Lifted 2009 Toyota Tacoma

Hello, I don’t know anything about trucks or cars. I do my own oil changes but that’s about it. My Tacoma is lifted, I’m not sure how much maybe 2 inches or so. I don’t know if it has spacers or blocks or some type of lift kit. I am told I need new front struts but I don’t want to overspend on the struts. In all honesty I don’t care for the lift. I want the truck to be as economical as possible and for the parts to be cheaper as well. O’reily offered me the Rancho Quicklift loaded struts and coils spring but they were way out of my budget. I recently lowered all the tire sizes from 285 to 265/70R17. I’m wondering can I get stock front struts or do I need some other type of upgraded struts? Or do I just get all 4 struts back to stock size? Not sure what to do. I need the cheapest option

 

Looks like you just need new tie rod ends, and swaybar end links. Not too expensive.

Cheaper currently than taking off the coiloves and upper control arms that you have.

 

So the front struts should be good for now? I’ve had two mechanics tell me they need to be replaced

 

If they are leaking out and you see oil all over the bottom of them, and your ride is bouncy, then perhaps so.

 

Show pictures of the bottom to see if they are blown. Gram what can be seen in the images you added it just looks neglected.

 

This^^^

 

If you want economical, and dont want the lift, find a set of 3rd gen tacoma take offs and install those for struts. You will need to address the rear springs, not sure if you have blocks or arched springs giving you the lift in the rear of the truck

 

These are the ones shocks on my rear

 

I was looking at your rear springs, if you have a lift kit, the rear has to be lifted as well. Was looking to see if they had blocks under the springs at the axle or new springs to increase the arch to increase the lift. looks like you have a spring lift and not blocks, so if you lower the front with new coils and shocks, you will have to lower the rear as well. 3rd gen tacoma rear springs and front coils and shocks fit second gen, so look for take offs in your area

and looking at your pictures, I dont see any "blown out" shocks, there would be oil leaking or have had leaked from the bottoms of them. I would take it to a different shop and get a second opinion. its possible your tie rods are worn or ball joints, but me personally, get another shop to look at it.

 

Only thing that looks bad in these photos, would be the rear shocks mounting bushings.

 

Not trying to change the subject, But I don't think that is a TRD OR. Not sure if you're aware.

 

Easy enough to check. Is there a rear diff lock button?

 

Awesome thank you for your help. Will look into those 3rd Gen shocks and I already ordered both tie rods, I’ll check ball joints cause I do have a loud squeaking sound when turning and I’ve seen other people say it was a ball joint issue.

 

Yes I do have an RR diff lock button

 

Then yes, you have the off road version. There have been plenty of instances where rather unscrupulous people have passed off non off road versions to people at a higher price simply by placing the Trd stickers on the sides. Sucks, but it does happen.

 

Dang so this sticker TRD sticker is just a sticker? thanks for letting me know. Will be removing it, y’all have been very helpful

 

No, if you have the rear locker, it's not just a sticker. You have a real TRD OR.

 

Oh okay I must’ve read Jack’s message wrong

 

No, you have the real deal! Haha! The off road version has the rear locker. You did good!