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Offroad package or not? Suspension help

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by rj95lss, Feb 14, 2015.

  1. Feb 14, 2015 at 6:14 AM
    #1
    rj95lss

    rj95lss [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Robert
    Pinelands, NJ
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    '92 HZJ73 - 1HZ diesel RHD
    SOA with OME, Lockers, 37's, ARB
    I am trying to replace my stock suspension this week (shocks, springs, leafs, and bushings). The problem I am running into is that most OE replacement parts for my truck specifically call out "non-offroad package". From what I have researched it looks like I have the package, but with a truck thats 20 years old and 200,000 miles who knows whats been changed/upgraded.

    How can I be certain that I have or do not have the offered package on my '96?

    1996 Reg Cab
    2.7L, manual
    bucket seats
    center console
    manual locking front hubs
    NO rear diff lock
    31x10.5r15 tires that do not rub at all on the stock suspension with 200k



    Here is what I have looked at so far, for $400 out the door I am really tempted:

    Gabriel front coilovers - Part Number: G57010 - $166 for the set
    Gabriel Max control rear shocks - Part Number: 77494 - $60 for the set
    Dorman leafs - Part Number: 929-400 - $182 for the set
    That's $410 for almost everything I need to replace my saggy 202,000 mile stock suspension.
     
  2. Feb 14, 2015 at 6:17 AM
    #2
    TacoBurrito07

    TacoBurrito07 Well-Known Member

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    I believe they did not offer the off road package in '96. If you're talking about the TRD offroad package that is. They may have offered something different at that point but I have not heard of it.
     
  3. Feb 14, 2015 at 9:03 AM
    #3
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    I've heard nothing but poor reviews on the Dorman leafs.
     
  4. Feb 14, 2015 at 9:26 AM
    #4
    Aquatic Tacoma

    Aquatic Tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Odessa, Fl.
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    2019 Tacoma TRD Sport 4x4 Dbcb , 2004 Tacoma S-Runner
    Both are Stock - built correct from the start.
    Sounds like you do have the package. They even came with the 31's. We had many of these trucks as company trucks from 96 until I left the company in 2010. They were not TRD's. We ordered them specific for the offroad work we did. Most were just as you specified. Some had the SR5 "chrome" package for the office manager's trucks. I personally owned two of them. The 99 is still my daily driver. Yes, I run into the "offroad package" question when buying parts for it. Contact the dealer with the viin and they can tell you specifics. I normally replace parts with stock or dealer replacements if the price is reasonable. Toyota built these right the first time.
     
  5. Feb 14, 2015 at 3:06 PM
    #5
    stumpman

    stumpman Well-Known Member

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    Buy a quality set of springs, you will see very little if any difference in the cheap ones, believe me, I have been there
     
  6. Feb 14, 2015 at 3:07 PM
    #6
    stumpman

    stumpman Well-Known Member

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    Lear springs
     
  7. Feb 14, 2015 at 3:08 PM
    #7
    stumpman

    stumpman Well-Known Member

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    leaf springs
     
  8. Feb 14, 2015 at 3:21 PM
    #8
    12TRDTacoma

    12TRDTacoma Powered by Ford, GM, VW, and Mercedes

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    Funny, I've actually heard good reviews on Dorman leafs. Interesting.
     
  9. Feb 14, 2015 at 4:34 PM
    #9
    Snowman

    Snowman I have a problem for your solution…

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    Really? maybe 2nd gen are better. The 1st gen springs I have read were very cheap and started to frown shortly after installation. I was looking into OEM replacements before I decided on lift and couldn't really find a cheap option that was solid.
     
  10. Feb 19, 2015 at 7:08 PM
    #10
    rj95lss

    rj95lss [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Robert
    Pinelands, NJ
    Vehicle:
    '92 HZJ73 - 1HZ diesel RHD
    SOA with OME, Lockers, 37's, ARB
    I'll call Toyota tomorrow and see what they say. I just really don't want to lift the truck. I like the look of it with the 31x10.5 tires and its more than capable.

    I would like to do a complete OME springs/shocks kit but they don't make anything for my truck that would be near stock height. I had a full OME kit on my last Rover and loved it.

    Any recommendations or things to look into would be helpful.

    Thanks-
     
  11. Feb 19, 2015 at 7:25 PM
    #11
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    lewisporte Newfoundland
    Vehicle:
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    cxr turbo, fic6, methanol injection, king coilovers, jba uca, skyjacker leafs, rear 12" 5125s, no-slip rear locker, 35" grabber x3, magnaflow muffler, retrofit headlights, trans cooler, bed lined exterior, etc...
    Ive read good about the dormans and bad in general about 1st gen leafs. 95-97 are different than 98+. Ive had them for a few months now no problems.
     
  12. Feb 20, 2015 at 12:45 AM
    #12
    12TRDTacoma

    12TRDTacoma Powered by Ford, GM, VW, and Mercedes

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    Could be. Either way, a little off topic, but I am amazed at how many flat spring packs I have been seeing lately. Everything from Taco's to Jeep's, no one is exempt from the flatness. I sit there and think to myself, damn that sucks for them right now. :(
     
  13. Feb 20, 2015 at 6:35 AM
    #13
    Andy.G

    Andy.G Well-Known Member

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    Started automatic. Swapped to manual
    The leafs are the weak link in my opinion. I saw my leafs frown at 30,000. Broke a leaf at 32,000. Toyota replaced both sides and I added another leaf to the pair. Have same truck as you mentioned. Personally would not go dorman.
     
  14. Feb 20, 2015 at 8:05 AM
    #14
    12TRDTacoma

    12TRDTacoma Powered by Ford, GM, VW, and Mercedes

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    Lucky you. I had my leafs already wrapping at less then 1000 miles. After adding the mini pack the rear end has never been happier. No more wrap and plenty of arch.
     

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