HELP I Can’t decide

[Toyotimothy]

So here’s my dilemma. I am currently running the stock suspension trd off-road with Dobinsons - Front Coil Springs (C59-822) and Dobinsons - Rear Coil Springs (C59-869V) lifted it about 3” up front and an inch in the rear. On 35/12.5/17 Nitto Recon Grapplers. Rides better than stock but not great. I’m looking to upgrade soon and I am considering one of two options. Either a dirt king mt trailrunner or an eibach 2.5" pro truck stage 2r lift kit. I know some here have run the Eibachs and many call them the “Goldilocks” but I don’t think I have seen anyone running the Dirt Kings yet. So if you have them can you please comment on them. I am looking for the best option for the money. Considering ucas with the Eibachs the costs are very similar between the two. Within a couple hundred dollars according to the UCA and where it’s purchased. Any input would be appreciated. I’m looking for something that is reliable provides a smoother ride and lasts a long time. If you have any other suggestions please feel free. Thank you all in advance.

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[Sagebrush]

I’m looking for something that is reliable provides a smoother ride and lasts a long time.

One of the things that struck me with the fourth-gen was the (stock) suspension. I think they hit it out of the park. It's the best riding truck I've ever driven and I've been driving trucks for fifty years.

 

[EatMyTaco]

One of the things that struck me with the fourth-gen was the (stock) suspension. I think they hit it out of the park. It's the best riding truck I've ever driven and I've been driving trucks for fifty years.

I agree with this.

The thing's stock suspension is great. I only (just bought today) got icon rear springs because of the amount of weight I have on the rear axle. I wouldn't have upgraded anything if it wasn't for that.

Now, if you're needing more articulation/clearance for offroad stuff, then it makes sense IMHO, but so far as the truck drove without the topper, 7 gal of water, camping gear, tools, recovery gear, shovel, pickaxe, chainsaw, fuel/oil/radiator fluid that I carry since I am in remote areas a lot of the time.....I'd just have left it stock.

 

[Toyotimothy]

No arguments there, in terms of the stock suspension. It functions great. However, I am disabled and so I tend to take roads less traveled because I like being out in nature and can no longer hike. I truly need something that handles rocky roads and rough terrain better than what I have. Not trying to get any sympathy whatsoever, but I have central pain syndrome. Weak muscles, constant nerve pain, and sometimes being jostled about causes unexpected pain quite suddenly. Just hoping for something to ride a little softer. Hoping someone had tried the dirt kings. There’s a video on YouTube where they were reviewed And apparently a Tacoma engineer helped design them. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with the new dirt king MT trail runner or perhaps could compare to the Eibachs system.

 

[EatMyTaco]

No arguments there, in terms of the stock suspension. It functions great. However, I am disabled and so I tend to take roads less traveled because I like being out in nature and can no longer hike. I truly need something that handles rocky roads and rough terrain better than what I have. Not trying to get any sympathy whatsoever, but I have central pain syndrome. Weak muscles, constant nerve pain, and sometimes being jostled about causes unexpected pain quite suddenly. Just hoping for something to ride a little softer. Hoping someone had tried the dirt kings. There’s a video on YouTube where they were reviewed And apparently a Tacoma engineer helped design them. I was just wondering if anyone had any experience with the new dirt king MT trail runner or perhaps could compare to the Eibachs system.

No worries. Your use case actually helps.

From what I've heard, King shocks have the softest ride of the available options.

I asked grok to scour the internet for this same question. Said Kings were the "softest" with Icon being more "responsive" but firmer. Fox was cheaper, but harsher than king.

 

[Toyotimothy]

No worries. Your use case actually helps.

From what I've heard, King shocks have the softest ride of the available options.

I asked grok to scour the internet for this same question. Said Kings were the "softest" with Icon being more "responsive" but firmer. Fox was cheaper, but harsher than king.

