Can aftermarket shocks improve daily driver ride quality?

[Ed_Flecko]

I have a stock, 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD double-cab. I'm contemplating replacing the OEM shocks for the single goal of improving the daily commute ride quality. That's it. I have no plans to change any other suspension components for any other reason.

From what I read online, it sounds like the Bilstein 4600 shocks get really good reviews.

Do you think replacing the OEM shocks with something like the Bilstein would actually improve the ride of my truck, or do you think that's a waste of time and money?

Thank you,
Ed

 

[crashz]

The Bilstein's do get good reviews but after some questions of people who installed and daily drive them, apparently the handling is improved but the ride quality is a little stiffer. I'm in the same boat as I'm trying to get a 3/4ton 4x4 to ride like a caddy.

 

[drtyler]

Bilstein 4600 are a good upgrade, esp if existing ones are worn out. Worked out well on my old Toyota truck.
Ride did not get stiffer. I found the ride much better since the old rear shocks were worn out.

 

[jghall00]

It depends on the condition of the originals and what you're looking for. I swapped out the rears on my brand new Blazer EV because they didn't have sufficient damping for me. Over fast bumps the rear would rebound far too severely, especially when I had passengers. The aftermarket ones are adjustment for both rebound and compression and made the ride feel much more controlled.

 

[bdcardinal]

Another vote for Bilstein. I have them on all my vehicles. The 5160 remote reservoir ones on my F-350 make it ride super smooth as you would expect from an offroad shock.

 

[CKN]

The Bilstein's do get good reviews but after some questions of people who installed and daily drive them, apparently the handling is improved but the ride quality is a little stiffer. I'm in the same boat as I'm trying to get a 3/4ton 4x4 to ride like a caddy.

The ride quality is not stiffer if you get the 4600's. The 5100's-although highly recommended are easily overkill for the trucks that are mall crawlers.

 

[Ausfahrt]

Are you looking for a softer ride? I myself prefer a firm ride but preferences do vary.

That being said, In my opinion changing the shocks won't give you what you're looking for.

 

[zzyzzx]

Are your existing shocks worn out?

 

[JeffKeryk]

1st thing I did when I got the used Tundra was ordered a set of Bilsteins. I couldn't be more pleased with the results. I believe it lifted the truck just a little. IMO, this is one of the best improvments you can make. Go for it!

 

[Ed_Flecko]

My existing shocks are not work out. I'm just contemplating changing them if the ride quality might improve.

Ed

 

[MCompact]

Bilstein.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Haven't had great luck with Bilstein quality on the 4600 series. Kept blowing the rears on my KJ and switched to an Old Man Emu kit with coils/shocks, no issues since.

Changing just shocks isn't the whole picture, you want springs to be tuned to your shocks and vise-versa. hack job IMO just changing one. Both of my Jeeps are lifted with custom tuned shocks that are paired with the springs, both of them ride worlds better than stock. I would look at kits for the Tacoma that sell both as a system, that will get you your best ride, along with avoiding LT tires (unless you need them for towing/hauling) and keeping a reasonable tire pressure in your tires.

 

[GaryMX5]

For ride quality look at hydraulic (twin tube) dampers. If handling is more important a gas charged mono tube damper may be the better alternative. Be prepared to compromise.

 

[AdmiralYoda]

The Bilstein's are a quality shock but I doubt your ride will feel smoother/softer if that is what you are after, assuming your OEM ones aren't blown out. It is a pickup truck with very little weight in the rear which usually results in a bouncy ride.

Toss some weight right near the tailgate and see if you can tell a difference, something like 300-400lbs for a good test. If you don't have anything convenient lying around you could spend $25 in sand bags at the local big box store. Lowe's says a 70lbs bag is $5. Grab 5 or 6 and see what happens. Cheaper test than buying and installing shocks.

Then you can return the sand when your done

 

[crashz]

Hoosier makes a very good point. I had 75 psi in my tires (Load Range E) from summertime towing. Dropping to 68 made a world of difference.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I have 4600’s. I like them. They were valved a little stiffer than OEM for me.

I agree - try some weight in the back. Your springs are likely too stiff for your taste. Shocks likely won’t cure your ride.

 

[martinq]

I have a stock, 2019 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4WD double-cab. I'm contemplating replacing the OEM shocks for the single goal of improving the daily commute ride quality. That's it. I have no plans to change any other suspension components for any other reason.

From what I read online, it sounds like the Bilstein 4600 shocks get really good reviews.

Do you think replacing the OEM shocks with something like the Bilstein would actually improve the ride of my truck, or do you think that's a waste of time and money?

Thank you,
Ed

In my experience, ride quality is dictated more by the wheel / tire size & quality along with many of the suspension bushings.

I would strongly recommend finding out which bushings are most degraded, or more critical for ride quality, and replace those with OEM parts. If the shocks are OEM it's possible they are in need of replacement but if they are still "good" you'll probably be disappointed.

I've also experienced significant improvements in ride comfort from addressing sources of NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness). Changing out a defective engine / transmission mount, new / quality tires properly balanced, using expanding foam or mat to reduce noise, have all led to a more comfortable ride.

 

[dogememe]

Shocks are such a personal choice and vary so greatly based on the vehicle and how you use it. And as they age things change further. The nice thing about original/OEM shocks is that they are predictable and you can read reviews of the car online to see how it is.

I agree with the above poster that wheel size to tire ratio makes a HUGE difference. Going from 21" wheels to 18" wheels on our Equinox EV made it from "decent but harsh over rough roads" to "wonderful"

 

[The_Jeff]

You're not going to change the basic design of the truck, having hundreds of pounds of unsprung weight banging around particularly in the rear. The advice of adding weight to the bed is good.

Now if you were having problems with wheel hop for example better shocks would help a little.

 

[Kira]

From post 18^^: "Going from 21" wheels to 18" wheels.......wonderful".

195-60-15" to 205-55-16" to 235-55-17" wheels on 3 identical wagons (FWD V70, XC-70 Volvos) and all were good.
The 17" roll better at speed, perhaps for the wider size....perhaps the tire quality and balancing are superior, etc.
I generally prefer the taller sidewall.

Shocks were the topic......
How many miles on your Tacoma?
An empty truck is supposed to ride like an empty truck. Ever think of that?

Are the Bilstein 4600 monotube? It makes a difference, no?
There were trucks with option packages which included the monotube shock.