Replacing Factory Suspension. Advice for rookie?

Hey all. Been lurking for a while. FYI, I am a total novice here in all respects. I have a 2004 Tacoma with factory suspension that is super worn out, which I would like to get replaced. I have poured through all the suspension threads, but most of your mods are way over my head. I'm going to have a shop take care of the install, but I would be so grateful if someone would give me some advice on what I may be looking for so I don't get screwed by the shop. What would be a good upgrade from the factory suspension? Nothing crazy for extreme off-roading, just a basic suspension replacement. I wouldn't mind coming up an inch or so, but maybe new suspension will have that effect anyway?

Anyhow, would really appreciate any tips or pointers would could provide a noob. I am super stoked about this truck, and I intend to keep it forever and learn how to work on it myself. But, baby steps. Thanks in advance!

 

Just went through this with my 2003 DC. 350,000 miles on the original TRD suspension... it rode like a 90's Cadillac with blown air bags. Most of what I could find on TW was far too extreme for my taste. I was looking for an upgrade to the stock TRD suspension, but wanted to remain as close to stock as possible. I went with the following:

- Bilstein 5100s front and rear
- New top hats
- OME 881 coils
- 1/4" Wheelers Offroad spacer (for drivers side)
- General Spring HD rear leafs with new hardware (bolts, u-bolts, etc.)

I'm extremely happy with the setup. The ride height came out 1.5" above stock height. I didn't want a lift, but after all my research I realized you can't find anything that (other than replacing everything with OEM party) won't add lift to your truck. The rear leafs were the hardest thing to nail down as there are SO MANY OPTIONS! I ended up with the General Spring HD's because they fit my price point and were a heavy-duty upgrade to the stock springs. I occasionally carry heavy things in the bed and tow a small hybrid camper that weighs roughly 2,800 lbs. dry. The HD springs accounted for heavier loads and towing. All of the other spring options are about $200-$300 more expensive and are progressive springs that aren't necessarily rated for towing and carrying heavy loads in the bed of the truck.

I did the install myself with a friends help and I think all the party came in right around $1000, which was about $200 less than I originally planned on spending. Final product looks and performs great.

 

Hey speargoose, your talking my language...My situation too...2004 Taco that I want to keep forever. I'm a noob, and have done "some" work myself mostly from what I've seen on Youtube. I just changed out my rear bumper due to excessive rust (...it went well except for that one bolt that would not catch the threads until I solicited for more help...but ultimately got it installed and looking good.). I look forward to seeing the responses you get because I'm sure I'll be in that position sometime in the future. I have 173k miles now and hope to get to at least 250k PLUS!!!

 

In my experience - best to have a "side piece" car to drive around while you work on the Tacoma. That was my best mod. lol It's a lot of work rebuilding the suspension but highly rewarding as stated by other members.

 

First I've heard of doing this...

Although strength isn't the weakness of the Tacoma BJs, it's the design its elf that's the problem. My suspicion is that they're identical parts, anyway.

 

Funny, I get yet another PN for a lower RH BJ for a tacoma:
43330-39556

https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem...&Submodel=4+Wheel+Drive&Filter=()&Location=pd:,

Early Tundras share a lot of parts with the Tacomas. They basically just stole Tacoma parts and used them for the Tundra.

 

I used a 2004 Tacoma, btw...

My main point is that even if some model year Tundras have compatible BJs, that doesn't mean they are stronger simply because they were on a Tundra. As I said, earlier, Tundras borrowed a bunch of stuff from the Tacos.

It's effectively the same part.

 

Again, being a different part number doesn't mean squat, as our 2 different PNs for tacoma BJs illustrates.

You are giving yourself a false sense of security if you think that Tundra balljoints are somehow stronger. Like I said, strength is not the issue with the balljoints, it's the design, and all the BJs we're talking about share the same flawed design.

Tundras are prone to the same balljoint failures as tacomas and 4runners.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/toyota-truck-4runner-tundra-balljoint-failures-244804/
https://www.tundras.com/threads/lower-ball-joint-failure.2169/

 

Whatever you install, just check them religiously.