2004 DC 4x4 stock height suspension replacement recommendation

I have a 04 double cab 4x4 (non-TRD) that needs a suspension upgrade (front and rear). I'm not really interested in lifting and am more interested in ride quality. I have scoured the suspension and lift section and no one seems to be going with stock height.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

Stay away from Monroe products- they are garbage.

Bilsteen 4600 series shocks are by far the most common stock height replacement shock. There are some companies (suspension lifts .com?) that sell pre assembled coilover assemblies (4600 shocks with moog springs)- that's your best bet for the front. 4600 shocks for the rear. The leaf springs- General Springs/Dorman/Huskey/etc.. all sell a stock height replacement leaf pack. Pick a brand, a price that gets 'em to you the cheapest. I am pretty sure (based on the part numbers) that they are all exactly the same leaf springs with a different label slapped on them. You'll need new u bolts in the back (they are single use items) and likely new bolts, and shackles depending on the rust.

 

Thanks for the help. Several years ago I had a 2004 TRD double cab that ended up in a wreck while sitting at a stop light (totaled it). I finally pulled the trigger on another 2004 double cab. Time and miles take a toll. Mine only has 128K miles which is pretty low by today's standards but I think it towing a trailer took a toll on the suspension.
Again, thanks for your help.

 

While towing may or may not have increased the wear on the suspension- shocks and springs are wear items that need to be replaced. Most people do not follow the recommendations at all and consider them ridiculous, and usually fall into "if it's not physically broken, there's nothing wrong" category. Shocks have a lifespan of 30-50k. So at 130k you REALLY need new shocks. It's harder to say when springs should be replaced as their wear is more dependent on use. But at 130, you're in the right range to replace them.

I will also add, that if you don't have service records for the truck to show when and with what product was used, you should change out the lower ball joints immediately with OEM parts. They have a life span of 70k, and are prone to failure without warning. Just search around here and you'll find several threads showing the aftermath.

 

I have the service history for the first 70k miles but nothing after. I am in the process of changing out my fan clutch, timing belt and all associated tensioners and pulleys. I was wondering about the ball joints. That is great advice. I will get some ordered.
Thanks again!!

 

My 2004 DC had a recall for the ball joints. If yours have never been replaced. You might check into that.
That way you can get them replaced for free at the dealership.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2005/RCONL-05V225-5328.pdf

 

I just called the dealership and they said that mine were changed at 11K in 2006 under the campaign. My guess is that it might be time to change them out.

 

The good news is that you have OEM ball joints. But.. still change them, 110k on them = no beuno.

 

I agree.
Thanks again for your help!!!

 

FWIW I replaced the original LBJs on my 95 @196,750 because they were original, no sign of wear, with OEM & again @ 240,xxx because the PS showed movement when checked. I was not a happy camper only getting 42K miles from OEM LBJs.

 

I bought these, people were skeptical about them but their response time and shipping time was stellar. You won't find an assembled package at this price. They assemble the coils themselves and ship from multiple warehouses across the states, arrived in a matter of days instead of weeks. Moog 81104 stock height coils and Bilstein 4600's, I gained exactly one inch in height after settling in.

https://www.suspensionlifts.com/sho...with-rear-shocks-for-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma/

 

I am going to be ordering the exact set up along with upper and lower ball joints. I figure replacing the shocks, springs along with upper and lower ball joints should save having to dig back in to the front suspension any time soon.

 

how many miles were on your truck when you refreshed the suspension? was there a big difference in ride quality? I'm at 145k and forgot what stock suspension feels like, and looking at this setup.

Thanks,

 

I am at 84K right now, it was about 82.5 I think. Short story: fixed my problem and it feels like new, some might call it agressive steering but I call it tight and responsive. That has little to do with the coilovers/shocks though.

It has always had a right-pull, turned out to be the steering rack but the rubber was pretty well shot in the suspension, it wouldn't align. I did lower ball joints, LCA's, TRE's, rack, Energy Suspension rack bushings (red,) new tires, and lastly the coilovers/shocks. Now it feels smoother over bumps, the biggest difference is it feels very tight and responsive. All that has little to do with the shocks/coilovers other than it doesn't "roll" on tight cornering. Details here.

 

If you're going to go that far, look at your lower control arm bushings too. Uppers are not as critical but run through the tests. Mine didn't look too bad on the truck but after I got them out I could see the rubber was well worn out. You can go two ways, pull the LCA's and replace the bushings yourself or spare yourself the pain and get new OEM LCA's, the bushings are installed. As mentioned here, I far underestimated what it would take to get it all apart, don't even think about it without a good impact driver on hand (that thread was before I added the the rack and coilovers.)

No I can't afford it, still paying it off. Yes it hurt. A lot. Yes it was all worth it.