how long do the original shocks last? Base 2003 Tacoma

in my experience, the OEMs of most manufacturers only last 30k to 50k miles...they use cheap shocks...whenever i've used Bilsteins as replacements, they usually last in the 100k mile range...they are kind of expensive but worth it, i think.

How long did your original Taco shocks last before going bad?

 

My 2003 X-cab has 109K on the rear OEM shocks. Ironically, I am replacing them tomorrow. The front was replaced around 60K.

 

makes sense since the rear doesn't have much weight...unless you load the bed a lot.

 

All depends on driving style/terrain/what's been hauled in the truck. Personally my rears went out around 50k they were leaking an weak. My front lasted about another 10k miles.

 

My 03 DC TRD came w/ Tokico shocks and i changed them at 120,000. Only reason i changed them was b/c i switched to a 6 ply tire thinking they would help soften the ride. No such luck so back to p metrics. Used Bilstein hd's when switched.

 

I should have specified that I don't haul much in the bed of the truck very often. I am putting Dakars on this weekend as well since the rear leafs are starting to frown.

 

replaced front and rear shocks today at 56k....originals blown out. truck has seen light duty. Bilstein replacements much better than OEM.

bought them online and saved quite a bit.

 

My suspension has 170,000 miles on it. Shocks included.

Wheel it every spring/summer, haul stuff a lot of time, carry gear for snowboarding trips in winter, etc...

 

170k miles Madjik man...that is great. Are the original shocks on your truck Bilsteins or another high quality brand? I do know that some of the trucks have upgraded shocks as part of a package.

Mine were completely shot, all four. No resistance and I could easily compress them. Looking forward to driving it and feeling the difference. They definitely needed replacement.

 

Original shocks on my 01 XCab 4WD with 120K and primarily street driven. Seems to ride and handle okay to me. My dealer has yet to advise me of replacement during my last annual state inspection.

 

They are the original OEM Bilsteins that came on the TRD models.

Not to be confused with the aftermarket Bilsteins that are a much higher quality shock.

My suspension is beyond shot. Has been for years.

 

My stockers on my current car were long dead at 46k miles and 7 years old.

 

2003 tacoma, sitting on 104,000 miles with original shocks. I don't beat on them that hard but have hauled heavy loads and the occasional dirt roads/trails.

 

My oems lasted about 80k, I had ranchos which lasted probably like 30k now I've had bilstein 5100 for about a year or 25k, they're awesome

 

My 2003 has almost 155,000 on them. OEM bilstiens, they are shot. Mostly a daily driver, I want to cringe every time I hit a bump for fear of bottoming out, then followed with a side to side rock. OME lift soon.

 

My suspension definitely needs replacing....I want to upgrade to an OME setup but my scottish heritage makes me a cheap bastard. Sigh.

 

My experience is a bit different:

At 60k miles one of the rear shocks wore out and the truck would wobble above 65 mph when going around a curve and hitting a low spot at the same time.

At 70k miles I got the wobble again and had to replace both rear shocks. Maybe just bad luck - I dunno. Both sets were Bilsteins, BTW.

 

How do you tell if your shocks need replacing? Just by feel?

 

Some folks pump each corner up and down until it gets going good, then let go. If the truck bounces more than once you may want to consider replacing both the left and right.

Also, take a look at your shocks. If you see any signs of leakage that shock should be replaced.

 

Well, I have to take back my statement about my shocks. I'm at 120K. Went to the dealer for differential , transfer case, and manual trans fluid change. They did everything for about $275 with tax. While doing so they discovered a leaky front shock. Wanted $500 to replace. Took it over to Sears and got both front and rear done including alignment for about $540 tax included. They were on sale. Munroe shocks with lifetime guarantee.