I need shock help!

Ive been trying to find info on TW about this topic but there is TONS of info that isnt making much sense to me and not enough info in the areas i need it.

I have a 2003 4x4 tacoma and ive been hearing alot of creaking noises and been having a bumpy ride, so i figured id change the shocks and see if it fixed it, at 112k i figured im due anyway. From reading throughout the site it seems bilstein 5100 is the popular choice, but i cant seem to find them anywhere for 1st gen.
My other problem is at first it seemed easy to replace the shocks but after reading about leveling and spacers and ALL(?) my head is hurting and im wondering if this is a task too big for a saturday garage job

Thanks in advance!

 

Back shocks are easy. But front you will need to have a spring compressor that's high quality. Or you could use the jack stand floor jack method. But since you got so many miles on it. your best route to do it yourself is to buy the fronts put together. Plus the creaking might be your back leaf springs. So question is do you want a better ride or just stock or slight lift?

 

I may have a lift now but im unsure, i got it used. But whatever it is now id like to keep it the same. And id like a smoother ride but really i just dont want to damage my truck by having old shocks

 

Also my leaf springs seem ok but who knows

 

And do bilsteins come put together with the coils?

 

Yes sir

"some" places will sell kits http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/ToyTec-Coil-Overs-955-04-Taco-96-02-4RUN_p_355.html

 

Wheelers Off Road will assemble the coils and shocks pre-ship so all you have to do is bolt them on. I get a creaking in the back if I jump in the bed, but I dont do that often so it doesnt bother me much lol.

 

rebuilding front struts to reuse your existing springs is not hard. most auto parts stores will loan tools. borrow spring compressors and have at it. replacing rear shocks is pretty easy.

you can replace all four shocks w/ 5100 for $400 or less & reuse the front springs. obviously buying new front struts/springs built is an option but more $.

 

I was looking into OMU coils but they all seem to make the front end lift, but i dont want it lifted. Are there any other good coils that wont lift my front end?

 

Well, have you thought about buying some Toyota springs???????????????

 

I put my Old Man Emu 881 springs on 5100s with a friend in his garage.
It was easy. He had an old spring compressor that looks something like this.

 

I went against the grain, I put KYB Mono-Max shocks on mine and I have nothing but praise. I have been using KYB exclusively for over 15yrs. I have a buddy that has a frame and alignment shop for over 40yrs and that is all he'll recommend.

 

How in the world did you attach this spring compressor into a spring that surrounds the shock absorber?