For what most people use their Tacomas for you cannot beat the Bilsteins! Period......if you want to “upgrade” I would go with the Bilstein 6112’s for the front. All these supposed “upgrades” including a-arms, ball joints, coilovers usually end being a drain on the wallet and a big disappointment, whether certain people want to admit or not. Trust me Toyota and the Bilsteins have it pretty much dialed in, but to each his own! But I will rather save the money and use it for fuel and expenses!
Hi Chloe. I really enjoy watching your videos! Watching the under-body footage of the left front suspension, it appears that the brake hose may be rubbing against the coil spring! There doesn't appear to be any way to move the brake hose further from the spring. Perhaps a protective sheath needs to be placed over the hose or a switch to steel braided brake hoses may be in order.
You should go up tire size to 33’s. If you replace UCA you don’t need to cab mount chop, with uca just do forward caster and you will not rub. Did it on my taco pro.
Chloe, you could get the shocks set up by a company like Accutune in El Cajon and it would make a significant difference. They can valve them to your specific vehicle and give you excellent performance in the envelope you use your truck in. Fox 2.5 are tunable and rebuildable. They will need a periodic rebuild, but for your use they will likely go a long time before needing one. The other side is, barring damage, they will last the life of the truck. Fox shocks generally are designed for high shaft travel speeds and are linear dampened so they will work better the faster you are going. They will feel stiff in slow movement. I think you could get exactly what you want out of them with proper set up. Out of the box, the setup is really an approximation. I have the same make/model/year Tacoma as you do. I have the same wheel/tire set up. I think it is a really good choice in terms of fitment, but also in the load range C choice. Lots of people go with a higher load range which adds sidewall stiffness and a lot of unsprung weight which creates additional demands on the power train and suspension. The advantage of load range D or E is they can air down more without losing a bead and they are harder to puncture. For a DD/ occasional trail rig, the C is a better choice. Big fan of BFG tires too. They are the only tires I have used for the last 35 years on all our vehicles and they have never let me down. It would be interesting to compare this setup with a tuned version and see what you think. Maybe Accutune will work with you on something.
I just bought a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. I plan on buying the newly released Toyota TRD lift kit. It is a Toyota sanctioned lift kit that is engineered to work with the Toyota Safety Sense equipment. It raises the front 2 inches and the rear one inch to level the vehicle and provide more frame to ground clearance. It is a Toyota dealer installed kit and costs about $2200 which includes labor. They use the 2.5 inch Bilstein shocks to replace the original 2 inch Bilstein shocks. I haven’t decided which tire to buy to replace the factory ones. I enjoy your channel and have got a lot of ideas for my own pickup.
Solid review! I have the Fox 2.5, DSC and they’re ok. I would prefer one adjustment instead of two and I would like it if the low compression knob clicked when you’re adjusting it like the high speed knob. Also, for what they cost, they don’t hold up well against the weather.
I got the dsc on the back and they are tuned by Accutune they are soft in the middle setting. The front are a long wait, but I ordered the 0” to 3” DSC because of what happened to you trying to get enough ride height without topping out.
Agree - my Fezzari Delano has Fox 36 fork and it's buttah! Perfect for versatile enduro trails that we have here in Utah - stiff, smooth fun ride. If the 2.0 for my Tacoma are anything like that, I'm in!
How's the mpg ? I always wondered if it would be better than my icon /falken wildpeak combo. I get about 18 over all. I do have a longbed doublecab too.
I get 21 if it’s just a week of me going to work (highway driving), but 18 if I do a combo of trails and going to work. I didn’t find that the shocks changed the MPG so much as bigger tires did.
@@ChloeKuo I was close to getting fox for efficiency and it seems like they are . but icon blackfriday 20 percent off got me and the falken were just such a deal! The ko2s were alot more. Thanks and nice rig you have there.
Chloe, thank you for your content, and hello from Canada. Quick question: how did you take the underbody video; was it a GoPro mount? Again, thanks for all of the videos and information.
Hi Chloe I have a 23 TRD Off Road. I want to by aftermarket Fox Shocks. Which aftermarket Fox shocks are comparable to TRD Pro factory Fox Shocks. I guess I rather by directly from the aftermarket rather than paying more for OEM TRD Pro Fox shocks. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
From a daily driver, or on road, perspective, how would compare the feeling between your suspension on your Off Road vise your TRD Pro? Since they are both Fox.
The OEM TRD Pro shocks are surprisingly quite softer on-road. The 2.5 ones on my Off-Road offer a stiffer ride, but are more responsive to potholes/cracks on the road.
