Need Suggestions: New Shocks

Hello all, I have an 06 Tacoma V6 4x4 TRD Offroad with 172k on it.

I'm currently experiencing a pretty rough ride, especially in the rear, and when i'm going around corners and hit a small bump I can sort of feel the back end almost jumping around.

I'm not sure the suspension has ever been replaced (I bought the truck recently and Toyota dealer has lots of records of maintenance but none for the suspension)

I don't do much off-roading or heavy hauling, other than the occasional camping trip up in the mountains (I live in MT).

Is it likely just the shocks that need replacing? The leaf springs were done by the dealership when I bought it on a recall.

If it is just the shocks, what is the best bang for my buck for mostly normal driving conditions?

If there is more info needed I'll be happy to provide.

 

Bump on this one!

 

If you wanted something that is a slight upgrade from stock you could do the bilstien 5100 and just leave them at stock height

 

X2, I bought the Bilstein 5100 fronts/backs about 2 years ago. The install on the rears is pretty straightforward, so I did it myself and made a big difference. I have been going back a forth whether I want to try the install on the fronts myself. I also have a 2006 and would highly recommend getting them replaced if they are original, the handling and comfort will be well worth it IMHO.

 

The fronts are an easy swap.

 

Super easy. Drop ball joint. Hit flat spot on spindal with hammer. Undo top 3 bolts. Undo bottom bolt. Take note if instructions say shock has a misalignment spacer. Bolt it all back up. Good to go

 

I’m about to buy the 5100s..did you have to replace the struts in the front as well? Or did you just replace the shocks with no issue?

 

Tacomas don't have struts...they have coilovers. You are replacing the shock absorber element, the only thing you need to do is decide if you want to keep your factory springs that go around the shock body or go with a different one. I would highly recommend paying the difference and having Wheeler's or whoever build up a set for you than dealing with a janky ass spring compressor

 

Toyota’s actually replacing my frame and said they’d throw on the new shocks with no extra labor charge so I will not be doing it myself..I was just trying to get clarification on if I need to buy anything else in addition to new shocks.

I was told that if I raise the front 2” that I need new struts..but if there’s no struts in the front that seems to be pretty bad advice lol