2014 Tundra - Suspension Upgrade Suggestions

[BigBear0216]

Good morning all,

There is so much information out there. The more I read the more confused I become. If someone with a similar setup can assist me I would be most appreciative.

I have a 2014 Dbl Cab Tundra Limited 5.7 w/tow package. I tow a '17 2902WS with an Equal-i-zer WD 4 point sway control hitch. I have upgraded my trailer tires to the Goodyear Endurance Load class E (So far so good). I upgraded the truck tires to Michelin Defender LTX (Feels much more stable). Currently the truck has around 62,000 miles on it. So far, everything seems to be doing well with the current setup. We towed the trailer from St. Louis Missouri to Gulf Shores Alabama last October with minimal concern (except Google maps took us through the old tunnel with very low clearance in Mobile Alabama and then straight to a bad part of town via very narrow, sometimes one way city streets.... NOT FUN)

I was considering looking at my suspension to see if any upgrades from factory stock would be beneficial. Given the mileage, I feel I could justify some enhancements. Some people mention Bilstein shocks while others say air bags. Going to the Bilstein web page left me very confused and from what I can tell about air bags, it appears to me that application would be more for fifth wheels.

Any input to demystify this for me would be appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

[dustman_stx]

I run bags and also typically upgrade shocks- though I haven't yet on my current truck, but I've only had it for a few months and it's on my to do list. The bags add a 3rd load point to distribute weight on the frame, allow you to adjust ride height and rake of the TV, and stiffen the suspension on the compression side. Upgraded shocks(the correct ones) will also slow the compression but also slow the rebound rate to stop porpoising. So, they do different things but complement each other, IMHO. I recommend either the Bilstein 5100 or Rancho RS9000XL shocks. I've run Firestone and AirLift 5K bags and find them to be equal in quality.

[Rich5117]

X4 on everything dustman_stx has said. Are you having any obvious issues like sagging, or what I call the floating feeling while towing? If so other things could come into play. If not, bags and upgraded shocks will certainly be beneficial enhancements.

[Blender]

Big bear what is the reason you want or are looking at upgrading your suspension? I might have not caught your reason?

However, dustman is very tight on the compression and dampening!!! I myself have the airlift 5k bags and bilstein 5100s.. they are not specific for fifth wheels by no means.. it just gives the added benefit of ride and leveling control..

[bikendan]

Just know that nothing will increase payload, if you are over your Tundra's payload capacity.

[BigBear0216]

I have experienced nothing obvious. No abnormal sagging or bounce. As we have all experienced, the ride quality on some of our roads is not great. I was thinking (hoping) perhaps an upgrade to the suspension might smooth out some of that road feedback when under the load of the trailer.

[BigBear0216]

I simply want to smooth out the ride a bit. I am within the specs for safe towing.

[banda]

I put Bilstein 4600s on my Tundra and they're definitely better than the stock shocks.

[BigBear0216]

The Tundra has a 9800 lb tow rating, 980 lb tongue weight, and roughly 1500 lb payload. The 2902WS has a dry weight of 6783 with a 1471 payload (8254 total load) and hitch weight of 754 (claimed dry) It is my wife and I along with a 30lb dog that travel in this trailer. We are careful to keep our payload down and I acknowledge the tongue weight will be higher loaded but would be surprised if we exceed 900 (WDH, Propane, Battery, and contents of pass thru storage.) We travel light so I feel I am well within the operating specs of the truck.

I am just trying to make sure I have the safest, best performing configuration I can achieve. I suspect an enhancement to the suspension might make it ride better and perhaps respond more safely on the road. Any thoughts?

[Rich5117]

I think you are right on target from your first original post. I have preference to Airlift bags had them on my previous F250, the new ones have built in jounce bumpers so they can be run empty if they lose air without damage, not indicating others are bad. Do your research on shocks. You will be good. Enjoy.

[Blender]

Well big bear all I can say is I tow extremely heavy and I am definitely over my payload!! Not a few pounds but probably 1000 pounds.. I’ve been doing this now since late 2014.. both my TV and fiver are 2015s.. I think I musta got a truck that wasn’t built on a Monday or friday. So kudos to toyota.

[HONDAMAN174]

I added sumo springs on mine to help with a sagging butt and also found a better ride when loaded on rough highways. I went with the sumos for lack of maintenance and no air hoses to worry about when off raiding. SUPER easy to install less than 20 minutes and was under $200

[hinkle_e]

I have a '17 Tundra with the crew max cab and had a lot of sag pulling my 209bh. I added the 1500# Sumos and the ride is great. They did change the unloaded ride (made it a but stiffer) due to being in contact with the frame when unloaded (sumo says there should be a 1/4" gap) but I'm not complaining. Noticed it the first week or so, but not any more.
I know it doesn't increase the capacity, but there's 2 pics with a full TON of wood pellets in the bed. As measured, there was 2-3/4" drop when loaded. Put them on this winter and haven't pulled the camper, yet so I can't attest to that. I'm pretty sure Toyota knows about their crappy rear suspension as they have a headlight adjustment right on the dash for when hauling.

[Brewhedd]

When I had my 2015 1500 Silverado I had Airlift bags with the on board compressor. I found them convenient for height adjustments to hook up and for the few times I carried something heavy. They were not very useful when towing my TT. I also had an Equalizer hitch which is a great hitch. The problem with an air suspension is inflating it affects the setup of the Equalizer. If I had it to do over I would skip the Airlift and save $400.

[Rich5117]

Brewhedd you are correct, the air bags must be adjusted with the WDH hitch you are using, as it will change the weight distribution tension, if the pressure is increased or decreased while towing. Provided you use a WDH.

[HAMMDOWN]

I installed firestone air bags on my Tundra

[OLDNAVY]

Originally Posted by BigBear0216

Good morning all,

There is so much information out there. The more I read the more confused I become. If someone with a similar setup can assist me I would be most appreciative.

I have a 2014 Dbl Cab Tundra Limited 5.7 w/tow package. I tow a '17 2902WS with an Equal-i-zer WD 4 point sway control hitch. I have upgraded my trailer tires to the Goodyear Endurance Load class E (So far so good). I upgraded the truck tires to Michelin Defender LTX (Feels much more stable). Currently the truck has around 62,000 miles on it. So far, everything seems to be doing well with the current setup. We towed the trailer from St. Louis Missouri to Gulf Shores Alabama last October with minimal concern (except Google maps took us through the old tunnel with very low clearance in Mobile Alabama and then straight to a bad part of town via very narrow, sometimes one way city streets.... NOT FUN)

I was considering looking at my suspension to see if any upgrades from factory stock would be beneficial. Given the mileage, I feel I could justify some enhancements. Some people mention Bilstein shocks while others say air bags. Going to the Bilstein web page left me very confused and from what I can tell about air bags, it appears to me that application would be more for fifth wheels.

Any input to demystify this for me would be appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

I installed the Timbren system on my Tacoma and loved it. You merely replace your stops with the Timbren pieces. No maintenance required. Go to ETrailer and look up the Timbren suspension system for your model

[donanddona]

With air bags it's not a matter of if but a matter of when. I have the Timbrens and drive with confidence...

[Waynedeer]

Timbrens give you good bang for the $. You can install them yourself. They will not deflate on you; they are sooo simple nothing can go wrong.

[shamende]

We have a 2012 Tundra with 4.6 and have now 104,000 miles pulling a 27 ft Toy Hauler with no issues and original shocks. And Yes, GPS can put you into some precarious situations.