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How to change my shocks?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Swivot, Oct 1, 2017.

  1. Oct 1, 2017 at 3:16 PM
    #1
    Swivot

    Swivot [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I am in need of new shocks for my Toyota Tacoma 2001 4by4. I am planning on going with the OEM shocks for my model. They are bilsteins 5400 i believe? or are they 4800?

    From what I have heard the fronts are dificult to coil the springs so for those I will take to a shop. But for the rears I think I can do it. Does anyone have a step by step guide for removing shocks on my model? Can you get away with not jacking your car up?

    Thanks
     
  2. Oct 1, 2017 at 3:17 PM
    #2
    TheCookieMonster

    TheCookieMonster cookies!!!!!!!!!!!

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    5100 or 4600
     
  3. Oct 1, 2017 at 3:21 PM
    #3
    Sicyota04

    Sicyota04 Slowly but surely.

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    Morgan
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    The rears are simple. Don't pay a shop to do the fronts either. You can do it! You can buy the fronts preassembled too. That makes it even easier. @Timmah! might have a video on it
     
    kgt0001 and Timmah! like this.
  4. Oct 1, 2017 at 4:56 PM
    #4
    Dalandser

    Dalandser ¡Me Gustan Las Tacos-mas!

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    This video shows you how to do everything short of unbolting the coilover in three places at the top. Not rocket surgery ;) And don't replace your lower control arm bushings thinking it's part of swapping out coilovers :p

     
    DustStorm4x4 likes this.
  5. Oct 1, 2017 at 7:13 PM
    #5
    Timmah!

    Timmah! Well-Known Member

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    No, No, No, No! Don't take your struts to a shop. Rent some spring compressors for free at an auto parts store like O'Reillys and do it yourself. An impact gun is nice to have so you don't get the arm workout but it's not necessary. I did the shocks on my 3rd Gen 4runner with rented compressors and a 1/2" ratchet. It's a workout but it's better than paying somebody to do it for you. In my area of the People's Republic of California, shops wanted crazy money to replace the shocks for me. So, I said to hell with these places and did it myself. If you have a shop that charges very reasonable rates for a job that takes them very little time with their professional spring compressors, then maybe go for it. With a professional grade compressor, they can literally change out the shocks in around 10 minutes. I had a shop quote me $200 to do two struts for me. What a ripoff.

    Here's a lift video that will show you all you need to know about doing the front struts:

    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0HJx6HH2yno" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     

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