2nd gen Tacoma Shocks on 1st gen tundra

I have a set of Bilstein shocks from my old truck (12' trd off-road tacoma) and i'm wondering if they would work on my 2005 tundra. They only have about 30k miles on them and the tundra is rolling with 130k on the factory shocks. I tried searching to see if the shocks are the same length seeing as a 2nd gen tundra pretty close to the same size as a 1st gen tundra. I cant find any info on them though. I tried comparing the tacoma shocks to the tundras and it looks like the will fit. I'm just trying to get an outside opinion before i go tearing into it. Also the tundra is not lifted, I will be installing a leveling kit though so nothing big.

 

Yeah they work, I have 2nd gen 5100 on my 06 Tundra.

 

Awesome. Im going to install them this weekend along with my leveling kit. Ill post up how everything goes. Thanks man

 

So did the shocks work? I have a 02 tundra and want to get new shocks. The front and rear off 2nd gen Tacoma fit the 1st gen tundra? Or just the rear? Thanks

 

WOW!!! This is exactly what I need as well. Just bought a 2002 2wd. I have 3rd gen trd sport shocks in my garage and wondering if they would fit? i know there may be a weight difference, but maybe not, since tacomas are probably as heavy now as tundras used to be

pretty old thread, but I just dont feel like starting over on another forum! Haha

 

Try it out, since you have everything out. Maybe pull one of the rears our and see the length. Then let us know lol

 

You arent wrong! As my kid would say.
I could certainly try the rears easily. I def will report back. Probably next week

 

Did you get to the install yet? I’m curious. My buddy has an 03 Tundra. Thanks!

 

I’m sorry, I havent yet. Im working on paint issues and cleaning it up still. i will report back here when I try it out. Should be easy. I have that “front end squeak” people talk about. Needs bushings for sure, ball joints seem fine?
front brakes also on the short list, but need to verify caliper. Then its to the shop for timing belt and wp/belts etc when they have time. Babies gonna be like new!

 

No problem. It is going to be like new! My buddy has an 03 Tundra 4wd access cab. He will be happy if it works. Good luck. Let me know how it goes!

 

Man Im feeling the peer pressure! Ok. Will try to knock out asap for y’all!!

 

Haha. It’s research!

 

So I got motivated and swapped the rears off my 2018 Sport onto the 2002Tundra. Easy swap. I will be driving about 100 miles tomorrow And report back. The Tacomas Hitachi shocks are maybe 1/2” longer, and certainly easily compressible, even compared to the very Old KYBs I took off. Were KYBs the oem brand? i may try the front coilovers this weekend. Look very similar as well

 

Nice. I guess you were motivated. Glad it worked out! Let us know how it rides and if you have any issues. Truck is getting there!

 

Rear end feels great. Nice ride. No bouncing. These Hitachis from the Tacoma Sports are a VERY cheaply made shock however, nowhere close to the Bilsteins 5100 or 5160s I prefer. I wouldnt rely on them for any rough stuff or significant weight on the rear end. will go ahead and install the front coilovers. Im expecting a mild lift perhaps as they seem longer, will try to measure before and after.

edited with photos. Easy job but VERY tight getting to top nut. Lift would make everything easier.

 

Thanks for getting back to us. I guess the real question is the fronts. Good luck and hope it works out for you! Keep us posted.

 

yes sir. Dont see an issue based on appearance
This thing haS/had Kyb Gas-adjust-shocks. does anyone watching Know if that was oem? Guessing not, but these things are Sooo old and beat up look original.
Looks like I have time today/tomorrow for the fronts

 

My buddy has the OEM Bilsteins in there still. 145k on them.

 

Makes more sense. Thanks.

 

Long story short. They dont fit.
1. The top hats are different spacing for the 3 bolt heads.
2. the shocks are vastly different, as you will see in the pix. The bottom coil flange is much higher up on the tacoma strut, and that, along with the extra coil would probably lift it 3” or so.
I tried to swap top hats even, but with the length of the Tacoma coils, my basic coil spring compressors could not even get them back together. The very old kyb I removed actually had more resistance to compression than the Tacoma Sport Hitachis. Im sure its how they designed these cheap a- - shocks tho.
i will likely get a coil over setup thats already put together in the future. All the bushings are pretty much shot, and need new roll bar bushings. sorry guys!