Installing the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series (DSC) tomorrow and heading out to Borrego Springs with my 2021 Jeep Rubicon Xtreme Recon, will let you know how it goes. Looking forward to a much better ride on and off the road over the stock Mopar's and a step above even the factory installed regular Rubicon Fox shocks. We shall see.
@@dallassoccerkidd I didn’t use a third party or revalve them, for what I’m doing it wasn’t necessary. I don’t want a fixed setup because I run 35’s on the street and 37’s offroad
Love the videos and your exquisite explanations... still learning, tho Chloe, if I may how much did you end up spending for the 17’ wheels and the tires? Was it close to 2000+?
It would be hard for me to say because I've only driven a lifted Tacoma with tires larger than 285 on-road a handful of times (off-road is a different story). I guess it depends on if you care about gas mileage and if you regear or not.
The shocks look like they have about an inch of travel before they're fully collapsed in those front passenger shots. Doest look right. Like the coils are too soft.
Thanks for getting a camera under there to show the suspension working while driving. Is it just camera angle to is there only a few inches of play in the front before you hit the bump stop for that control arm?
Ive had biksteins. They were great at high speeds but slow speeds i felt evert road imperfection...how do the fox.feel at slow and high speed on road?? Can you please tell us?
I had them on two vehicles i never thought they were worth the money. You get a much better bang for the buck if you spend $1500-2000 on higher performance ones
@Dale Macarena anyone that has remote Reservoirs. I dont go to fox anymore tho whatever lift they say it gives it never does then your stuck adjusting it when its supposed to level your truck and it wont and now its maxed out and it rides worse then it should
The remote reservoir definitely makes a difference in mine. I’m pretty happy with my Fox’s but it would be cool to test out other shocks of the same class and see how they compare in ride 😁
@@rockeye dont worry about it this isnt a high school final exam. maybe go somewhere else if all you care about is grammar and shit in a comment section
Yet the oem rear leaf springs still suck. Axle wrap has been a big issue for my truckin city driving. I have a simular oem setup before your fox shocks. Yet I question what shocks I want as the balance of road and off-road is important. Yet spending $5k is not in the budget for a while.
How the heck do you keep your tires looking so nice and clean. One day out in the desert and my ko2s get all brown and dusty. Even power washing them doesnt get it as clean as yours looks
For my ko2 to be looking brand new everytime I scrub them with super clean de greaser and and finish it off with meguiar's Endurance Tire Gel. Ends up looking like display new tire.
Lol, it’s difficult! I hit them with degreaser and meguiars tire cleaner. Then finish them off with tire shine if I feel like it. Mine are usually brown and dusty after a week or so 😭
i feel like every tacoma owner like myself, convinces themseleves it rides like a "truck". i love my truck but every half-ton rides 100 times better than a taco on stock. the small cracks and teh feedback on my 21 is really just unacceptable. my biggest issue with my truck is the ride quality.
It’s great to see a young woman interested in upgrading automotive parts. 👌🏽
Plus a very thorough review to boot!
For what most people use their Tacomas for you cannot beat the Bilsteins! Period......if you want to “upgrade” I would go with the Bilstein 6112’s for the front. All these supposed “upgrades” including a-arms, ball joints, coilovers usually end being a drain on the wallet and a big disappointment, whether certain people want to admit or not. Trust me Toyota and the Bilsteins have it pretty much dialed in, but to each his own! But I will rather save the money and use it for fuel and expenses!
Great content and excellent explanation for ride quality. Most reviews don't like to admit any negative qualities of a product.
Hi Chloe. I really enjoy watching your videos! Watching the under-body footage of the left front suspension, it appears that the brake hose may be rubbing against the coil spring! There doesn't appear to be any way to move the brake hose further from the spring. Perhaps a protective sheath needs to be placed over the hose or a switch to steel braided brake hoses may be in order.
You should go up tire size to 33’s.
If you replace UCA you don’t need to cab mount chop, with uca just do forward caster and you will not rub. Did it on my taco pro.
Chloe, you could get the shocks set up by a company like Accutune in El Cajon and it would make a significant difference. They can valve them to your specific vehicle and give you excellent performance in the envelope you use your truck in. Fox 2.5 are tunable and rebuildable. They will need a periodic rebuild, but for your use they will likely go a long time before needing one. The other side is, barring damage, they will last the life of the truck. Fox shocks generally are designed for high shaft travel speeds and are linear dampened so they will work better the faster you are going. They will feel stiff in slow movement. I think you could get exactly what you want out of them with proper set up. Out of the box, the setup is really an approximation.