Kings may be out of my price range. The Eibachs have been running between $1500-1800 plus for an elevate chromoly UCAs $699. The dirt kings run about $2800 with UCAs. I didn’t want to go over $3000 total or not much over. The kings I saw were quite pricey. Maybe around 4-5K or more. Help me out because I may be looking at the wrong Kings Thank you for understanding

 

[EatMyTaco]

Kings may be out of my price range. The Eibachs have been running between $1500-1800 plus for an elevate chromoly UCAs $699. The dirt kings run about $2800 with UCAs. I didn’t want to go over $3000 total or not much over. The kings I saw were quite pricey. Maybe around 4-5K or more. Help me out because I may be looking at the wrong Kings Thank you for understanding

You're not wrong about the prices for kings I was thinking of. https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2024-Current-Toyota-Tacoma-UCA-Coilover-King-Shocks-Complete-Kit

I have no experience with dirt king, sorry I didn't pick up on the difference either.

Here's what Grok says:

Dirt King shocks are a relatively newer entrant specifically for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma (4th gen, often called 4G), with options like their 2.0 IFP smooth body shocks and higher-end 2.5 DCA remote reservoir adjustable shocks. They're designed to improve over the stock suspension, focusing on smoother ride, reduced harsh bottom-outs, and good street compliance while still handling off-road use.In direct comparisons (mostly from blind tests and reviews that include similar platforms like the 3rd gen Tacoma or 4Runner, as 4th gen specific long-term data is still emerging):

• Dirt King often punches above its weight in ride quality, especially for street and mixed use. Reviews describe them as very compliant, comfortable, and smooth over rough terrain like washboards or potholes. In a notable blind test by Dirt King (against Fox, King, and Bilstein), and echoed in some independent reviews, Dirt King ranked highly—sometimes 2nd or even outperforming others in perceived comfort and control. Users note excellent on-road manners and value, with adjustable versions allowing fine-tuning for personal preference.
• King shocks (typically 2.5" adjustable) are widely regarded as offering one of the plushest, most linear rides among premium options. They excel at absorbing small bumps/chatter at low speeds, providing a gliding feel over imperfections while maintaining excellent off-road performance. Many consider King the benchmark for comfort in high-end shocks, often described as the smoothest overall for daily driving combined with capability.
• ICON shocks tend to prioritize handling and control, with digressive valving that can feel firmer or more responsive (great for precise cornering or aggressive off-road), but potentially less plush on-road compared to King or well-tuned Dirt King. Some find them busier or stiffer in everyday use.
• Fox (like 2.5 Performance Elite or DSC series) offers a balanced, durable ride with good heat dissipation for sustained off-road, often linear valving. They're praised for toughness and versatility but can feel slightly less refined or plush than King in direct street-focused comparisons—sometimes ranking lower in blind comfort tests.

Overall ride quality ranking from community blind tests, forums (TacomaWorld, Reddit), and reviews for similar Tacoma applications:

1. King — Frequently tops for plushness and everyday comfort.
2. Dirt King — Very close contender, especially impressive for the price point and newer designs; often beats or ties higher-end brands in comfort-focused tests.
3. Fox — Solid, durable, balanced but sometimes less "pillowy."
4. ICON — More performance-oriented, can feel firmer.

For the 2024 Tacoma specifically, early installs (e.g., Dirt King on 2025 TRD OR) get positive feedback for ride improvement over stock, with good on-road compliance and off-road potential. King also has strong praise in 4th gen installs for transforming the "lackluster" stock feel into something very comfortable.Ride quality is subjective—depending on valving, adjustability, tire setup, and use case (street vs. off-road bias). Many recommend adjustable versions for dialing in the perfect feel. If you're prioritizing max plush street ride with capability, King edges out, but Dirt King is a strong, often more affordable alternative that holds its own surprisingly well against the big names. Check recent threads on Tacoma4G.com or TacomaWorld for the latest 4th gen owner experiences.

 

[Toyotimothy]

You're not wrong about the prices for kings I was thinking of. https://www.chaosfab.com/product/2024-Current-Toyota-Tacoma-UCA-Coilover-King-Shocks-Complete-Kit

I have no experience with dirt king, sorry I didn't pick up on the difference either.

