Changing front struts without wheel alignment

So I just got a wheel alignment done but now want to change my front and back struts as the shop said they were leaking and need changing, But I am wondering if I will need another alignment after I do the fronts ? and is there a way I can install them without needing to waste another $160 on another alignment ? My 2000 tacoma 4x4 is what I am changing them on. They are stock struts and the shop said they were leaking. But when I push down on the truck to compress the shocks and see for bouncing there is no bounce they just come up like they should..So I am not even sure they need to be replaced for sure and I was just being told a story or not? Well lets see what comes from this post Thanks

 

depending on how long its been since your last one it wouldn't be a bad idea to get one, however assuming you aren't replacing your coils your ride height really wont change so for tire wear purposes you should be fine getting away without one.

 

If your staying at stock height no. Im pretty sure the backs dont even need alignments after lifts.

 

Struts? (Tacomas don't have struts in the rear, and technically, the fronts are coilovers) or do they just want to replace the shocks?? If they're just replacing the shocks and not the entire strut, you'll be fine with out another alignment.

But if they do want to replace the front strut assembly (including the coils) and rear shocks, you will have to get another alignment, since the new coils will most likely increase the ride height just a little. =\ You'll want to wait a week or two after the strut install to get the alignment done to let the new suspension settle..

and $160?!?!?! That's very expensive. In these parts, it only costs half that....

 

Thanks for the replies all. I am just staying with the normal coils and just putting in the new struts inside the coil or coilovers ? not sure what they are called now lol And yea $160 is vary steep and I just got it done last week so I was really not wanting another one..

 

haha cool. The front "coilovers" are the shock and coil assembly, and reffered to as " struts" quite a bit.... You should be fine with out an alignment if they're just replacing the shocks with the same thing though... The shocks simply dampen the coils and springs--they don't affect ride height.

 

Oh ok I got ya. So I will just need some spring compressors I am thinking lol

 

A lot of places give a "warranty" for the alignment. You may be able to get it checked by them. At $160 I would be willing to bet they were giving you an extended time on the alignment. If they're going to be doing the install I don't see why they'd charge you again for the alignment anyway.

 

Ok maybe they wont charge again. I will have to ask them. One more question I have here. I have two options for shocks where I live without ordering some in. which are monro oe at $145 each for front and $100 for back shocks or rancheros which are way to much at $220 front and$165 back. Has anyone used the monro oe shocks and are they any good ?

 

Instead of spending $245 for monroe's why don't you spend an extra fifty and get a full set of 5100's and do it yourself? Or if you don't want to do the fronts you could maybe save up an extra $100, buy the 5100's and have a shop compress the springs and put the new ones on.

 

You can get a full set of 5100's for $299 delivered from Downsouthmotorsports as a TW member. Mine are set for 1.75 of lift and ride great so I would have to say they would be really awesome at stock height.

Also keep an eye out for the factory Bilstiens takeoffs for sale on here. As I just did, after getting the 5100's I sold mine, from craigslist for $125 for the set. Were like new with 19k on them.

 

Hmm maybe I will wait and order the blistens 5100 as they seem like a better shock for not much more. Or wait to see if I can find some of the takeoffs as you say on here for sale sometimes. Thanks for the info everyone ..I am always soindecisive when it comes to anything lol

 

They pop up on here quite a bit.

 

Hell, I just realize you have a 1st gen. Probably not going to find much for sale on them in the way of take offs anyway.

 

make sure they actually align and balance it. I took mine to the local tire store they charged me 80 bucks for it didnt do a dang thing to it being im 17 they thought they would screw me over. i drove it about 5 miles down the rode turned around got my alignment and balance.

 

Wow thats pretty bad lol They did show me the caster and all the settings they changed so I sure hope they didnt make that form up as well and not actually do anything. becuase I still do get a wandering problem that I have went back twice about but they say its my tires ? because all my front end is tight..maybe its my shocks causing the wander lol ive read they can do that. well we will see when I get enuff cash for the 5100 and its still out im going back for sure

 

Oh ok so guess its saving up my money time again lol time for eating craft dinner and instant noodles lol ..I need to hit the lotto

 

I am going to wait and get the 5100 but I cant find any pics or info on how to put the front struts in and I am not sure if it will be easy to do or not. I dont want to mess things up ive never done the front struts. Is there a link I am missing on here on how to do it ?

 

DONE