Needs new struts without a lift

1998 Tacoma SR5 V6 31/10.5

What if I just want to replace the suspension all around without lifting it? The struts are shot at 225K.

What would I need to turn an SR5 into the stock TRD off road version without lifting it?

Everywhere I look online seem to only have lift kits.

I just replaced the leaf springs with Dorman leaf so now I am just looking for the struts.

Thanks in advance!

 

Go with Bilstein 4600s.

 

Do I need the coilover or just the shock?

 

Call Marie @HeadStrong Off-Road and you'll get the right recommendation at the right price.

 

With that amount of miles, I would replace the whole assembly. I recently tried just replacing shocks on a 95 3.4L 4x4 (255,000) truck of mine, and could still tell by the trucks reaction to uneven roads that the springs were weak.

I don't put a lot of miles on my trucks, nor do I off road as a sport. So, I tend to buy less expensive parts for some things, and I went with Gabriels off of Amazon. They seem fine for my driving purposes. The Bilstiens are definitely far superior though if you plan to run a lot of miles and want a good quality part.

 

Also, if you are doing the work yourself, spring compression is a pain, and slightly risky activity. Done it numerous times and it's not for the faint at heart.
BTW, I know the safety pins are not engaged. They get stuck and bent on this particular type tool, but the gap in our coils seems to be less than others, and this is the only type rental tool that I have found that fits them.

 

Bilstein makes a front shock that has 3 different spring preload positions. It can be used as a small lift, maybe 1 to 1 - 1/2 lift for leveling the stance.

 

I second the 4600s recommendation.

 

I bought KYB Gas a Just shocks and struts on Rockauto and have been happy with them. No offloading expierence or anything with them though.

I had the same problem too!
I hate working with spring compressors too! The key is to use a ratchet and tighten each side evenly.

 

Bilstein 4600s all the way around.

Front shock with spring assembled are called "coilovers"

Rear shock is just a shock

Our trucks do not use struts

 

I have some Monroe’s on mine that work fine. I guess 4600 bilsteins are a good way to go as well my man

 

For under $400 these look good, but it says “struts” in the description.

https://www.4wheelparts.com/p/bilst...B2w_bpu-Fyov24FwnEXnXdjGx2qGgM8RoCs10QAvD_BwE

 

They're just selling parts, they don't care.

If you buy those shocks, you'll still need coils, and assembly.

 

Can I put the coils I already have on the new shocks or do I Need new ones?

 

You can, but coils are cheap enough to replace.

Over time, coils begin to flatten, and you'll lose your stock height as your coils get older.

If they're short enough compared to stock length coils when new, they can affect the damping your shocks provide.

 

Hmm. I was not able to find Bilsteins with coil overs. What am I doing wrong?

 

You’re not calling Marie at @HeadStrong Off-Road like someone suggested.... or calling @Wheeler's Off-Road Inc that’s what your doing wrong...

Both great companies with lots of helpful knowledge.

 

Correct.

Though I'd hit up Wheeler's; Headstrong OR never replied to my tagging them, sending them PM's, or answering their voicemails at all on multiple occasions.

Could just be me IDK.

 

Marie at Head strong is on a holiday vacation right now. I was unable to contact them. I did call wheelers and they advised that Bilsteins do not come with a coilover. They said I have to either buy new ones and assemble myself or use the factory ones. Seems like KYB might be the best option if the factory coils are now flattened as someone mentioned. Can I get the TRD ones if I have an SR5?

Can you tell by the picture how little space I have between the tire and the front fender flare in my profile pic if the coils are flattened?

 

have you seen these:

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/prod...9022716077317846&EngineId=5751112486423968896

I'm thinking of getting them, but looking for feedback from anyone riding on these first.