Needs new struts without a lift

Yeah you got that right. I always use a ratchet, never impact, and try to never get one side compressed more than about 1/2" vs the other.
Autozone has the style I showed in the picture. That's the only one I have found that fits into the coils and still allows enough compression to get the cap off.

 

I am thinking of doing just this. If I got the KYB in the pic would these be considered better than the stock the truck came with in 1998?

 

I know wheelers offer coils to pair with the 5100s that they will assemble for you But I’m guessing not a factory height coil set.

 

I'm not sure. I am not seeing what KYB struts are used in the preassembled kit. If you go a quick google search for KYB they have a chart that shows their products and attributes (i.e. economy, oem replacements, performance, etc.). I don't hear alot of good things with quick strut kits but maybe KYB is better?

 

how are these?

https://www.1aauto.com/toyota-tacom...set-trq-ska60957/i/1assp00920?f=899066&y=2003