New struts, front end is low

And the OEM bilsteins are not the 4600 series..
Rather than a 46 mm piston they are something like a 33 mm
And the 5100 series are also a 46 mm piston...

https://www.shocksurplus.com/blogs/...vs-5100-series-what-are-the-major-differences

 

I'm not looking to raise it beyond stock height. I just wanted to avoid hitting the bump stop, which I have so far achieved by removing that front hitch receiver. I just wanted to know why things were so far off from a part that was allegedly for a 15' Tacoma. I'm not a car guy and didn't know all these details about Tacoma strut assemblies until this fiasco. Had I known last week what I know now, I would have told my mechanic exactly what I wanted. Sounds like he's not too familiar with all of these details either, which is unfortunate because they're really good guys.

And yeah, the joints on the upper control arms are shot, so I'm planning on changing those out as well. The lower control arm bushings look beat as well.

I think I'm going to get 2" spacers put in to give myself more travel for the time being. I'll keep an eye out for what you guys suggested (OEM shocks/coils, as well as leaf springs! mine have flatlined, as in, they're literally flat), and plan on getting things changed later this spring. I can definitely change a tire. I just need to buy another jack stand and some proper sockets and build up the courage to give it all a go myself.

And I'd love to trade some beer and pizza (an even cash) for some local assistance! In suburbs north of Denver. Trying to figure out how to 'join a regional sub-whatever'.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/colorado.172/

 

I checked the monroe catalog and they list only one quick strut for the 15 tacoma.. So they dont make one specific to the TRD sport or TRD off road and the same for the 4 or 6 cylinder model.. Just a generic one size fits all. Maybe its just for the base/sr5 model... Thats probably what you have

 

Good catch!

 

dang. I’d go back to the mechanic and bring them the info that the parts they ordered were for a shared platform and not correct for your truck. Then come down into Denver and pick up one of the sets of suspension I have for free.

Maybe ask for a (partial) refund on the parts and a discount on labor to install the set I’ll give you.

 

Now that sounds like a plan.. Wouldn't go to all the effort to pull things apart to install a 2 inch spacer when you have to basically do it all over again to do upper/lower ball joints etc. And with an offer of free parts might as well do it all at once...

 

Whoa! Thanks man! That sounds amazing! I'm headed up to Summit County this evening, coming back on Sat or Sun. I'll message you! BTW, I just saw this and noticed in the other thread that someone else was interested. If they really want them and you can't wait to get rid of them, no worries at all. Totally understand if you want to hand them off to them.

 

That was a set from someone else up near Boulder. I have other sets.

 

I believe Tacoma's technically have coil overs as opposed to struts correct?

 

Your mechanics might be nice but they installed some "quick-strut" assemblies that lost you 2 inches of ride height. They need to work with you to take them off and get something correct in there..

 

Your upper ball joint cover is torn. That BJ is not going to last much longer.

 

So I'm planning on getting everything replaced all at once since the control arm ball joints and bushings are in bad shape. I'm going to do it myself but I don't want to make the same mistake and install terrible parts. Looking for control arms and came across this...

https://www.carparts.com/control-ar...acoma&vehicle[make]=Toyota&vehicle[year]=2015

Does this look legit? Or should I opt for a specific manufacturer?

 

$245 for everything? No way. It's either complete junk or not legitimate. Of course, one could argue they're the same thing.

 

Unless your lower ball joints look wrecked, I would leave them alone. Most, if not all, people on this forum will tell you that OEM for the lower control arm is the way to go. The upper is debatable imo.

I replaced my uppers with Moogs and they've been ok. My stock ones were at 150k, but no torn boots.

 

@slydero someone is selling brand new take-off UCAs super cheap in the thread below. If you don't get them locally from that other guy, I'd jump on these. OEM is going to be better than any aftermarket stuff by far.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ake-offs-300-miles-on-them-75-shipped.824090/

 

Thanks wi_taco!

 

Update:

About a month ago, found a set of 2020 OEM takeoffs on FB Marketplace. The guy also had OEM UCA's in perfect condition. $120 for everything. The struts had these terrible spacers mounted on top that couldn't be taken off easily (the spacer IS the strut mount, not on top of the strut mount). Got the spacers off myself using ratchet straps to keep the coils from popping. Ordered KYB strut mounts and had a very cool local shop assemble them for me for $30 (Big O Tires wanted $169 per strut assembly, which basically meant they didn't want me there). Got the new struts on and front end is slightly above stock height. Not hitting the bump stops anymore. Woot!

Left a message with my mechanic asking them to warranty the crap struts back to Napa. Hopefully they're able to do it and I can recoup some of my lost money.

Thanks everyone for your help/suggestions.