Shocks / Struts

5100's are softer than stock.

 

Look up 4600HD vs 5100 shocks. I didn't believe it either.

 

I agree....
If you want to keep the stock height, checkout craigslist for someone that just upgraded their suspension. I just purchased Bilstein 4600 front struts & rear shocks....and the stock UCA's for $100. I didn't need the UCA's but he gave them to me. They came off of a 2015 that had less than 5,000 miles on it.

 

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the noise your hearing is likely your lower control arm bushings and alignment bolts. Mine make a noise like you describe. The bushings and bolts seize together and you get a nasty sound when the front flexes. I finally gathered all of the parts to do this.

You'll need new cams and bolts, here's a thread: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/cam-part-numbers.403162/

You'll need lower control arms with good bushings (the Californians are a good source for parts without rust)- find someone from the 2nd gen classifieds who took theirs off, should pay around $200 + shipping.

Putting in struts while you're in there is a good idea. I like the 5100s.

I'm also doing coils and LR UCAs, but not needed if you're staying at stock height. Your upper ball joints are probably getting worn at that age, so...

You've gotta put money into these things to keep them on the road.

 

5100's are the same exact shock internally as stock TRD OR (ie Bilstein 4600's) They are no "stiffer".....Only difference is they have a different outer body and the fronts are adjustable preload.

 

Is there a visual inspection to see if it's the bushings / control arm? Versus shocks?

 

I've had Tacomas with the base shocks, 4600's, and 5100's. The 5100's absorb better. The ride seems smoother. The fronts are adjustable and you can get the backs in an extended length for lifts. Just my 2 cents.

 

Do a youtube search on front end check. Too hard (and long) to explain the procedure.

 

There's really no visual inspection. You generally find out when an alignment tech tells you they can't align your truck due to the bushings being seized. The noise is the first indication.

 

Sorry, I thought he was referring to worn out bushing and not seized cam adjusters. Everyone mentions that they will make noise when they seize. Mine were so seized that they might as well have been welded and there was no noise. Quiet as a mouse.