get me on the right track.

I see a lot of people going with ICON. Is that the best route to go?

 

[CF_Machete]

I appreciate your guys input. I told you I was stupid when it came to this, I was thinking spacers were the only way to lift it.

I understand now that coil overs are adjustable, and yeah it would seem stupid not to go with them. I didn't understand that previously, nor that they were replacing the coil and the shock.

I think you guys got me enough information to get me on the right track.

I see a lot of people going with ICON. Is that the best route to go?

What do you want to do with your truck? Are you hitting the trails and obstacles every weekend? Is this your daily driver?

Higher end shocks will need to be rebuilt like Icon or King and they are expensive as hell... but you get what you pay for.

I went with the 6112's as I plan to only do some light camping, wash board roads and pop the occasional curb like a dick. Even so, these were overkill but if/ when they wear out, I can afford to buy a new set and install them over a weekend and still get to work on Monday rather than having to send out my suspension for a rebuild and use uber for a week or two.

If your planning to use the truck as I'm using mine, Bilstein or OME will be fine. If you plan on running Baja... go King or something similar.

Also, I agree with [MENTION=106176]wfo9[/MENTION] spacers not being optimal, however You probably won't notice much if any ride difference with a 1/2 to 3/4 inch spacer. I would stay away from doing a full 3 inch spacer lift.