Help, I need Shocks/Struts

Hello, fellow Tacoma owners,

I am in need of a new suspension system for my 2017 SR5 Tacoma (4WD) with 100k miles.

I will be honest: I am not the most mechanically inclined, and I have become overwhelmed with the options and parts while browsing for new shocks/struts. I do not know where to begin, and my truck needs front struts very soon as they are at the end of their life.

What I am looking for is front and rear shocks that are budget-friendly, off-road capable, and durable. I don't know the difference between all of the options I've been seeing online. I am based in Utah, but I drive around the country quite frequently, so I am driving mainly on highways with the occasional off-road venture to a campsite. I'm not even sure what I need to buy. I was going to order some kit online and have a mechanic install it. I'm worried I will buy the wrong kit, wrong parts, etc.

I was hoping to get some direction from this community, as I see lots of insightful posts on this webpage. Thank you all in advance for your help. I look forward to reading your replies.

 

If "budget-friendly, off-road capable, and durable" is what you're after, then the popular Bilstein 5100 kit is likely what you want.
It also has options to go in increments from zero lift up to about 2" lift (you didn't mention whether you wanted lift or not, but the option is there).

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p4942/KIT:_Bilstein_5100_HS16BK-1_with_optional_AAL_[Tacoma_16-23].html


Also, a friendly little lesson on shocks vs. struts: What we have on our trucks are coilover shock assemblies (often called coilovers or even just shocks).
With a strut, there is no upper control arm (UCA), instead the strut is attached (bolted) directly to the wheel spindle/knuckle to support it (most commonly seen on sedans & minivans). Tacoma has both lower & upper arms supporting the knuckle, the shock is attached to the lower arm. If you ever get the chance to peek under a sedan (Camry, for example), you'll see right away the difference (no UCA).

Welcome to TW

 

What's your budget before labor cost?

You'll probably want to get yourself a set of OEM UCA as well. Pick up a set of low milage or take-offs from a 3rd gen. Since you're changing out the shocks, you might as well have the mechanic change out the upper arms as well. I'd recommend a set of low milage OEM TRD Pro front and rears. Should be around $1200-$1500.

Since you're an SR5, you can even pick up a set of OEM Tacoma TRD Off-Road Bilstein shocks ($300-$500). That would be an upgrade from your Hitachi SR5 shocks. If you pick up a set of 5100 as mentioned by 4x4junkie, you'll want to purchase a new set of springs. Don't reuse your old SR5 ones. You'll want to get a set of new top hats and rubber bushing as well.

Get some of the guys from your firehouse to help with the labor if you can. If not, you can easily at least install the rear shocks. It's super easy but the fronts can be a tad bit harder without the proper tools.

 

If you are going to do it yourself and friends, make sure that you have an appointment the next day at a trustworthy alignment shop.

 

I really appreciate the recommendation, and the breakdown on our shock assemblies. Thank you very much! I will probably go with the Bilsten 5100 Kit!

 

Much appreciated, this is something I would not have considered. So it looks like this upgrade might cost a little more than I was expecting, but I want the truck to be capable and last a while so I'll have to make the investment.

 

Also, when you say a new set of springs, do you mean Leaf springs? Thanks.

 

I also vote 5100s you're looking for budget friendly. I'd get them from @memario1214 at Hotshot Offroad. He answered all my questions when I was looking at getting new shocks

 

@ill ay was likely referring to the coil springs that go on the front 5100s. I would agree it probably couldn't hurt to get new ones since you said yours have 100K on them (from what I've seen, the OME/ARB 885 (2885) looks to be the most popular replacement for those). If you get the 5100s pre-assembled, you could actually install them yourself pretty easily. Only thing is you'll need to decide ahead of time how much lift (if any) you want them set for (a heavy-duty spring compressor is required to change the height setting). UCAs shouldn't be needed unless you go 2" lift or over.

Are you wanting a small lift, like 1-2"? (and/or maybe you carry a lot of weight often?) Replacement leaf springs definitely are a worthwhile upgrade if you do... I have the Icon RXT leafs on mine which are configurable for different lift-height/load-carrying options, but there are some other good options out there as well (such as Dobinsons and Deaver).

 

I also vote for the Bilstein 5100’s. I travel around North America in my truck and do a decent amount of light-to-medium off roading along the way. I’ve had the 5100’s (front and rear) for about 50K miles now and I love them.

pic of my truck just for fun:



I think they are an excellent mix of budget friendly and reliability.

 

Another potential option would be the Eibach Pro Truck setup. It appears to be a straightforward bolt-in set. The few reviews that I've seen claim better ride quality than the Bilsteins.

I just ordered a set for my 2018. We'll see how it all goes.