I really need some info on coil springs

[nickmi05]

I'm a Service Writer and I've got a customer that I'm trying to help out but I'm having a hard time. He has a '05 V6 TRD, and he's unhappy with the ride quality. He wants a softer ride so he was looking at new struts, but our supplier - monroe has the same part number for the standard 4wd v6, and the trd. Which should mean that it has a stiffer spring on the TRD. What I need before I tell him to just order the springs from a standard 4wd is the specs on both to verify that they are the same height. So basically, he has a TRD and he wants a softer ride, what would you suggest? Thanks!

[mjonags32]

you're gonna want to run a search. there's plenty of info on that one here.

one thing you didn't mention, does he have a lift? if he does, then its obvious why he thinks the ride is stiff. if he doesn't have a lift and he thinks the ride is stiff, then I would think that he has never ridden in a truck before, because the stock set up on a TRD (Off Road or Sport package) is pretty smooth if u ask me

[toku58]

Originally Posted by nickmi05

I'm a Service Writer and I've got a customer that I'm trying to help out but I'm having a hard time. He has a '05 V6 TRD, and he's unhappy with the ride quality. He wants a softer ride so he was looking at new struts, but our supplier - monroe has the same part number for the standard 4wd v6, and the trd. Which should mean that it has a stiffer spring on the TRD. What I need before I tell him to just order the springs from a standard 4wd is the specs on both to verify that they are the same height. So basically, he has a TRD and he wants a softer ride, what would you suggest? Thanks!

You need to explain to your customer that he has a truck! It is what it is! In fact the stiffness helps with handling.
A softer suspension will translate into more body roll and poor cornering.

Just my 2 cents.

[BillBrasky]

Swap the TRD coils for some SR5 coils. Same height but much softer. There are around 40 different p/n's just for coil springs on the new tacomas based on drivetrain, cab config, engine, trim package, ect. Be prepared to do your homework.

[nickmi05]

Originally Posted by toku58

You need to explain to your customer that he has a truck! It is what it is! In fact the stiffness helps with handling.
A softer suspension will translate into more body roll and poor cornering.

Just my 2 cents.

I've told him that the truck was designed for those springs, and that suspension and that changing it will affect the ride quality, handling and the suspension geometry. I've suggested going with a premium shock like the monroe Reflex, which he'd get an improvement, but probably not as much as he's looking for.

[nickmi05]

Originally Posted by BillBrasky

Swap the TRD coils for some SR5 coils. Same height but much softer. There are around 40 different p/n's just for coil springs on the new tacomas based on drivetrain, cab config, engine, trim package, ect. Be prepared to do your homework.

I know, I can't find a reliable way of getting part numbers. The dealership in my town is useless, and most of everyone else I call wants a vin number. I'd like to find someplace where I can compare part numbers and specs.

[lotust]

Originally Posted by BillBrasky

Swap the TRD coils for some SR5 coils. Same height but much softer. There are around 40 different p/n's just for coil springs on the new tacomas based on drivetrain, cab config, engine, trim package, ect. Be prepared to do your homework.

X2

[BillBrasky]

Originally Posted by nickmi05

I know, I can't find a reliable way of getting part numbers. The dealership in my town is useless, and most of everyone else I call wants a vin number. I'd like to find someplace where I can compare part numbers and specs.

Well, I have a used set (12,000 miles on them) of SR5, Dubcab, V6, 4x4 coils/shocks (non trd-not bilsteins) I'll be glad to sell him/you. They even have a 2 1/2" poly spacer lift installed on them.

[nickmi05]

Originally Posted by BillBrasky

Well, I have a used set (12,000 miles on them) of SR5, Dubcab, V6, 4x4 coils/shocks (non trd-not bilsteins) I'll be glad to sell him/you. They even have a 2 1/2" poly spacer lift installed on them.

Are these a complete strut assembly?

[nickmi05]

Originally Posted by mjonags32

you're gonna want to run a search. there's plenty of info on that one here.

one thing you didn't mention, does he have a lift? if he does, then its obvious why he thinks the ride is stiff. if he doesn't have a lift and he thinks the ride is stiff, then I would think that he has never ridden in a truck before, because the stock set up on a TRD (Off Road or Sport package) is pretty smooth if u ask me

He does not have a lift. It's just a stock TRD. I'm not sure why he bought one, I really don't know the story with it.

[nickmi05]

I'm not too familiar with Toyota's, but if I call to order springs from a SR5, do you think the idiots working at the dealership here would know what I'm talking about?

[lotust]

Originally Posted by nickmi05

I'm not too familiar with Toyota's, but if I call to order springs from a SR5, do you think the idiots working at the dealership here would know what I'm talking about?

they are idiots. I bought OEM TRD coils and did not know what one was left or right. There color coded and 2 dealers could not tell me what was what.

[BillBrasky]

Originally Posted by nickmi05

Are these a complete strut assembly?

Yes

[dl1027]

Let me guess. He bought a TRD Off Road and he is now complaining it's stiff?

Somebody already said it's a truck (a small truck which is even worse) and as such must deal with compromises for load carrying capability. To tell you the truth I did not want to accept those compromises. The front end on the Taco is fine. I don't know why you are messing with that. It's the back is where the compromise is. I found it was too stiff with no load and way too bouncy with a load especially when towing (scary spongy). I put Rancho adjustables on the back and now I am somewhat happy with it. There is no way you can make a caddy out of this vehicle.