shocks & coils advice, please

I am new to Tacomas - and to the TW group, as my post count indicates. Thanks in advance for all your help. I hope to be able to give back someday.

I recently bought a 2007 TRD O/R Access Cab that needs its suspension refreshed. Toyota is graciously replacing my broken leaf springs via the recall program but I'm guessing the shocks and springs are due at 110,000+ miles, too. I would like some suggestions, please.

FYI, I drove for many years in the road racing world so I prefer a firm, not harsh, predictable drive with a good amount of feedback. I'm not looking to lift my truck beyond leveling the front. I rarely haul heavy loads or tow. The truck rides on the stock wheels and newer 245/75-16 Goodrich TA K02's. I live in Montana on dirt roads with plenty of snow, mud, ice, sand, and washboards, and I'm several hours by paved highway to the nearest "major" city - so I need versatility.

After checking the web I'm considering Bilstein 5100s all around (the Ride Height Adjustables up front). These look to be a good deal for $360 total at offroadwarehouse.com. Then there are the coils. I found a lot of information and suggestions for lifted trucks but not too much regarding pure function. Thanks, I appreciate all your input.

 

Billies or 5100s as they are affectionately referred to here are the most common choice for your application. The only add'tl consideration would be If your are keeping stock coils or if you are adding any weight to the front( i.e. New bumper, winch etc) and don't forget your Taco lean spacer.
Sounds like you wanted to replace the springs/coils. Old Man Emu (OME) 2884 springs (not to be confused with OEM) are typically the recommended replacement for closest to stock and set front billies at lowest setting. You will still get a little natural lift (virtually unnoticeable) from the new springs.

 

I wanted to piggy back this forum. I went and looked at my shocks and coils today. My truck is at 73k and I believe the spray coated the coils and shocks. It looks like they are in need of replacement.

 

Thanks tacobear! That's the info I've been looking for. From what I've been reading the OME product seemed to be designed for use with a lift. I have no plans to install a heavier bumper, winch, or plow so would the OMEs (perhaps a different spring weight than the 2884s?) still be a good choice? I do like the idea of using the lowest/shortest setting on the 5100s. BTW, do you happen to know the spring rate on the stock coils?
I need to check on the taco lean spacer. Does that differ from the cab/radiator mount fix?
As for the natural lift, it's ok. The original setup is so tired it could be 1-2" lower than new. And I'll look that much cooler, too....
I do appreciate the help.

 

You should reach out to Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road for some recommendations....they are great to work with and have very fair pricing (in addition to free shipping). I think 5100s and the OME 884 coils are a good place to start.

 

Thanks for the response, sticky. I will check with Marie.

 

Yes, Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road

Your experience allows you to articulate what you want better than most.

Is the lift you mention only for looks? You might skip that and retain the factory engineered rake to preserve it's benefits.

Of course if you're lifting for clearance, that's another story.

 

^^^THIS^^^
@tacoczar

The 884 won't give you lift that you would notice, if you use the lowest setting. It would just be incidental to the new hardware and at most maybe an inch above stock brand new. So, yes IMO, since you are not "looking" for any lift other than leveling, it still a great way to go if you're are replacing the springs.

Spacer is different than cab mount fix, at stock the driver side is about 1/4 or 3/4 lower.

not sure about the stock spring rates... I will be using my '08 stock coils (105k miles)when I finally get the $ for the front billies.

Definately get with Marie!!