I have the same make/model/year Tacoma as you do. I have the same wheel/tire set up. I think it is a really good choice in terms of fitment, but also in the load range C choice. Lots of people go with a higher load range which adds sidewall stiffness and a lot of unsprung weight which creates additional demands on the power train and suspension. The advantage of load range D or E is they can air down more without losing a bead and they are harder to puncture. For a DD/ occasional trail rig, the C is a better choice. Big fan of BFG tires too. They are the only tires I have used for the last 35 years on all our vehicles and they have never let me down.
It would be interesting to compare this setup with a tuned version and see what you think. Maybe Accutune will work with you on something.
Tldr
It does help so much on potholes! I'll tell you this, Chloe and world.
I have 5100s on mine and and can hit big dips and bumps and they just soak up the rough ride so much better. Awesome video and love those rims. 👍
Hi Chloe, Great video. The truck mods are great. Safe travels.
I just bought a 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport. I plan on buying the newly released Toyota TRD lift kit. It is a Toyota sanctioned lift kit that is engineered to work with the Toyota Safety Sense equipment. It raises the front 2 inches and the rear one inch to level the vehicle and provide more frame to ground clearance. It is a Toyota dealer installed kit and costs about $2200 which includes labor. They use the 2.5 inch Bilstein shocks to replace the original 2 inch Bilstein shocks. I haven’t decided which tire to buy to replace the factory ones. I enjoy your channel and have got a lot of ideas for my own pickup.
I finally just got my Bilstein 5160 and 6112’s come in the mail today. Can’t wait to get them installed!
I’ve used Bilsteins on my Nissan Pathfinder. Cant beat them for long term durability.
Awesome!
Nice setup ,I have the silver too ,like how the red in the wheels goes with it 😀
Solid review! I have the Fox 2.5, DSC and they’re ok. I would prefer one adjustment instead of two and I would like it if the low compression knob clicked when you’re adjusting it like the high speed knob. Also, for what they cost, they don’t hold up well against the weather.
Great feedback! Agreed about how they hold up in the weather. I know a lot of people that prefer the 2.0s because aluminum weathers better than steel
I ditched my front sway bar when I upgraded my suspension and it really improved the ride quality.
Another great video with a spot on analysis of these shocks.
So stoked to finally upgrade mine!!
Next video should be “living with rebuildable suspension vs. throwaway” just another issue I’m considering as far as my next set up.
I don't own a Tacoma, but this a great channel for those who do. Great job!
Tire PSI makes a huge difference. I run 34 front and 32 rear cold. They heat up about 2 psi and the ride is way better(285-70 tires)
So true! Tires make the biggest difference in my opinion!
Gotta try this myself. Thanks for the info!
BFG KO2 265/75/16 work perfect on my 2021 Tacoma TRD 4X4 OFFROAD Premium.
No rubbing at all.
Any plan on releasing merch? (Stickers, hoodies, and or hats?)
Yes! I’m working on something, but probably won’t be ready for a while. Stay tuned 😊
Nice vid!! Big fan of all things Fox. I’ll be sticking with the Bilsteins for a bit longer before looking to upgrade tho. Keep ‘em coming!
Love your content, Keep it up!
I have the Bilstein but they are too floaty for me on the freeway. Would like to try the fox or the 6112s.
Which bilstein ?
5100?
nice camera work!
Great review. Thanks ! Just ordered them
I got the dsc on the back and they are tuned by Accutune they are soft in the middle setting. The front are a long wait, but I ordered the 0” to 3” DSC because of what happened to you trying to get enough ride height without topping out.
I installed halo lifts coilovers on my truck about 500 miles ago, still breaking them in
I use Fox for all my suspension needs, even on my mountain bike.
Agree - my Fezzari Delano has Fox 36 fork and it's buttah! Perfect for versatile enduro trails that we have here in Utah - stiff, smooth fun ride. If the 2.0 for my Tacoma are anything like that, I'm in!
I'm about to take a trip to Texas maybe this trip will make me change my shocks, not sure if a 4 cyl, 4x2 needs them though.
If you plan on staying on road mostly, stay with stock
Thanks for the video . I can't for my upgrade too.
You should get a skid plate!! 😱
How's the mpg ? I always wondered if it would be better than my icon /falken wildpeak combo. I get about 18 over all. I do have a longbed doublecab too.
