Can TRD Pro Shocks Be Adjusted? 3 Essential Tips!
The primary purpose of shock absorbers is to control the vertical movement of a vehicle by regulating the speed and flow rate at which oil is pumped through it.
By doing so, shocks allow the car’s body to be pushed upwards (dampening) and then slowed down (rebound).
These parameters are “fixed” in most cars by adjusting spring rate and preload.
But what about the TRD Pro? Can TRD Pro shocks be adjusted?
Can TRD Pro Shocks Be Adjusted?
The TRD Pro Series’ shocks can be continuously adjusted. It means that a quicker rate of spring rebound can be achieved by reducing the preload, which causes the spring to “snap” to its natural position.
Conversely, a softer preload can be achieved by increasing the rate of suspension rebound, which allows the spring to ‘stick’ at its natural position.
One of the most important factors in off-road racing is suspension adjustability.
The Toyota TRD Pro series offers various shock absorbers which are adjustable over a wide range, enabling fine-tuning of the car’s handling to suit different track conditions.
TRD-equipped cars also feature preload adjustment for the front and rear springs, another key factor in achieving race-winning handling.
With these factors in mind, it is important to understand how TRD Pro shocks can be adjusted.
Shocks are usually mounted on top of each axle (front and rear) and controlled by an electronic control unit (ECU) such as a 4-step “TCS” system manufactured by TRD.
These systems adjust each shock’s compression and rebound damping independently of the others during suspension travel.
In the TRD Pro Series, the shocks are controlled by a single ECU to attain consistent performance under different driving conditions.
It is to help reduce “shock squat” and frequent bumps in the road over long periods.
By adjusting damping rates and spring preload, a driver can achieve tuning that suits their preferred driving style.
It allows the car to handle different types of terrain and maintain consistent handling on the road.
How can you Adjust TRD Pro Shocks?
Each shock absorber has a knob, which, when turned clockwise, reduces spring preload and increases rebound damping.
In addition, they have 2 or 3 “lock” positions that connect the lever to the ECU.
If a lock is not used, it should be set to the “open” position.
If you see the number 1, 2, or 3 on top of the shock knob, this indicates whether or not that particular lock position is being used; 1 – unlocked, 2 – locked, 3 – locked.
If you see 1 and 3 together on top of your shock knob, it means that both preload and rebound damping are locked at their maximum settings.
Holding down the “lock” position for greater than 1 second will inhibit a shock absorber from responding to driver inputs.
Once released, the shock will return to its most recent settings.
The main method for tuning TRD Pro shocks is to adjust the damping preload and test your suspension on a smooth surface.
Ideally, you would use a long straight stretch of road to conduct these tests.
It would be best not to use bumpy roads as they can cause inconsistent suspension performance.
TRD Pro Shocks can be Adjusted Through Different Methods:
- Screw the shock to the desired preload position using a wrench. When adjusted properly, your vehicle will have consistent handling and cornering performances.
We, therefore, recommend careful use of your shocks so that they do not wear out prematurely.
- Using a hammer and vise, remove the lock. It allows the shock to respond to driver inputs by oscillating as usual.
Avoid removing the lock for extended periods, as this may cause problems with your vehicle’s stability control system.
- Using an impact wrench, remove the shock from its mounting bracket.
The shock is now free-floating and will respond more quickly when bouncing on rough roads.
It is important to keep the spring centered in the frame to prevent losing its original shape.
As a result, we do not recommend this method for long-term use or frequent adjustments.
FAQs
Q. Why can TRD Pro Shocks be Adjusted?
A. Because your shocks are mounted to the wheels, the axle moves before the rest of the vehicle. It causes a change in suspension dynamics and you can no longer feel what’s happening under you.
Some shocks also have spring preload adjusters, so it doesn’t just have to be that your spring is too stiff or too soft – not adjusting it properly can cause this effect.
Q. What are TRD Pro Shocks Adjustment Options?
A. The TC-4 shock (Daytona and Supra) has 2 level adjustment range consisting of stiff and loose positions.
It also has lock positions that assist with tuning your shocks; this is fairly standard for the rest of the non-pro series cars.
An explanation of these can be found on the ‘tcs4’ website.
On the TRD Pro series, they replace ‘TC-spec’ shocks and are equipped with additional adjustment options.
Q. What is the “TCS” System?
A. The TCS4 system is the name for the suspension’s 4 step preload adjuster that allows users to obtain more precise tuning and more stable handling in performance-orientated vehicles.
It gives you more control over suspension performance, aiding you in carving turns on both asphalt and off-road surfaces.
This also gives you precise damping to suit your driving style and preference.
Three lock positions are also available, with 1 being the standard locked position.
Q. How do I use the TCS4 System?
A. Always try to match your load and full travel before adjusting the damping.
For example, if you have a soft click in the damper, but it’s still loose on full travel, don’t adjust unless you use a lock position.
Adjust accordingly if it is not as soft as it should be on full travel.
Q. Is the TRD Pro Series a Performance Upgrade?
A. As with all other TRD Pro series components, it is designed to provide better performance under extreme conditions found on off-road courses.
This is an additional benefit of “Flex Control” as the damping characteristics are better suited for off-road driving.
Q. What’s the Difference Between SP Shocks and TRD Pro Shocks?
A. The TRD Pro Shocks are “Flex Control,” which gives them the ability to fine-tune your car with precise damping applications.
The SP Shocks are designed mainly for performance and comfort while driving on asphalt and street conditions.
Q. What’s the Difference Between Pro Shocks and STR Shocks?
A. The PRO series is designed for high-performance driving, whereas the STR series has more comfort and ride quality in mind.
The damping characteristics are different, so you must purchase the correct shock for your vehicle.
Q. Why Would I Buy TRD Pro Shocks?
A. TRD Pro shocks are the best high-performance shocks on the market.
They are used by racing teams and tracks for their high performance, quality, and comfort.
There is no other shock on the market that comes even close to a set of TRD Pro Shocks.
They provide precision damping to match your driving preferences and adjustability to fine-tune your vehicle to handle it exactly how you want it.