Do I need new shocks?

I ended up keeping my Grandpas Tacoma and on the way home I noticed a weird side to side bounce instead of something more predictable and smooth. I think it feels like I have 1 bad shock on the front driver side. Does that diagnosis sound right?

If that is correct what else should I check/replace while I'm at it?

'96 w/ 44k miles

 

Very low miles, but shocks can go over time regardless of miles. Maybe start there. Remember though, it is a truck.
Manual... Auto trans? Body style?

 

With that low of miles chances are only the shock is bad. Inspect it and check for any oil leaking out of it and also inspect the bushings on each end. If you see oil or the bushings are cracked/crumbling then a replacement would do you good. Personally, I'd just save up, bite the bullet, and get new shocks for all 4 corners of the truck as if one shock is going bad, the others might give out soon as well

Do you hear any sounds when the truck bounces like that?

 

right...its a 4x4, xtracab, v6, automatic

yeah, I would get a set of 4.

no noises....well its new to me so nothing that sounds bad/loud. I'll pay more attention next time I drive it.

 

As said by G59 ...have a good look at the shocks. At that age I'd replace all four anyway. Very nice...a '96 with 44k...congrats!!

 

Stock shocks on a 23 year old truck with 44K on it. I would replace them. I would also look at the bushings. Bad bushings on the control arms and/or springs can cause a lot of movement also. Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW, 44k on a 96 is low doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Check all rubber bushings/belts & components as rubber deteriorate over time basically your looking for dry rubber(cracking) . Check Fluids as well.

Post some pics let’s see the truck!

 

That thing sounds like a death trap. I'd be willing to help out and take it off your hands, you know, to protect you, for say $4500.

 

Get the Bilstein shocks. Cost more but last very long. Put them on my Tacoma.

 

You can bilstiens for 60$ on Amazon. Rears are cheaper

 

shocks
toyota made really good stuff, i still have all around original @ 22.5 years
no noticeable problems, suspension feels so very firm still and not sloppy on the craters, just a little rough it seem i attribute to horrific road maintenance
i am looking to get them inspected before winter hits, they will probably be ok but i have no clue about this sort of stuff

 

A new set of stock damping-rate shocks will improve your life...trust me.

 

Ended up with some napa response shock/struts, I wanted to get them in before the snow that came in last night. Took me all day sunday to swap them out.

I've never had to mess with a spring compressor before, it was a pain. But now that I have messed with it I will definitely get the whole strut/spring combo next time.