New struts, front end is low

Hi all,

Long time reader, first time posting. I've got a 15' Limited (6' bed, 4x4 double cab) that I bought used back in 2020. Suspension started going bad over the past year (hitting bump stops more often) and I took it into my mechanic and they said the bushings on the struts were shot. Got the struts replaced. I didn't specify any brand, and they opted for Napa struts. Had I known better, I would have insisted on Bilsteins, but we're past that point. Got the truck back and to my dismay I was still hitting the bump stops. Did some research and found that front end stock height from mid-hub to bottom of fender should be about 20". I measured driver side and I was at 18". No idea what's going on at this point. A couple years ago, I did install a front hitch receiver to accommodate a second bike rack. The thing probably weighs around 50 lbs. I took it off to see if that made a difference and it raised to 18.5". Surprisingly, I stopped hitting the bump stops, but I'm still way lower than 20".

I took it back to my mechanic and explained what was going on. He said they'd track down the original build specs from the dealer and see if there's anything they're not aware of that would have affected this, but he insisted that they ordered/installed what's specified for a 15' Tacoma.

My assumptions are 1 of 2 things... they either received the wrong sized struts and installed them not knowing, or the struts are crap and the coils are weaker than OEM's.

What I don't want to do is spend a ton more money on replacing them again. Anybody ever had this happen before where new struts are riding low? Anybody think 2" strut spacers would efficiently cover this issue for the next 5'ish years? I hardly do any off-roading. We use this truck for ski trips, camping and light duty hauling as needed. It does have a camper top which from what I've read would not affect front end ride height.

Any opinions/input would be much appreciated.

 

I can vouch for compressed shock bushings after 7 years on mine, which I changed to Bilstein 5100.
But your situation sounds more like fatigued or overwhelmed coilsprings to me.

 

I'm thinking something is very wrong with the stuff your mechanic put in. And it might not be his fault at all. I almost wonder if they swapped in 2WD parts instead.

You might find that a takeout set of OEM shocks / springs is a surprisingly cost-effective way to replace what you have. First, they're relatively plentiful in the Classifieds here, CL and FB Marketplace. Second, they're virtually guaranteed to fit and operate correctly. Third, they're very reasonably priced.

 

Thanks for the replies. Much appreciated.

Mrcooper, the coils are brand new as they're integrated in the strut assembly that was installed.

Too Stroked, I think you're right. This is one of those situations where it's like "how do I convince my mechanic to double check the actual part that was installed, vs look at the part number on the invoice and say it's the right one." I'm hoping it's not that difficult to check. I've tried looking for an imprinted anything within line of sight, but no luck yet. He said if it's the wrong part, they'd obviously do whatever is needed to get it fixed under warranty.

 

I found a 3rd gen tacoma in my work parking lot. Took the liberty of snapping a foto of their upper control arm (on the right). The left pic is my upper control arm. The one on the right is way more level while mine is pitched way up.

I also got a pic of the imprinted part number on my new strut. It is indeed the Napa strut that was on my invoice, so it's not the 'wrong' part.

Now I'm wondering if the previous owners hid about 200lbs of lead blocks somewhere in the middle of the engine compartment.

 

3rd gen tacomas sit 1in higher in the front than 2nd gen stock.

What is the part number of the napa strut assembly used?

 

That's good to know! Thank you.

The Napa part number is LS57133 (left side). LS57134 for the right.

 

Makes sense why it's lower. It's a multi vehicle spec also for a 4 runner which come lower than a Tacoma from the factory.


Do you still have your original springs? You could swap those in place of the springs that are on those struts... But really if you are there just pull em and put 5100s with your original springs

 

Very common with aftermarket quick struts.

The problems is they are SUPER cheap, they use twin tube shocks, soft springs that dont fit oem shocks etc etc.

So if you want to go back to OEM you need shocks, springs, and even mounts.

Next problem is most 2nd gen springs are getting harder to source.

 

Thanks again. Great info. Sounds like this is just what it is. No 'bad' struts. No 300lb body hidden under the hood. I wish I had all this info before going to my shop and I would have asked for 5100's from the get go. Unfortunately I don't have the toolset to do this on my own, and I already paid $400 for the Napa struts which I likely can't ask my mechanic to take back. And I can't shell out another $1k to swap out to 5100's.

I've read that the 4600's are allegedly the "OEM" equivalent of the original shock. You think I would be seeing the same results with those as with the Napa's?

You think there's any harm in putting 2" strut spacers in there? I'm just looking to avoid hitting the bump stops. I doubt I'll ever bottom out the shock itself. I don't know much about the spacers other than what I've read today.

 

Bishop... yep, that looks similar to the clearance I have between the fender and tire.

 

Because the springs typically dont work with oem or 4600s, I'd recommend finding take offs a new tacoma, a 2022-23 front shock and spring bolts right in. They sit a little higher and ride a little more rigid but it will fix all of your complaints.

 

Thanks! I think Too Stroked was suggesting the same above. I'll probably ride these out for at least the rest of the winter/spring and then revisit using your guys' advice regarding OEM take-off's.

Thanks for everyone's input. Much appreciated.

 

The OEM takeout route is actually very cost-effective. When I had my 2nd gen Tacoma, I bought a takeout 3rd gen suspension (2 coils, 4 shocks and upper control arms for $250) and not only got a refreshed suspension, but about a 1" free lift. Driving a 4Runner right now, I have a full takeout suspension (4 coils and 4 shocks) sitting in the basement waiting to go in this spring. I paid $300 for everything with only 1,000 miles on them.

Oh, and you know the OEM stuff will last way longer than aftermarket.

 

I got a few sets of 3rd gen suspension for FREE. Sure, they had a few thousand of miles before the owner upgraded, but almost new and free is the best.

So, keep your eyes out on here, join your local regional subforum on here, make some friends and you’ll find something cheap/free.

 

I might caution against waiting too long to replace them. If you're indeed crashing into the bump stops on a regular basis, that's not a good thing. And if your spring is anything like ours, potholes are in full bloom, so full suspension travel - particularly in the front - is very important.

 

You went cheap and now your having issues, don't do it again. 3rd gen take offs are a good option,relatively inexpensive or OME is another good option. A decent suspension will last many years so cost per year is low and ride quality is good.

 

That's why I didn't buy those aftermarket assemblies. I bought some take-off shocks and re-used my springs. If you buy some 3g complete take-offs, you can change them yourself if you know how to remove your tire. No special tools required with complete take-offs. If you're unsure, post in the regional forum of where you're from and ask for help in exchange for some pizza.

 

Looking at your photo of your upper control arm the upper ball joint boot looks like its trashed.

When i replaced my front struts I used bilstein 4600's and a set of takeoff springs from a TRD sport since thats what i have . I used these plus new upper shock mounts to put together a ready to install strut. Ride height install was the same as with factory setup.




Unless you are going to be raising your tacoma there is no reason to go to the 5100 series.