Just a question that's been on my mind for a while:
When I bought the truck (it's a '99 model), I was under the impression that the TRD model had beefier coils in the front and additional/stiffer leaf springs in the back, along with the Bilstien shocks. I've since been told that the suspension is identical except for the Bils. I've just been curious and thought you guys might know. If that is the only difference (aside from the locker), I'd feel like I got jipped.

You wrote Prerunner vs. TRD? To my knowledge, those are identical. Things change, but at one time, the only Prerunners were TRDs. Later I think they made the rear locker an option for the Prerunner.

from what I knew, on the Tacomas up till '04, if you chose the TRD package, you got Bilstiens and the locker. If you chose the regular Prerunner, you got cheapy shocks (black color) and the standard differential. Maybe it's just a California thing. I was just wondering if the suspension ITSELF was different or identical in the prerunner vs. TRD package. But, I am pretty positive that, at least out here, there is a big difference between TRD and regular prerunner (regardless of 2WD or 4WD).

Both the 4x's an the Prerunners sit on the same platform. There is no real difference between them except one has a front differential and one doesnt. On the TRD package you get the bilsteins, the locker, the leaf springs and the front coils from what I've heard are progressive to be more "suited" for running through the desert. That and all prerunners are 2wd/automatics unless someone has converted it. I thought you could only get the TRD package with the V6 too but I've seen several 4 cylinders with it so I think it might be a special order thing but I'm not sure. The TRD prerunner and the stock prerunner suspension are the same, you just get the progressive stuff with the TRD package compared to the stock stuff. And of course you cant forget those cool stickers which add up to 15hp each <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> The two wheel drive 5 lug trucks or taquitos are on a completely different platform. Where our trucks use a true coilover the little trucks are setup like the 2wd silverados and f-150's with an actual coilspring and coilbucket <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Ok thanks. I had heard the whole "progressive rate" line and thought it meant better offroad capability over stock. Then someone told me that both the stock prerunner and TRD (complete with +15hp stickers on the side) were the same exact setup. Thanks for answering the question, I think I kinda confused everyone else with it.
BTW, the 4-banger "TRD" is, from what I know, just stickers people buy to look cool.
One more question: What does "progressive rate" suspension actually mean in terms of noticeable performance? I've never really heard the term used except when referring to TRD suspension.

A progressive rate coil is one where the top part of the coil has a lighter spring rate than the rest of the coil. This allows for a softer ride, but once the top part of the coil compresses to the point of its maximum rate, then the lower, stiffer part of the coil begins to compress at its higher rate. Progressive rate coils have been around for awhile, and are not exclusive to Tacoma TRD suspensions. Like 99TRD said, the TRD package supposedly comes with progressive rate springs and Toyota/Bilstein shocks (not true 5100 series Bilstein shocks, which are bigger in diameter). Also, not to be nitpicky, but Tacoma 4x4s/Prerunners do not have "true" coilovers. They're designed more like McPherson struts, except they're not integral to the steering, like a true McPherson strut. They're sort of a cross between a McPherson strut and a true coilover, without the steering link.

Some Prerunners came with the TRD package, while others didn't. From what I understand, MOST TRD packaged Tacomas came with progressive rate springs, Toyota/Bilstein shocks, cool stickers, and the coveted electric rear locker. But as with most things, there are always certain variables to throw one for a loop.

Hope this helps.

Hope this helps.

Thanks a bunch for explaining it, now I know!
When I bought the truck, the left-rear shock was blown (who knows how the guy before managed to put a huge dent in the bed floor and blow a shock). I took the chance to replace all 4 shocks with the real Bilsteins (I didn't need the 5100s since I'm still on stock suspension). You're right, they're alot beefier than the stock "plush" Bils. The truck rides great now, no more dipping and bouncing when going through turns at highway speeds. If anyone is thinking about replacing the factory Toyota shocks or possibly some worn factory Bilsteins, I'd definitely recommend the Bilstein Heavy Duty series (made for direct replacement of the factory shocks). They are worth the extra cash you have to fork out. The rears are a piece of cake to replace. The fronts require some tools and know-how. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />