Video summary

TRDパフォーマンスダンパー　購入者必見！微振動を吸収する効果のメリットを期待して取り付けましたが、デメリットも、、、私は外しました。ハイラックスカスタムにはおすすめしません。No0074

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product reviewed

TRD Performance Damper installed on a Toyota Hilux. The video focuses on what happens when the damper is removed. The reviewer expects it to absorb micro-vibrations, but finds drawbacks in their specific setup.

Key claims / unique points mentioned

  1. Micro-vibration absorption expectation vs reality

    • The reviewer expected improved ride comfort from micro-vibration damping.
    • After removal, they did not feel micro-vibrations transmitting in a worse way.
    • Instead, the ride behavior changed in a way they preferred.

  2. Ride becomes noticeably stiffer with the performance damper installed (front especially)

    • With the damper installed, they felt the front end “carrying the load” more.
    • They attribute this to the damper being connected in a way that effectively links left and right, so a bump on one wheel feels like it impacts both sides.
    • After removing one side/bolt and then testing fully, they concluded the ride is noticeably stiffer with the damper on.

  3. Much better ride comfort without it (in their driving conditions)

    • They report the comfort difference is large enough that they would confidently recommend not using it for their usage.
    • This matters because they have already changed suspension components.

  4. Their customization context likely amplifies the “stiff” effect

    • Front setup mentioned:
      • Bilstein shocks (Ennepetal/brand mentioned)
      • Kneechap springs
      • Rage springs with spring rate only slightly higher than OEM, but still felt a bit stiff
    • They suspect the performance damper contributes to that stiffness.

  5. When suspension is softer/stock-like, the damper may be less impactful

    • They compare with a Bilstein-spec scenario:
      • Stock springs
      • Rear adjustable damping set to a quite soft level
    • In that condition, removing the performance damper:
      • Made the ride neither better nor worse
      • Did not feel like it became softer
      • They still didn’t perceive “floaty” behavior or obvious micro-vibration transmission—just different bump handling.

  6. Tire pressure interaction

    • They adjust tire pressure to test ride feel:
      • Previously set low: 2.08
      • Then increased by +0.55 to 2.5
    • They report:
      • Surprisingly better ride without the performance damper as tire pressure increased
      • The ride with damper is said to be best at 2.55 (they contrast it with lower pressure and/or without-damper feel)

  7. Smoother feel may come from properly functioning tires (air volume), not “placebo” parts

    • They argue the improvement without the damper suggests the tires’ air volume is doing its job well.
    • They contrast this with older parts they consider somewhat “placebo-like,” implying the effect here is more real and noticeable.

  8. Overall dependency on how the car is set up

    • Their conclusion: the performance damper might help in some cases, but it’s a part they “definitely don’t want” for their outcome.
    • They suggest it could be acceptable if:
      • You keep tire pressure near normal levels
    • Strong recommendation against it if:
      • You’re planning to change tires/suspension

  9. Positive effects they acknowledged

    • Over minor road imperfections (e.g., toilet inspection patches/rumble-type small impacts), the damper can make the body feel like it gets less impact.

Pros (as stated)

  • Can reduce “jarring”/impact on certain road imperfections.
  • Potentially helps in setups that reduce tire-pressure sensitivity or work well with softer configurations.

Cons (as stated)

  • Front ride becomes noticeably stiffer, especially due to how it links left/right.
  • In a modified setup (their shocks/springs/tires), it makes ride comfort worse.
  • If installed after you’ve driven without it, you will definitely feel the ride stiffen (strong warning).

User experience / what testing showed

  • The reviewer performed a controlled removal test by removing a bolt/damper and then checking ride impressions.
  • They report a clear change in bump absorption:
    • The front feels less “distributed”
    • More like one side absorbs impacts
  • They reiterate their findings multiple times and conclude removal is preferable.

Comparisons mentioned

  • Their modified Hilux setup (changed springs/shocks/tires) versus scenarios with stock/softer suspension.
  • Feel with/without the damper in:
    • Their current setup (stiffer-front behavior)
    • A described stock springs + soft rear adjustable damping scenario
  • They also compare the damper effect to other parts they consider less effective, implying the tire/ride interaction is more legitimate here than “placebo-like” effects.

Ratings / numerical scores

  • No formal star ratings or numerical scores.
  • Tire pressure numbers explicitly mentioned:
    • 2.08 → 2.5 (increase of 0.55)
    • Best damper-referenced condition at 2.55

Verdict / overall recommendation (based on the video)

Do not recommend the TRD Performance Damper for the reviewer’s type of Hilux customization.

  • In their testing, it made the ride significantly stiffer (especially the front).
  • It worsened comfort with their shocks/springs/tires.
  • They suggest it may be neutral or less harmful only when the suspension is softer/stock-like, but for modified setups they advise skipping it.

Speakers

  • Akira (single main speaker / reviewer): provides all opinions, tests, and comparisons.

Original video