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Best Lift Shocks?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 03tacoma4x4, Sep 26, 2016.

  1. Sep 26, 2016 at 8:54 PM
    #1
    03tacoma4x4

    03tacoma4x4 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I have an 02 extended cab v6 4x4 that I was getting ready to lift with a set of Bilstein 5100 shocks. However I just saw a post on here where multiple and I mean multiple people have had problems with the 5100's leaking fairly soon after they had them put on. This kind of makes me leery of taking the 5100 path. So, does anyone else have a recommendation as to what other brand of Lift shock to go with? Ideally I'm wanting to stay stock in the rear end (with new shocks) and give the front around 1.5 inches. Any advice/recommendation is appreciated.
     
  2. Sep 26, 2016 at 9:22 PM
    #2
    FirstGen Jer

    FirstGen Jer Well-Known Member

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    Ome suspension is a tried and true good option .
     
    Wulf and geekhouse23 like this.
  3. Sep 26, 2016 at 9:29 PM
    #3
    Medina33

    Medina33 Well-Known Member

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    I had fox 2.0s you can pick them up at 4wp for 400$-450 each. I loved them!
     
  4. Sep 26, 2016 at 9:31 PM
    #4
    Midnighttaco08

    Midnighttaco08 Traffic Direction Moonlighter

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    I have sway away front coil overs and fox 2.0 in the rear.

    Both have been an excellent ride on and off road.
     
  5. Sep 26, 2016 at 10:00 PM
    #5
    TacoDell

    TacoDell Truck ~n~ Tow

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    First off shocks do not lift anything... it's the springs that determine lift.
    The shock simply dampens or slows down the up and down motion.

    If the shock's seal begins to leak prematurely...
    It is more commonly the fault of the installer
    Because the shock's travel is either too long or too short
    and is either extending or bottoming prematurely before the suspension does.

    This is a why bump stops are adorned (or even lengthened)
    as the suspension should bottom on those, not on the shock itself.

    Some folk even install limiting straps to ensure
    the suspension cannot droop too far
    and allow the shock to extend excessively and cause impact to that.
    I personally have never needed limiting straps.
    Because out back the leaf spring(s) extension is for fact the limitation.

    I utilize the Bilstein 5125's on mine (designed for 1" - 3" lift)
    5100's are generally utilized when retaining the stock ride height.
    My lift is approximately 2.5"

    The first Gen Tacoma have unequal length shocks out back
    due to their offset mounting positions (factory mounts).
    Don't remember the full part #'s off hand
    but do know they end in different #'s (--52 and --53 respectively)

    The 5125's are generic and designed to fit a chevy or ford I think.
    But if the eye bushing are changed to the correct size.
    Then they will mount to the original Tacoma shock mounts properly.

    Check out Wheeler's Off Road
    as they sell the appropriate length 5125's for the lifted 1st Gen Tacoma's
    and I believe they include or may pre-install the proper eye bushings.

    Bilstein I believe comes with a life time warranty...
    But not the 5125's... not sure why... but is what it is.

    I have had my 5125's installed since 2004
    and they do not leak... nor ever have.

    I feel they were more then worthy of my initial investment.
    And it's now 2016 and they're still doing their job without failure.
     
    geekhouse23 and Midnighttaco08 like this.
  6. Sep 26, 2016 at 10:07 PM
    #6
    Midnighttaco08

    Midnighttaco08 Traffic Direction Moonlighter

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    :bowdown:


    lol I suppose it does good to actually read OP's entire post
     
    03tacoma4x4[OP] likes this.
  7. Sep 27, 2016 at 8:22 AM
    #7
    devinzz1

    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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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...
    youl be fine with 5100s all around. fronts on the middle setting. they last a long ass time with just regular driving and theres always the warranty.
     
    03tacoma4x4[OP] likes this.

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