I get 21 if it’s just a week of me going to work (highway driving), but 18 if I do a combo of trails and going to work. I didn’t find that the shocks changed the MPG so much as bigger tires did.
@@ChloeKuo I was close to getting fox for efficiency and it seems like they are . but icon blackfriday 20 percent off got me and the falken were just such a deal! The ko2s were alot more. Thanks and nice rig you have there.
I have 33’s with wildpeaks. Roof rack with case, also bed rack. And I get 13 to 15 mpg
When it was stock I would get 18,19
@@epicone2449 Sounds about right my buddy has a similar rig says he is going to re gear the rear end. Not sure if it will help on mpg .
I also have 285 Wildpeaks. I get 17-18
Do you plan on changing the upper arms? I heard switching to aftermarket coilovers put stress on the stock UCA.
I’ve considered it but my caster angle isn’t bad (since I didn’t lift my truck that much)
Thanks for your feedback!
appreciate your honesty!
You should do a follow up video testing shocks off road, on road in Illinois...
Great content and camera work!!!
I love your sheepdog!! I have a baby girl that's my taco copilot too
What shocks would you compare the Stock Tacoma TRD Pros too. I guess the stock Fox shocks are built exclusively for Toyota ?
Chloe, thank you for your content, and hello from Canada. Quick question: how did you take the underbody video; was it a GoPro mount? Again, thanks for all of the videos and information.
Hi! I used a GoPro and one of the universal mounts with 3M adhesive 🙂
Is it worth switching to fox 2.5?
Good vid!
Keep it up with updates!
Awesome awesome !
Cheers !🇺🇸💀🥃
Can you do an ON ROAD review on your new performance elites?
Hi Chloe I have a 23 TRD Off Road. I want to by aftermarket Fox Shocks. Which aftermarket Fox shocks are comparable to TRD Pro factory Fox Shocks. I guess I rather by directly from the aftermarket rather than paying more for OEM TRD Pro Fox shocks. Your advice will be greatly appreciated.
Need a Skewp!! Overall great build, love seeing other Tacos
great video, but how do you keep your suspension and underbody so clean??? Thanks!
I miss my 02 Taco with Old man Emu lift
From a daily driver, or on road, perspective, how would compare the feeling between your suspension on your Off Road vise your TRD Pro? Since they are both Fox.
The OEM TRD Pro shocks are surprisingly quite softer on-road. The 2.5 ones on my Off-Road offer a stiffer ride, but are more responsive to potholes/cracks on the road.
@@ChloeKuo thanks for the quick response, the info, and for the great content! Keep up the great work!
Is more responsive better for potholes?
Nitto g2 love them on my 03 Chevy Silverado
Spoken like a true engineer. Great video!
Installing the Fox 2.5 Performance Elite Series (DSC) tomorrow and heading out to Borrego Springs with my 2021 Jeep Rubicon Xtreme Recon, will let you know how it goes. Looking forward to a much better ride on and off the road over the stock Mopar's and a step above even the factory installed regular Rubicon Fox shocks. We shall see.
How did you like them?
@@dallassoccerkidd very good ride, tire wear is longer and even over time as well
@@sdvolley did you tune them or bolt on straight out of the box?
@@dallassoccerkidd I didn’t use a third party or revalve them, for what I’m doing it wasn’t necessary. I don’t want a fixed setup because I run 35’s on the street and 37’s offroad
Love the videos and your exquisite explanations... still learning, tho Chloe, if I may how much did you end up spending for the 17’ wheels and the tires? Was it close to 2000+?
Why don’t you just google it
On my stock 2020 Tacoma sometimes when driving a curve and hitting a bump, it feels like it could go airborne. Kind of unsettling.
Hi im trying to buy fox 2.0 but what size lift in the front 0-2 rear 0-1.5 is that okay for my 2017 tacoma size tire 285 70 R17?
Suspension action shots are weirdly satisfying .... just me?
Anyone else? Probs just me ..
🙋🏻♀️
i might get these too, im from sd too and will do about the same off-roading you do.
Cruising with Cody 🐕🐶🌮😀!!! 👍
Beautiful underneath vehicle shots!
And in vehicle
I like the pup riding shot gun
Me too, but he's a big boy now 😭
tempted to pull the trigger on shocks for my 09 hmmm
Have you heard of the KD Max tune? I had it done last Friday, it is a totally different truck..
It feels different to the originals?
fox suspension is nice. I use fox on my bike.
