Towing/highway/offroad compromise suspension for 04 Taco?

[Don_G]

I realize this would be a major compromise for offroad, but the reality is I spend 80% of my time on blacktop, 18% on gravel/forest roads and 2% on "reasonable" offroad terrain.

I need a good towing suspension to enable me to react and survive the crazies on the highway.

I figure Bilsteins and TRD springs would pretty much do it. Any advice from experienced mountain drivers would be appreciated.

[Gerdo]

I know, I have a 2000 4runner but I love my Bilsteins and I also have TRD Tundra coils up front. I do alot of highway/city and towing. I also offroad and it feels good.

[RedRunnertc]

I realize this would be a major compromise for offroad, but the reality is I spend 80% of my time on blacktop, 18% on gravel/forest roads and 2% on "reasonable" offroad terrain.

Don - if people were honest with themselves, most everyone would say they spend >80% on road, so your requirements aren't that much different. Anyone who says their rig spends more than that offroad is delusional. I mean, we drive 30-50 miles EACH WAY to "wheel", what, 5 miles?

My reommendation would be to check out OME (Old Man Emu) - their stuff seems to be balanced for both a good ride and good offroad performance.

[Avsfreak1234]

ive heard good things about the OME too. I like my tundra coils like gerdo said. they are fine on the road and do well offroad too.

[RedRunnertc]

The big thing I would look at are sway bar disconnects. Being able to unhook them offroad makes the ride SO much more comfortable.

[devinsixtyseven]

Yup...shocks with stiffer valving to help control loads and body roll when you gotta make those quick lane changes to avoid the ditch-diver in front of you, and springs appropriate for the load you feel is most important.

A good setup will be "good" everywhere, unless you drastically change the load.

[Don_G]

I just made an 80-90 MPH run from Denver to Hereford, TX in bad weather - wind, snow, white-hairs freakin' out. The stock setup on the 2004 is great when lightly loaded on paved roads.

It just reinforced my decision to keep the truck road-worthy. I'm going to go with the allpro billstein coilover setup with 550# springs up front and the Firestone airbags in the rear. It's a compromise offroad, but l have great confidence for blacktop performance.

The ARB lockers front and rear will hopefully help make up for the lack of suspension travel. The front locker is delayed, but I expect to have the rear installed when I get back to CO.

Merry Christmas to all! :)