Replacement shocks, 2004 Tacoma, base model 2wd/reg cab/4 cylinder/5 speed/low ride height model

Truck in question is a 2004 Tacoma, 2wd, reg cab, reg box, lower ride height(NOT a Pre-runner), 2.4 liter 4 cylinder, 5 speed, the most basic Tacoma you could buy for 2004.

Please make sure all advice considers the spec of trim for this truck.

IT IS NOT 4WD, IT IS NOT A PRE-RUNNER.

ONCE AGAIN IT IS NOT 4WD, IT IS NOT A PRE-RUNNER, IT IS THE BASIC 2WD TRUCK.

This is the 2nd time I've asked for suspension advice, the first time I received bad/non-relevant advice for my particular truck.

Getting back on topic, my truck is a 2wd base suspension with186,000 miles, and I feel like the stock suspension is getting worn out. Riding in my 1992 Lexus SC300 with 103,000 on it, man its so much smoother over the same roads. Granted I know it isn't an apples/oranges comparison, but I swear that truck bounces twice or three times over the same bump that the Lexus just smooths over in one slight jolt.

I'm not complaining about the ride being stiff, mainly I'm complaining about it being bouncy, even somewhat floaty, like the suspension never settles down, when it takes a big bump it oscillates a few times before it settles down. IMO it seems like the faster you go, the worse that floaty/upset feeling you get. The Lexus, man the faster you drive the better it rides. The truck is kind of the opposite, the faster you go the more you bounce around, aka a bump that was one bump becomes a couple or maybe three body motions if you hit it at a higher rate of speed.

I'm thinking the shocks are shot on this truck. 186k, even on decently maintained roads of the south I think would do the stock shocks in. Thing is the truck still tracks straight as an arrow and the steering still feels tight and a bit overboosted, but that was how the thing was when it was new.




Any recommendation on stock replacement shocks??? KEEP IN MIND ITS A STOCK BASE MODEL 2WD, NOT A PRE-RUNNER OR 4WD.

Are there better ones than OEM, or is OEM Toyota the way to go??? If OEM Toyota is the way to go, I'd like some recommendations to where to buy them for cheap. My local Toyota dealer quoted me $700 labor to replace the shocks, not including parts, clearly they didn't want my business.

 

This is more of a comment than a recommendation based on my recent experience. I have a 99 2wd 5 lug with 175,000 miles on the original shocks. I just changed them to KYB Gas-a-just shocks and they are FIRM! They've been on for around 1000 miles and have gotten a tad softer but on a bad road, I can feel every bump. There's no bounce, much less of a "floating boat" feeling on the freeway and it corners much flatter now but the ride is pretty stiff.

Sorry that's not really recommending anything for you but wanted to share.

 

https://bilsteinlifts.com/product-category/toyota-tacoma/1995-2004/1995-2004-5-lug-tacoma/

 

So are you recommending those Bilstein 4600's???

Stock ride height is my goal. Occasionally I do put some weight in the bed, like a bed full of mulch, or tow a light aluminum flat bottom bass boat, stock tow rating is 3500lbs, I'd be surprised if that boat is 1500lbs total. The aerodynamic drag though, man you have to put your damn foot to the floor in 4th to keep it going up a hill at 65-70mph on the interstate. That 2.4 cylinder has no torque lol, you have to rev the nuts off it.

 

Yes

 

We have a 5 lug forum. You might poke around there some.

And calling Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road is always a good idea.

Someday I'll face the same issue, so it will be interesting to see what you wind up with.

 

I was having the same problem with mine. I have a 2001 TRD 2WD with 162,000 miles and my suspension was getting worse. So I decided on going with Fox 2.0's front and back, I know they are expensive but I never see anyone put them on a 1st gen. They get in tomorrow and I am hoping they will put a smile on my face.

 

You have a prerunner, 6 lug truck, right? (TRD is the hint I'm basing that on). If so your suspension fitment options are the same as the 4wd guys.

OP has a 5 lug, like me.

Not the same.

 

Thanks!!! Will keep the Bilsteen 4600's in mind.

 

Thanks for the lead to an expert!!! Always appreciate somebody who actually knows their stuff, as there is plenty of knowledge on 4wd models, but 2wd suspension upgrades, man its like a black hole IMO, unless you want to keep it stock.

BTW, its kind of funny but dumping $$$$ into a 14 year old truck with 186k on the clock, yet I feel like I'm getting my $$$$ worth. It was dad's truck originally, $12k out the door in 2004. Stupid cheap transportation that is still rock solid reliable.

Fix the worn shocks, yes its going to need new brakes in the next 10-15k miles, yes I've already upgraded the stereo head unit and put in some 6x9 speakers to the tune of $400, yes I'm planning to upgrade the door speakers and sound insulate the whole cabin to the tune of $400. Already replaced the front and rear bumpers to the tune of $300.

Anyways, I do love my small truck, mainly how easy it is to reach right into the bed. And how easy it is to park in the city. Main thing I like is that its paid for and still looks clean, nice paint, straight as hell body.

 

Keep in mind the 2wd Prerunner shares the 4wd suspension, so it has similar options.

Its the trucks with only 5 lug nuts, like ours, that have less options, because the suspension is different. Not that I have any desire to do anything 'custom' to it, nor any functional need to do so either.

I did add about an 1" of ground clearance by going from the OE 215.75.15 tires to 235.75.15 They were the largest to fit the 6" OE wheels and have no clearance issues. And cosmetically it does make it look a little more truck like. I'm sure there are similar options on your 1st gen, but it would take a bit of research to figure out options, as I think they have smaller wheels.

 

I put the 01-04 5 lug rims on my old 98 tacoma, def lifted the truck a bit. Yeah bilsteins or the tokico's will be fine, even kyb oe replacements. Might be time to replace those aged leaf springs too and grease the drive shaft.

 

Thanks for the tip, my tires are kind of worn, probably looking at replacing some time later this year.

 

Which setup did you go with I'm trying to figure out what to do to my 02 2wd 2.4 5 lug it drives okay but just want to fresh it up if I can find out what to go with? Thanks!

 

I have an 04 5 lug as well , 2 years ago I installed the kyb shocks and like recent post have stated they are too firm , 4 months ago I replaced all 4 with bilsteins , they are the best shock I have installed on my Tacoma since I bought it back in 05 , super comfortable little bouncy but in my case the bumps on the roads alre less noticable , imo bilsteins 4600 are the way to go for these little 5 lug Tacoma’s, btw they are always on sale at 4wheel parts with free shipping when you buy both at the same time

 

Did you replace rear leaf springs or anything or just the bilstein 4600 kit is all I will need?

 

Just the shocks ,If yours are completely shot you would probably gain some lift not much but some

 

If you're putting heavy stuff in the back look for some sumo or super springs, can't really remember the name. Too early in the am for me right now..