Leafs or shocks first... rear end?

The lady has an older 2002 Taco with about 150k miles.. Still runs and drives great, but obviously the back end is a little worn out, rough, and goes over speedbumps pretty brutally.

To improve the ride a bit and soften things up should she replace the leafs first (or an AAL) or replace the shocks first?

Thanks!

 

This is just an anecdote, and not an answer... I tried to get new shocks and deaver j59s...
I didn't get shocks that would work with the j59s, some are being made, I hope to get
them soon. I'm running now with the new leafs and slap-wore-out who-knows-what
kind of shocks, it is ... OK ... ...

-Mike

 

Do both at the same time. Seriously, they are right down there in the same area and they compliment each other as the suspension works.

 

It really depends. If you plan to just keep it at stock height, I would go ahead with the shocks first. Given the age of these trucks, it's not hard to assume that the springs are also worn out. But the shocks will give you the most noticeable improvement in ride.

Very common shocks are the Bilstien 4600s (for stock height). However, if this person wants a softer ride, she may consider Monroes, as I hear (no personal experience with them) they provide a "softer" ride than billies. Keep in mind, it's a pickup truck, so a "soft ride" is relative.

If she is considering lifting the truck, I would decide on the springs first, THEN get the shocks to match at the same time.

But whatever you do, don't get an add-a-leaf if the goal is a softer ride.

 

Thanks for the input guys. Nah I don't think she wants a lift, and she's working on a budget.

4600's are the stock shocks right? Are there 5100's that fit or no? and I actually saw some "like-new" Monroes on CL locally. idk.

 

No, they aren't the stock shocks, even though the TRDs come with billstiens, they aren't 4600s.

If you look at a set of oem take-offs from a TRD, vs. the 4600s, they are larger diameter than the oem billsteins. There's an older thread around here somewhere that shows the difference...

The 4600s and 5100s are very close to being the same. They're essentially valved the same, afaik. The main difference is the front 5100s are height adjustable, and the rear 5100s are slightly longer and require at least 1" lift to fit. The front 5100s can be run at stock height.

 

Shocks are easy but I'm guessing your leaf springs are probably out too.

 

Usually these trucks ride softer as they age, not harder. I think what you need is just some new, firm suspension components that will give you more control over bumps, turns, potholes etc. Id grab a set of the Bilstein 4600's.

 

No lifting coming up, do the shocks first. Easy peasy and the OE shocks were done 100k ago anyway.

If you still have issues (or find that the springs are in poor condition while under there poking around), then deal with that.

 

Thx guys