Here's what Grok says:

Dirt King shocks are a relatively newer entrant specifically for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma (4th gen, often called 4G), with options like their 2.0 IFP smooth body shocks and higher-end 2.5 DCA remote reservoir adjustable shocks. They're designed to improve over the stock suspension, focusing on smoother ride, reduced harsh bottom-outs, and good street compliance while still handling off-road use.In direct comparisons (mostly from blind tests and reviews that include similar platforms like the 3rd gen Tacoma or 4Runner, as 4th gen specific long-term data is still emerging):

• Dirt King often punches above its weight in ride quality, especially for street and mixed use. Reviews describe them as very compliant, comfortable, and smooth over rough terrain like washboards or potholes. In a notable blind test by Dirt King (against Fox, King, and Bilstein), and echoed in some independent reviews, Dirt King ranked highly—sometimes 2nd or even outperforming others in perceived comfort and control. Users note excellent on-road manners and value, with adjustable versions allowing fine-tuning for personal preference.
• King shocks (typically 2.5" adjustable) are widely regarded as offering one of the plushest, most linear rides among premium options. They excel at absorbing small bumps/chatter at low speeds, providing a gliding feel over imperfections while maintaining excellent off-road performance. Many consider King the benchmark for comfort in high-end shocks, often described as the smoothest overall for daily driving combined with capability.
• ICON shocks tend to prioritize handling and control, with digressive valving that can feel firmer or more responsive (great for precise cornering or aggressive off-road), but potentially less plush on-road compared to King or well-tuned Dirt King. Some find them busier or stiffer in everyday use.
• Fox (like 2.5 Performance Elite or DSC series) offers a balanced, durable ride with good heat dissipation for sustained off-road, often linear valving. They're praised for toughness and versatility but can feel slightly less refined or plush than King in direct street-focused comparisons—sometimes ranking lower in blind comfort tests.

Overall ride quality ranking from community blind tests, forums (TacomaWorld, Reddit), and reviews for similar Tacoma applications:

1. King — Frequently tops for plushness and everyday comfort.
2. Dirt King — Very close contender, especially impressive for the price point and newer designs; often beats or ties higher-end brands in comfort-focused tests.
3. Fox — Solid, durable, balanced but sometimes less "pillowy."
4. ICON — More performance-oriented, can feel firmer.

For the 2024 Tacoma specifically, early installs (e.g., Dirt King on 2025 TRD OR) get positive feedback for ride improvement over stock, with good on-road compliance and off-road potential. King also has strong praise in 4th gen installs for transforming the "lackluster" stock feel into something very comfortable.Ride quality is subjective—depending on valving, adjustability, tire setup, and use case (street vs. off-road bias). Many recommend adjustable versions for dialing in the perfect feel. If you're prioritizing max plush street ride with capability, King edges out, but Dirt King is a strong, often more affordable alternative that holds its own surprisingly well against the big names. Check recent threads on Tacoma4G.com or TacomaWorld for the latest 4th gen owner experiences.

Thank you for that information. That helps considerably. Now I just need to put aside some extra cash until I can get them. I have done most installations myself but I wait until I am having a not so bad day and usually have a friend who helps. Usually the same for getting out and exploring. I have to feel up to it. I want to be independent and self reliant when I do so I always try to keep that in mind with things I add on. I appreciate your help.

 

[EatMyTaco]

Thank you for that information. That helps considerably. Now I just need to put aside some extra cash until I can get them. I have done most installations myself but I wait until I am having a not so bad day and usually have a friend who helps. Usually the same for getting out and exploring. I have to feel up to it. I want to be independent and self reliant when I do so I always try to keep that in mind with things I add on. I appreciate your help.

No worries. I'm not inexperienced with people with "challenges." My wife has MS (not a severe case) that comes with having to adapt.

What I like about this is that you haven't stopped doing. Don't stop.

 

[Toyotimothy]

No worries. I'm not inexperienced with people with "challenges." My wife has MS (not a severe case) that comes with having to adapt.

What I like about this is that you haven't stopped doing. Don't stop.

I’m going to try not to. I just don’t go ask fast as I used to. lol
Thanks for the encouragement

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