2005 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma Suspension Upgrade Guide: Shocks, Leaf Springs & More

The 2005 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma includes two generations of Tacoma, with the 2nd Gen covering 2005 to 2015 and the 3rd Gen covering 2016 to 2023. While there are differences between the two generations, the basic rear suspension design is very similar.

The factory Tacoma suspension is capable of handling a lot, but many truck and off road enthusiasts eventually push beyond what the stock suspension was designed for. Larger tires, bumpers, winches, bed racks, rooftop tents, drawer systems, camping gear and other accessories can add significant weight and change the way the suspension performs.

So, where should you start when upgrading your 2005 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma suspension?

For most Tacoma builds, the rear suspension is a great place to start. The leaf springs and rear shocks play a major role in ride quality, suspension control, load carrying capability and off road performance.

Let's take a look at some of the most important Tacoma rear suspension upgrades and how to choose the right components for your truck.

Choosing the Right Tacoma Rear Leaf Springs

The rear suspension on a 2005 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma is relatively simple. The rear axle is supported by leaf springs, with shocks controlling the movement of the suspension.

Because the leaf springs support the weight of the truck, choosing the correct spring rate is one of the most important parts of building a properly functioning rear suspension.

The first thing you should determine is the sprung weight of your Tacoma and how much additional weight you normally carry.

Permanent accessories such as these can significantly increase the weight of your truck:

• Steel bumpers
• Winches
• Sliders
• Bed racks
• Rooftop tents
• Drawer systems
• Spare tires
• Camping equipment
• Recovery gear
• Water and fuel storage

Leaf springs are not adjustable, so selecting the right spring rate is important. Ideally, your leaf springs should be matched to how the truck is used most of the time rather than an unusually heavy load that you carry once or twice a year.

For example, if your Tacoma carries an additional 300 pounds almost every day but occasionally carries 800 pounds on a camping trip, choosing a spring designed around the 800 pound load may make the truck unnecessarily stiff during your normal driving.

The goal is to build the suspension around how your truck is used the majority of the time.

Deaver Leaf Springs for 2005 to 2023 Tacoma

Ride Shocks offers several rear leaf spring options from Deaver, a manufacturer well known for producing performance leaf springs.

For the 2nd Gen and 3rd Gen Tacoma, Deaver offers different leaf spring options based on the amount of additional weight carried by the truck.

For example, the Deaver U402 leaf pack provides approximately 2 inches of lift and is available in different stages based on added weight:

• Stage 1: 0 to 300 pounds of added weight
• Stage 2: 400 to 600 pounds of added weight
• Stage 3: 700 to 1,000 pounds of added weight

Choosing the correct leaf spring based on your Tacoma's actual weight is important for achieving the ride quality and suspension performance you want.

Once you have selected the appropriate leaf springs, the next step is choosing rear shocks that are properly matched to the truck.

What Are the Best Rear Shocks for a Tacoma?

There is no single rear shock that is ideal for every Tacoma.

A mostly stock Tacoma used primarily for commuting has very different suspension requirements than a heavily modified truck carrying a rooftop tent, steel bumpers, camping equipment and other accessories.

Many aftermarket shock manufacturers offer a one size fits all rear shock that can work well on a relatively stock truck. However, significant changes in vehicle weight can change how the suspension needs to be controlled.

Additional weight can affect ride quality, suspension response and how quickly the suspension moves through its travel.

This is why choosing Tacoma rear shocks based on the actual weight and use of the truck can be so important.

Ride Shocks for the 2005 to 2023 Tacoma

Ride Shocks offers application specific rear shocks for the 2005 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma, with options designed around different vehicle weights and intended uses.

Rather than treating every Tacoma the same, Ride Shocks uses vehicle weight, accessories and intended use to determine the appropriate shock configuration and tuning.

This allows the shocks to provide the damping needed for the specific build while maintaining the ride quality expected from a high quality suspension system.

