Not only did the 2023 Toyota Tundra drop the V-8 engine from its lineup, but it also switched from a leaf-spring rear suspension to a coil-spring setup. Toyota is only the second major truck manufacturer to do so across its entire line of full-size pickups, following only the Ram 1500. (While Ford offers coil springs on the F-150 Raptor, the regular F-150s have leaf springs.)
If you’re wondering what this suspension change means from both a design and ride and handling perspective, this suspension test video explains all the details in unabashedly nerdy glory. The video also demonstrates how much suspension flex the TRD Pro offers through our Ramp Travel Index test and compares its result to other off-road trucks on the market.
During our suspension deep dive, we see that the rear suspension isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Among other differences, the front suspension features beefier looking anti-roll bar mounts and no shortage of red paint. We also highlight the advantages of the rear coil-spring suspension, especially the increase in ride comfort.
That all being said, it’s clear the TRD Pro hasn’t gone as far down the off-road path as the more expensive F-150 Raptor or Ram TRX. For example, its rear shocks aren’t inverted to reduce unsprung mass, and nor does it come with all-terrain tires from the factory. Also consider the TRD Pro’s lower RTI score versus those other off-road monsters.
What other cars and trucks would you like to see undergo a suspension deep drive? Let us know in the comments below.
Technical Editor
Dan Edmunds was born into the world of automobiles, but not how you might think. His father was a retired racing driver who opened Autoresearch, a race-car-building shop, where Dan cut his teeth as a metal fabricator. Engineering school followed, then SCCA Showroom Stock racing, and that combination landed him suspension development jobs at two different automakers. His writing career began when he was picked up by Edmunds.com (no relation) to build a testing department.
