Ideas on New Shocks

Good Morning,

I was going to ask the experts on here about my issue that I am having and see if I could get any extra opinions: My 2017 Toyota Tacoma SR Extended cab is RWD and I am going to have to replace the front end shocks within the next 6 months. I am on a budget and wondering if anyone has some ideas on how much it would cost to 1.) Just get the front shocks replaced versus 2.) Putting in a few inch lift kit on the front to level out with the back versus 3.) Just putting on a whole 3 inch lift kit.

If anyone has some ideas on the cheapest yet decent shocks and how cheap it will cost me to get these 3 separate ideas done, it would be greatly appreciated. I understand it is going to also depend on the shop that I decide to take it to, however, I’m sure there is a ballpark of how much these will cost?

Happy Independence Day Everyone,
Zach

 

Hey Zach- I am 100% not an expert, but I had Bilstein's put on my 2013 Tacoma and have been pleased with them. I don't do any challenging off-roading, just drive ranch roads out in the boonies. I got Bilstein B8 5100's Ride Height Adjustable that are basically entry level with regard to suspension mods. They do, however, have the ability to add 0-2.8" of lift to the front of your truck. I actually added a leaf to my rear springs, and used these to level things out, and get a small overall lift.

 

This . The ride improvement is worth every penny.

 

Good observation, I failed to mention the really significant ride improvement.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Thx! I’ve used the site a bunch but couldn’t necessarily get the full use without being a member. Don’t know why it took me so long to actually sign up! Had my truck for about six years, second Tacoma for me

 

Welcome! I have found Shock Warehouses guides super helpful for what you are looking for:
https://www.shocksurplus.com/pages/choosing-shocks-for-your-2016-2023-toyota-tacoma

 

Thank you for the insight. I have been looking at that warehouse socks sale that you sent me. I am just wondering how much in labor something like this could be done for?

 

If you have some access to basic tools, suspension is a great place to jump in and do the work yourself. Usually you would replace all four shocks because they have the same miles of wear. Replacing front shocks and leveling the front end are about the same thing work wise. Lifting the whole thing involves a bit more pieces. Rear shocks are super easy. The only big kicker is buying the new front shocks with or without the coils already installed. If going DIY spend the money and get them with coils so it's just a bolt up. I think you would find many videos on YouTube and half a day, maybe 1 extra friend to help and you could do it. I think it may cost $250-500 and you could call a local shop to get a better quote. But if you DIY that money you can put into better parts.

 

I went with a local 4WD shop. I could have done the rear shocks myself, but the front, with the coil springs, scared me a bit, and I didn't want to buy spring compressors and use them the first time on my truck. Mine was around $500 in 2022.

 

Thank you RomeoGolf and grizzlyoutlaw. I am going to first find the suspension I am wanting and then look into some local shops to pay to have it done. I called 2 places here in Knoxville, Tennessee - where I live - and they quoted me at $1,200 - $1,500 for labor but it was the first two shops I saw on Google search for Auto Suspension shops and I know am realizing they were way overpriced. I am going to look at some of the surrounding counties that are not big cities and find a smaller shop that is still capable. I believe I could get it all done for right under $1,000 total. Thank you guys, I knew you’d be able to give me some helpful insight!

 

Holy crap, that is an absurd amount of money! I would say, just offhand, to not look at a specific auto suspension shop because they specialize, and will charge a premium, especially if you bring your own parts. This is basic auto maintenance that I would imagine nearly any shop could do. My shop charges a different rate if you supply the parts, because they don't have the opportunity to make any profit on the parts. Might be worth finding the parts you want, and then finding out the total cost from a shop if they order and install, or if your provide and they install. Really made a difference in the ride and leveled the front end out for me, and I don't bottom out the front shocks going over bumps. Good luck!

 

Yeah, this is the only real hard part of the install and I avoid that everytime.

This is what I ordered for my first gen:
https://www.shocksurplus.com/products/bilstein-5100-assembled-system-16-21-toyota-tacoma
If you select the pre assembled option everything comes ready to bolt up without having to do the spring compressor part. Skipping the Bumpstops, UCAS rear lift, you end up with a leveled solid ride for around $800.
OR
https://www.suspensionlifts.com/sho...o-truck-lift-kit-for-2016-2023-toyota-tacoma/

With those preassembled, its a pretty easy DIY install. If you are going to have a shop do it, skip buying pre assembled with new coils. That will save some money but may not get you leveled. If you are keeping the truck for a long time Bilstein 5100 or 4600 are the way to go. If you are not sure and really want to go budget, check out RockAuto. they have some seriously cheap but questionable long term shocks.

 

Boy, if DIY, the pre-assembled is the way to go for sure! You really add some value there, and the additional cost looks like it is $150 to pre-assemble them to your specs. If you are handy, you can really save some money, and put in a superior package. I paid around $1200 total for my setup, with the 5100's (I used the old coils), a diff drop, and and add-a-leaf spring kit. The ride and performance is MUCH better, and I got a bit of a lift out of it, so I'm not dragging my ass going through washes, etc. I didn't want to do any kind of substantial lift, because that gets expensive fast, just to level everything out.

Funny story- I had just got the truck, and found a camper shell for it (long bed, a little harder to find). I loaded all my stuff in there, and got everything secured, and was proudly walking around, admiring my setup. I pulled out of the garage, and went to lock the tailgate, and guess what!!!!

I went through two Pop&Locks before deciding that they were junk. Dust gets inside and ruins them immediately...