Do I need springs/coilovers?

Hello all,

quick question about replacement shocks since I am mechanically inept…

I have a 2012 TRD OR that need the shocks replaced. I’m not trying to lift the truck (but wouldn’t mind up to an inch or so) so I’m looking at the Bilstein 4600. I hear these are nice upgrade over OEM. While shopping online I am seeing them presented in photographs both with and without springs. Do I need the springs or just the shock? What are the springs for and is there an advantage to having them if I’m not lifting the truck?

thanks
C

 

For the front of these trucks, it's called a Coilover, meaning the coil spring that supports the weight of your truck attaches to the shock absorber and installs together as a unit. You can buy just a shock, but you have to have your coilover disassembled to re-use your current spring. That's not easy or safe unless you have proper tools. A good shop can do this, but it costs labor. If you buy a coilover that's complete, you can just remove what's on there, and bolt the other in. Much simpler, but costlier since you are buying more parts and the labor to put them together. I like to buy them complete, as I would be installing them myself.

 

Also, the springs could wear out over time, and you may want to replace them. But if your truck is currently stock (without heavy bumpers or winch on the front) they could be perfectly fine. When I bought my last set, I made sure to buy heavier duty springs that could support more weight, that's another reason to buy a new spring, but only needed cor certain use cases.