Properly selected and tuned rear shocks can improve:

• Ride quality
• Suspension control
• Handling
• Damping performance
• Off road performance
• Stability with additional weight
• Control over rough terrain

If you are investing in upgraded leaf springs, larger tires or additional accessories, it is important to consider the shocks as part of the complete suspension system rather than choosing them independently.

Tacoma U Bolt Flip and Bump Stop Kit

Leaf springs and rear shocks are two of the most important components of the Tacoma rear suspension, but there are additional upgrades that can improve performance.

The Ride Shocks Tacoma U Bolt Flip and Bump Stop Kit replaces the factory U bolts and bump stops with an upgraded design intended to improve ground clearance and bottom out performance.

The factory U bolts extend below the rear axle, which can reduce ground clearance underneath the truck. The U Bolt Flip Kit moves the U bolt hardware above the axle, providing additional clearance for off road driving.

This can be particularly useful when navigating rocks and other obstacles where clearance underneath the rear axle matters.

Upgraded Tacoma Bump Stops

The kit also replaces the factory rubber bump stops with progressive foam bump stops.

The softer foam design provides a more controlled and comfortable bottom out compared to the factory bump stops. This can be particularly noticeable when the rear suspension is being pushed hard off road.

The kit also includes multiple height spacers that can be stacked to accommodate different leaf spring thicknesses and shock lengths.

Properly matching the bump stop height and shock length allows you to take advantage of as much rear suspension travel as possible while helping prevent the shock from becoming the limiting factor.

The U Bolt Flip and Bump Stop Kit is also relatively simple to install compared to more involved suspension modifications, making it a practical upgrade for many Tacoma builds.

Tacoma Rear Suspension Shackle Hanger Upgrade

For Tacoma owners building a more heavily modified truck or regularly driving in demanding off road conditions, upgrading the rear shackle hangers is another option.

The factory shackle hangers are responsible for connecting the rear leaf springs to the truck's frame. Under hard off road use, these mounting points can experience significant loads.

The Ride Shocks upgraded shackle hanger kit is designed to strengthen these mounting points and provide additional support for demanding off road use.

The heavy duty construction is intended for Tacoma owners who want to build a stronger rear suspension system that can handle the increased demands of off road driving.

Installation is more involved than installing a new set of shocks or a U Bolt Flip Kit, but for the right build, strengthening the rear suspension mounting points can be a worthwhile upgrade.

How to Build the Best Tacoma Rear Suspension

There is no single best Tacoma suspension setup because every truck is different.

A daily driven Tacoma with a few camping accessories has very different requirements than a heavily modified off road truck carrying hundreds of pounds of permanent equipment.

When upgrading your 2005 to 2023 Tacoma suspension, consider:

• How much additional weight your truck carries
• Which leaf spring rate is appropriate
• How much lift you want
• What type of shocks you need
• How the truck is primarily driven
• How often you drive off road
• What type of terrain you encounter
• How much suspension travel you need
• How much cargo you normally carry

The goal should not simply be to install the biggest or most expensive suspension components available.

Instead, the suspension should be matched to the truck and how it is actually used.

For many Tacoma owners, the combination of properly selected rear leaf springs and tuned rear shocks can make a significant improvement in ride quality and suspension performance.

For more demanding builds, adding a Tacoma U Bolt Flip and Bump Stop Kit and upgraded shackle hangers can further improve the rear suspension.

Upgrade Your 2005 to 2023 Toyota Tacoma Suspension

Whether you own a 2nd Gen Tacoma or 3rd Gen Tacoma, choosing the right suspension components starts with understanding your truck's weight and intended use.

A heavier Tacoma needs a suspension setup that accounts for that additional weight. Simply installing a heavier leaf spring or a generic shock does not necessarily result in the best ride quality or performance.

Ride Shocks offers Tacoma suspension components designed to work together, including tuned rear shocks, Deaver leaf springs, U Bolt Flip and Bump Stop Kits, and upgraded shackle hangers.

When ride quality matters most, the right suspension setup is about more than just lift height. It is about matching the springs, shocks and supporting components to your vehicle, weight and driving style.

Build your Tacoma suspension around the way you actually drive it, and get more out of your truck both on and off the road.