'99 Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

Hey, all:

New here. I was looking to replace my rear shocks on my '99 Taco, 4-Cyl, 4x4. So, I went down the road of buying Skyjacker Hydraulic 7000 shocks. I replaced one of the shocks - haven't replaced the second one yet, however, a few questions and observations that I would like to run by those with the knowledge.

1. When I removed the stock shock, it eventually expanded on its own. However, the SJ700 didn't expand on its own, only moved when I pushed or pulled it. Seems like it would expand, if it is under pressure.

2. When I pushed down on the back corner of the replaced shock, it didn't bounce, but bottomed out.

So, perhaps I need to replace the other side, thinking that the springs actually life the truck and currently, since I only have one replaced, it is somehow off balance?

Anyway, any help is greatly appreciated.

Peace.

Matt

 

Sounds like your new truck is just an oil filled shock, Not an Gas charged shock. Usually it is recommended to replace both shocks at the same time.

 

YotaDan:

Thanks, I just went back outside and did that. I only did one at first to do a quick test drive. Anyway, as I said went out and replaced the other shock. No improvement. So, I took a step back and did a comparative of both sides and in utter shock, discovered the following: see attached picture.

I can fix things in cars with instructions. However, I am not an expert and while this may have jumped out at somebody with the knowledge right away, it took me a second. Anyway, I recently read a post where there were some frame issues and I will see if I can pursue that.

Again, thanks, YotaDan.

 

Yep frame rust issue. Pull that thing outta there, Grind out the rust and well some new steel into the frame. Then Clean up the hanger, and weld it back in place.

 

OUCH that sucks! Hit up the rusty frame replacement threads...

 

ohhh thats nasty, you should be hittin up toyota for the buyback for sure

 

Thanks for the comments. I think I will take your advice and seek a buy-back. BTW, I am a happy Toyota owner and if they do buy it back, that is icing on the cake. I would use the money to get another Taco, which I would probably spice up.