Would you say that a 3-6 inch suspension lift and large tires would be a worthwhile addition but not completely ruin the dally drive
It would be hard for me to say because I've only driven a lifted Tacoma with tires larger than 285 on-road a handful of times (off-road is a different story). I guess it depends on if you care about gas mileage and if you regear or not.
Hey Chloe! With those shocks did you need to use a spring compressor to adjust them? On my icons it was just the spanner wrench
But I upgraded to fox 2.5 with dscs
Well done young lady. Nice content.
The shocks look like they have about an inch of travel before they're fully collapsed in those front passenger shots. Doest look right. Like the coils are too soft.
Question how is the coil size compared with the oem ? Small ?
Hi Chloe, could you please help me with where I could get the fox suspension
Race shocks pretty much require re-builds every 50,000 miles or so ?
Thanks for getting a camera under there to show the suspension working while driving. Is it just camera angle to is there only a few inches of play in the front before you hit the bump stop for that control arm?
I’m not sure how exact, but there’s actually only a few inches
@@ChloeKuo I've never realized that before but it seems like off road should have more. I'm gong to check under my Tundra and see if it near the same.
Ive had biksteins. They were great at high speeds but slow speeds i felt evert road imperfection...how do the fox.feel at slow and high speed on road?? Can you please tell us?
I had them on two vehicles i never thought they were worth the money. You get a much better bang for the buck if you spend $1500-2000 on higher performance ones
@Dale Macarena anyone that has remote Reservoirs. I dont go to fox anymore tho whatever lift they say it gives it never does then your stuck adjusting it when its supposed to level your truck and it wont and now its maxed out and it rides worse then it should
The remote reservoir definitely makes a difference in mine. I’m pretty happy with my Fox’s but it would be cool to test out other shocks of the same class and see how they compare in ride 😁
@@buffalobmf punctuation?
@@rockeye dont worry about it this isnt a high school final exam. maybe go somewhere else if all you care about is grammar and shit in a comment section
The 2" Fox shocks on the TRD Pro are Goldilocks.
have fox shocks too just the fox 2.0
Yet the oem rear leaf springs still suck. Axle wrap has been a big issue for my truckin city driving. I have a simular oem setup before your fox shocks. Yet I question what shocks I want as the balance of road and off-road is important. Yet spending $5k is not in the budget for a while.
Hi how much complete set without reservoir front only rear?
I have the same shocks and they are great
When u going drop in a supercharger? Awesome videos .
Song names? They sound really nice.
informative videos thank you
Did you do the ECGS bushing install? Any needle bearing issues so far with your lift?
No, and no needle bearing issues so far 👍🏼
@@ChloeKuo Good to hear! Gonna do the seat jackers + air compressor install one day. Thanks for the great content.
Great informative video, thank you so much for making it.
Need to upgrade your bumpstops.
Great shocks
Love the intro
Are the fox shocks (non adjustable) too harsh on highway driving?
I don't think so, but people may have varying opinions. A lot of it will depend on the springs too
👍
Love it, …...….now please do an oil and filter change on your Tacoma.
Toyota oil/filter changes are largely all the same anymore. boring
@@gonerydin4225…. Not if Chloe is doing it.!
How much can you set up my Trd pro Chloe.
You need some ucas, them stock ain’t good with third party suspensions
Learning a lot about trucks from this channel! :thumbs_up:
What kind of dash cam are you using
I’m using a Garmin Mini
Do you have to replace your upper control arms?
My caster angle is fine so replace them is not high up on my list of mods 🙂
How the heck do you keep your tires looking so nice and clean. One day out in the desert and my ko2s get all brown and dusty. Even power washing them doesnt get it as clean as yours looks
For my ko2 to be looking brand new everytime I scrub them with super clean de greaser and and finish it off with meguiar's Endurance Tire Gel. Ends up looking like display new tire.
@@Beto619HD ty!
Lol, it’s difficult! I hit them with degreaser and meguiars tire cleaner. Then finish them off with tire shine if I feel like it. Mine are usually brown and dusty after a week or so 😭
@@ChloeKuo gotcha! Thanka for all the quality content!
😎
whats the cage rack on the right rear side of your bed?
That is my molle panel I got from a company called OG Fabrications 😊
@@ChloeKuo sadly they don’t make one for ram rebels, but found another company that does 😊
i feel like every tacoma owner like myself, convinces themseleves it rides like a "truck". i love my truck but every half-ton rides 100 times better than a taco on stock. the small cracks and teh feedback on my 21 is really just unacceptable. my biggest issue with my truck is the ride quality.
I thought those were aluminum housings not steel?
These ones are steel. The 2.0s are aluminum