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Rear Air Shocks for '99 Tacoma

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Ella, Jan 23, 2023.

  1. Jan 23, 2023 at 7:42 AM
    #1
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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    Hello, I recently bought a nice '99, two wheel drive, small engine, Tacoma and want to replace the rear shocks. I was looking for air shocks but I can't find any labeled for that use. Does anyone know if there's Monroe or Gabriel, etc. part that will work?

    Thanks,
    Ella
     
  2. Jan 23, 2023 at 8:09 AM
    #2
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    What is your end game?

    You might look into air bags ,air shocks are not really made to handle that much weight

    Why air shocks and not springs if your springs are worn out?
     
    TnShooter likes this.
  3. Jan 23, 2023 at 4:00 PM
    #3
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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    Looking to be able to adjust the ride for various rides and loads. I've heard air bags bounce without a load. Heavy duty leaf springs are an option I've used before, but I am hoping there is a cheaper route. I wouldn't think weight would be a problem if I can find something that fits. Anyone know?
     
  4. Jan 23, 2023 at 4:04 PM
    #4
    Bishop84

    Bishop84 Well-Known Member

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    Buy a good shock for the rear, Bilstien 4600 or KYB Gas-a-just

    Then buy these. Cheap, will ride great and won't squat when loaded up.

    https://youtu.be/RvmCXbNNKRM
     
    Mikeh80 and Bivouac like this.
  5. Jan 23, 2023 at 4:49 PM
    #5
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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    Thanks. I know there are a bunch of options. Will keep that one in mind.

    I really am interested in a narrow question: has anyone found quality factory--Monroe, Gabriel, etc.--rear air shocks that will fit a '99 Tacoma? I can't find any listed for that use, but sometimes something made for something else is a perfect fit, you know?
     
  6. Jan 23, 2023 at 4:51 PM
    #6
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    OP buy Air shocks of the length you need !

    Make custom mounting brackets to adopt them to your truck.
     
  7. Jan 23, 2023 at 5:01 PM
    #7
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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    10-4. Probably will happen. Just checking there's not an off the shelf option available. I don't know of one but thought I'd check the vast database of the internet.
     
  8. Jan 23, 2023 at 5:28 PM
    #8
    Sfish2002

    Sfish2002 Well-Known Member

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    Topper w/racks, bug/rock shield, hood thermal mat, bed liner, hitch
    Ella, after 17 years or so I replaced my rear shocks with KYBs. I'm not sure if you'd consider them "factory quality" or not. To me, they seem as good as the originals that were on there although I doubt they'll last as long. I admit however, that as mine is only a 2003 2.4 2WD I don't have the experience with shocks or offroading that maybe makes you more aware of how these things handle that folks in 4WDs probably do. These should be the same as what you'd need but I don't know the differences in the same generation as well as others here. As far as I'm concerned, they work, and they were cheap and so far they're lasting. Nuf said.
     
  9. Jan 24, 2023 at 5:23 PM
    #9
    RoscoeTT

    RoscoeTT Well-Known Member

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    I have 4600's with Ride rite to help with the shell and a plywood platform. Even with that weight its still a rough ride and I hate it when hitting any bump in the road, unless its a snail pace. Hope you find an air bag that does better!
     
  10. Jan 24, 2023 at 9:32 PM
    #10
    Bivouac

    Bivouac Well-Known Member

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    Remains to be seen I bought the tires and wheels the rest came along
    Like was suggested check out street truck forums
     
  11. Jan 25, 2023 at 2:14 AM
    #11
    treyus30

    treyus30 cntl-y

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    Two spooly snails, Haltech 2500, 35s, 125kmi
    You're talking budget shocks. Every recommendation on this forum will first point you to BILSTEIN 4600s or 5100s to start with.
    The only air option would be bags.
     
  12. Mar 9, 2023 at 1:48 PM
    #12
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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  13. Mar 9, 2023 at 2:03 PM
    #13
    Diablo169

    Diablo169 ROKRAPR

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    Stock
    Bivouac likes this.
  14. May 20, 2023 at 11:42 AM
    #14
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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    Just closing the loop, so to speak. After some hassle, shop sent the wrong parts (picture above is wrong parts), we got them installed. Have done a couple hundred miles at 35psi, camper top on/off, 500lbs lumber. The ride is NICE. No bounce regardless. 10 year warranty. I'd recommend them except for the hassle with the shop--I think the owner is trying to sell the company.
     
  15. May 21, 2023 at 12:07 PM
    #15
    Zoroaster

    Zoroaster Member

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    currently doing research on a 98 2x4 for on road purpose and so far it’s hard to find much beyond stock for trucks the 2.4. Saw an off-road 90s pickup where they swapped the rears to the front for the SAS and put 1st gen tundra leafs in the rear.

    it wouldn’t be adjustable but might be more economical depending on your/mechanic’s level of expertise to bastard pack the rear or take a tape measure to the junkyard. Most tundras are gutted pretty well around here but I always see good leaf packs, and I imagine if you just flip the axle up top it could be made to fit to handle beyond rated loads of the taco with a decent ride emptied.
     
  16. May 21, 2023 at 1:45 PM
    #16
    Ella

    Ella [OP] Member

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  17. May 21, 2023 at 1:50 PM
    #17
    Zoroaster

    Zoroaster Member

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    For our project we do not want to raise the rear at all for manual loading purposes and project demonstration, and also an attempt to keep a flat profile. Our max load would probably be 1100 lb, and so we decided to keep the worn originals.
     

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