What replacement shocks to buy for a two-wheel drive Tacoma

The left front shock on my '98 two-wheel drive Tacoma has failed. My mechanic told me I could save some money by replacing it myself. The procedure seems straightforward. I'd like some advice on what brand of shocks are a good to buy for this truck. Any advice on replacing them would be appreciated too. Thanks.

 

is it a base model or prerunner?

 

Billy 5100's on my prerunner are righteous... great improvement in ride quality.

 

If you don't want any lift, 5100's would be a waste IMO. Check out wheelersoffroad.com they have rough country 9000's which include strut stem bushings and washers. Much cheaper than 5100's also.

 

Bilsteins are proven on and off road (regardless of the lift). I really can't believe anybody would recommend rough country over bilsteins. Don't believe me if you want, but do a Google search and educate yourself OP. Rough country cheap shocks... In both cost and quality. You get what you pay for.

 

Thanks for the input on this. It's a base model (not a prerunner). I do some light hauling around the city with it, never off-road. I was looking at Gabriel's and KYB's from Autozone. Maybe Bilstein is a better bet though?

 

Here is what I can tell you for sure... I had stock Tokicos and I replaced them with Bilsteins 5100s all the way around. I can tell you from first hand experience that these shocks are outstanding, on and offroad. This is by far my single best upgrade I've done with my truck.

However, since you have base 5 lug, I don't think the 5100s are even an option for you. But you can go with the Bilsteins HD instead. These are non-leveling option but with the same Bilsteins performance. They are also cheaper than the 5100. I would STRONGLY recommend you considering these. You will have less roll in turn and the soak up all the little bumps. You will not regret it. I personally consider the KYB a mid-grade shock. Not a bad buy, but everything I've read about them is that ride harsh on the Tacoma. I don't know about Gabriel.

This is what I'd buy if I was you:

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/Susptabl.jsp?autoMake=Toyota&autoModel=Tacoma+2wd&autoYear=1998&autoModClar=

 

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm not sure what you mean by 'base 5 lug' which has me thinking that I should really consult a repair manual to understand exactly how the mechanism works, what parts I will need to replace and what tools I'll need to do it. I'm sure I'll be back after I do.

 

I just ordered the appropriate Hayne's guide (hopefully) from my local library. In the mean time, does anyone know where I can find a diagram of the assembly online?

I'm also unsure if I will need to compress the springs when changing the shocks. My mechanic said that I won't but from other posts I'm reading on this forum it seems I may need to.

 

monroe or however its spelled

 

Easy there killer.

I recommended it because they're cheaper. Some people like to save money.

I don't know what it is about 5100s, but everyone on this forum seems to think they're the only option for a replacement strut. If you don't want to lift, why pay for them? Wheelers Offroad stands behind the Rough Country shocks. They are an inexpensive option that should perform just fine.

And if you'd rather spend more for a "better quality" strut, check out the bilstein HDs like mentioned earlier.

edit: just read OP has a 5 lug.

 

5 lug actually refers to your lug nuts on your wheel. You have 5 while the 4wd and Prerunner have six... aka 6 lug. Even though we are talking about suspension, it is common to use the term 5 lug in place of 2wd non-Prerunner.

 

Look in the sticky section of forum and download the factory service manual (fsm) for diagrams and disassembly procedures. Also, search forums... somebody probably has done a complete write-up with pics for 5 lug.

 

Many thanks