'96 1st Gen 5 lug front struts/shocks

Looking into replacing all the shocks on my '96 5 lug Taco. Have been able to find rear shocks but having a hard time finding front shocks with coil springs. Any recommendations?

It's not lifted or anything...totally stock. With 189,000 miles and the way it rides I figure they need replacement.

Thanks!

 

Shocks on a 5lug are separate from the coil. I can pull it with only 3 bolts.

If you need to replace the coils then you must buy them separate and is alot more work to install

 

Oh I see. Can you not remove the shock and coil as one piece, like a regular strut? And then swap the springs off the vehicle? I have access to a strut spring compressor so not worried about that.

Any recommendations on brand? Seen some Bilstien, KYB, also Rancho? But seems like finding ones that fit a 5 lug is more difficult.

 

Bilstiens are fine. Coils you can get moog.
And now they have to come off separate. First you gotta pull the shock, then disconnect the uca from spindle so you can barley get enough space to compres the coil to remove it.
All the part number you need should be here https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...erd-suspension-guide-and-general-info.545351/

 

Ahh, ok, looked up how to change the front coils. That's a pain. I think I'll just put shocks on it and leave the stock coils in there, don't feel like messing with that.

Bilisteins are a bit more expensive than I thought. Not really wanting to spend $300+ on a set of shocks. Found a full set of KYB for @ $150 or so, which is more in line with what I want to spend. Is there anything wrong with KYB? They still ride ok? I always heard they made an ok shock but don't have a lot of experience with them myself.

 

I heard they still rude good and are still in budget

 

Ok awesome. I'll probably get a set of KYB shocks and just use stock springs. Thanks!

 

So to switch out just the shock you can just take these two screws and the top on off?
Thinking of doing the same. 172k original suspension

 

Yeap. Just those 2 bolts and top nut.

 

How convenient !

 

Am I able to put the 5100 bilsteins that say they are only for the 6 lug on my 5 lug I can fabricate but if I'm going to have to do all that I might as well order kings and build my own arms but I'm not trying to do that yet as it's still my daily???

 

They look like they have the same mounting points would I have to cut out my upper coil bucket and just use the bucket that comes on the 5100s??

 

use a bottle jack to put them back in, made it easy for me