Struts and stuff

after being told I needed a steering rack and ball joints and $2800 in parts I decided to take my 02' Tacoma to a different shop in a different town. This shop specializes in building real Monster Truck chassis. the owner (friend of a friend ) put it on the lift and said the complete opposite, all I need is new lower control arm bushings and struts. The steering rack and ball joints were in fine condition. He was kind enough to tell me to buy the parts and bring some beer and he can knock it out plus take me for a ride in a new truck he just built.

So, I want new bilstein front shocks/struts that have the ride height adjustment and wanted to know thoughts ?
Also where should I buy these replacement bushings from and what type ?

Thanks and I always look forward to your thoughts

 

What are you trying to achieve with these shocks? Lift? Offsetting added weight, like a big bumper?

Accomplishing a lift or load by preloading springs will work to a degree, but is never the best idea, as you've now compromised the spring and shock both by limiting travel. A better thought is to select a spring to achieve whatever your goal is, then a damper that's rated to properly control that spring rate.

How many miles on the truck, ie how long did the OE ones last? A long time? Did they not do anything you needed them to? If not, OE is a consideration. But since the guy who'll be wrenching for you is a builder, why not ask what he recommends?

Be sure you tell him any functional goals you have for the truck, and how you'll be using it 80% of the time. That's info important to a good parts selection to retain your enjoyment of the vehicle

 

150,000 and it is 100% original except wheels and tires. I just like the look of leveling the front of the truck. I drive it mainly locally and never pull a trailer.

 

The billstein 5100's are quite popular. Like Bill mentioned id pry get some lift springs to go with those 5100's instead of preloading your oem coils, they are pry getting fairly weak at this point anyhow. But with that said alot of people run their stock springs with the billies and dont have any real issues.

To answer your question, they are a good choice....

 

Sounds good but where would be a good source for finding the right ones, it looks as if they are actually available with the 5100's for a little more
What about lower control arm bushings versus just replacing the control arms ??

 

I have seen springs that last 300k miles. I think youd be fine using your stock still. Id just get some new bushings for the LCA. I believe i got mine from energy suspension. Also theres a rubber piece at the top of your strut, make sure you get a new polyurethane one to replace it.

 

Ok I bought a new front end rebuild kit from MooG and lower control arm bushings. If I decide to go with new lift springs w bilsteins where would be the best place to purchase these?

 

many places sell them, just look around and find a special or deal.

 

I second that, don't pay full price or shipping lol. Just keep an eye out and you'll find a steal eventually.