Beefing up stock front shocks

In 85k miles my 2007 Tacoma Access Cab 4x4 is on it's 5th set of front shocks. The originals, three sets of KYBs, and now Bilsteins. I drive about 10 miles/day on a rough gravel logging road and the shocks just don't seem to last. The rest of the time it lives on smooth pavement, no off roading.

If/when the Bilsteins blow out what are some good options for beefing up the stock front end while maintaining the same ride height?

 

sounds like you need a good set of monotubes or even a set with an external body? Monotubes offer more nitrogen pressure, better cooling and a bigger valve. Perfect for roads that will not allow the shocks to cool off.

 

Yep, if I was going through shocks like that I would want something rebuildable.
King would be another one.
Downsouthmotorsports would be a good place to shop them.

 

Do you have any kind of lift on your truck?
A Monotube like the 5100s is certainly a good choice.
You may need to look into a larger shock though if the roads are really rough, and you are going along at a good clip for long distances.

A set of Icon Coilovers, and Rear Icon shocks should do the trick, but if that is not in the budget, then the 5100s are probably one of the best options.

 

No lift on the truck. The KYBs were monotube (Gas-A-Just model) and the Bilsteins are monotube 5100s. Hopefully the Bilsteins will last but, if not, it looks like the next time it will be coilovers. All of these have lifetime warranties but it's a pain to change them out that often.

Thanks for all the input!