Shock/Strut Questions

I am looking to replace the shocks & struts on my 1995 Tacoma DLX V6 FWD. 179,xxx miles. Suspension is stock, no lift. Front springs/struts appears to original. No perceptible "Tacoma lean". Rear shocks are "Rancho" brand. Rear leafs seem to be in acceptable condition. The trailer I occasionaly pull (~1800 lbs) drops the hitch height ~ 3/4". Little off road driving. I plan to get the "quick strut" pre-assembled type unit for the front & understand that they are left/right specific. Has anyone had any experience with "Shoxtec" brand?

Shoxtec Front Pair Complete Struts Assembly Replacement for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD Coil Spring Assembly Shock Absorber Repl. Part no. 171352L 171352R

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...coliid=IJ0B3CXIDBK2W&ref_=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl I have seen some listings for the rear shocks that are left/right specific & others that are not. Is there a difference between the left & right shocks? Thanks, Stan

 

I dont trust super cheap stuff like that. Almost never works out.

The rear shocks are side specific (different lengths)

Fronts shouldnt be (unless noted)

 

go for monroe or KYB if you don't want to pay dealer prices.

 

I went with Monroe Loaded struts quite happy.

They have different part numbers left and right but I could not see a physical difference

. It might be a inventory thing . If someone buys just one.

Doing the lower ball joints while things are apart??

 

Thanks.

I understood from reading on here that the coils were of different lengths, hence the side specific "coil/strut" combinations. Is this not correct?

Looks like Monroe is the way to go.

Not planning on it. Just had everything underneath checked by a trusted mechanic & he saw no sign of any repair/replacement needed except for the shocks, which I already had figured out from the ride. I was planning to go with the combo on the front as it is about the same price as buying the struts & having them put in the old coils.

 

Another question: I have 31x10.5 15s. Ground to fender lip through center of wheel measures 36" +/- 1/4" on all four corners. Stock (I think) leafs have some arch & ~ 1800 lb trailer drops rear of truck ~3/4". Does this sound like I need new leaf packs?

 

it only drops your truck .75 of an inch? sounds like your leafs are perfectly fine

 

Thanks. That was my thought also but this is my first Tacoma so don't have anything to compare it to. I thought there was supposed to be some "rake" on the truck when new but no idea how much. Also no idea what the ground to fender lip should measure.