HELP. Problem with Fox 2.0 suspension 2004 Tacoma double cab

my 2004 Toyota Tacoma double cab Noticed that the rear left strut is a lot shorter or compressed than the right when installed… uninstalled they were the same length I will add photos below any help would be great thank you

 

The factory shocks are different lengths because the factory mounting points are a little different. If I recall correctly it's only like 1/2" difference though. I run equal length rear shocks without any issues. Does the truck sit noticeably lower on one side?

 

Thanks for the reply it dosent necessarily look lower however underneath the left side shock is more compressed almost bottoming out only on the left side there is a lot more of the rod showing on the right than the left almost of the left side had a lot of weight on it. U can see on the photo left side almost touches the rubber

 

I got that from your first post, but the point I was trying to make was that the factory mounts are only maybe 1/2" different from side to side, so the factory shocks were roughly 1/2" different in length. The fact that you have a lot more than 1/2" difference is what made me question the height difference. It is also common for these trucks to have a lean to one side, usually to the left (drivers) side because of the fuel tank and battery being on that side. I would take a quick measurement from ground to fender.

 

Factory length calls for one side being slightly shorter than the other.

Completely normal.

Based on that decal style (unless they recently changed it), you're running a shock not meant specifically for a 1st Gen Tacoma.

Just because it fits doesn't mean it's meant for it.

 

Yes 1/2 different sounds about right I ordered off shock surplus as a package front & rear it did specify it was for 04 Tacoma so that’s why I’m concerned the height is fairly the same however I feel like the shock should have a bit more travel like the right side woundering if I got a defective on ?

 

I don't think it's the shock that's the problem, you said they were the same length. I think it's the truck sagging on that side. You would have to measure it. Are the part#'s the same?

 

There is "driver lean" based on the fact that the steering rack, battery, and fuel tank all sit on the driver side. That would affect the front of the vehicle a bit more than the rear.

However, it is well-known that the shock locations call for two different sizes from driver rear and passenger rear.

This isn't anything new.

So by using equal length shocks in the rear, you should expect to see one side slightly more collapsed than the other.

 

Right, and I mentioned all that previously to the OP. His concern is that the shock on the drivers side is not just "slightly" more compressed than the other.

 

Not sure what's stopping him from measuring the center of his wheel/hub to the fender and comparing each side

These trucks are so old, and unless you're the original owner, it's anyone's guess as to what's still original to the truck (and completely worn) or replaced.

Think the OP just needs to do a little more looking into his truck and read up a bit.

 

I was going to go measure the difference on my truck since I run equal length shocks, but as it currently sits, empty fuel tank and all, the drivers side is a full 1.5" higher than the passenger side hahaha. So that won't work.

 

Hi yea I did measure previous to the post and it does lean a bit probably 1/2” lower on the left however my concern was the travel length of the left side shock is a lot less I’m new to Tacoma and trucks in general also contacted Fox and they said that it is completely normal thinking of getting Ome new leaf springs for more hight in the rear thanks for the help guys much appreciated.

 

Taco lean in itself does not attribute to a change in shock travel.

Think of it as pulling one wheel up on a curve, you're temporarily using some of that travel but it is not 'permanently gone' as you make it sound -



Your shock travel is limited by -

1. Your factory mounting points

2. Length of the shock itself in relation to the allowed travel based on 1

3. Outside factors that may inhibit points 1 or 2 such as taller bump stops or limit straps

Generally speaking, you need to be mindful of the shortest length (collapsed), as well as the longest length (extended), and utilize a shock that can fill everything in between that range. In the event that it exceeds one or the other, it is up to you to prevent that.

Now that you're aware of this, you will run into having a shock with too long of a length in its collapsed form (naturally) due to it's longer-than-stock design. This is why you'll see the mention of 'taller bump stops' to prevent you from bottoming out and damaging your shocks.

The reason why I'm not addressing running out of shock length in its extended form is because aftermarket shocks extend farther out than stock variants do and most times you'll be limited by the leaf pack you're running anyway.

But like you found out with your phone call with Fox, completely normal as @Gen1andDone have both been telling you.

 

Thanks for the helpful information appreciate it

 

You didn't get a defective one. Fox's rear 2.0 Perf Factory Series IFP shocks for 6 Lug 1st gens are just the one part number (and length obvi) I have the same shocks on the rear on my 2003 PreRunner TRD 3.4L DubCab. If your leaf packs are worn out it can really be problematic for that drivers side shock's down travel. I spoke to a guy at Fox about it and he told me that even though they're listed at 0-1" lift accommodating that they're actually "ideal when used with a 1" and up to 1.5" rear lift. He said any more than that and you're killing your up travel. Those number are also based on a rear suspension in similar condition to "just rolled off the lot" new with zero additional load.

EDIT: I forgot to mention..mine are the same way. Driver's side has approx 1.5" of piston/rod showing. Passenger's is closer to 3". My leaf packs are pretty worn out (previous owner hauled an overloaded trailer on a daily basis for years), pretty sure I have a touch of the axle wrap, have 2019 Tacoma 17" rims and slightly larger tires, and have approx, 150-200lbs of tools and such in the cab at any given time.