new to me 97 tacoma 4x4 v6 - rear suspension swap

new to TW, first post.
I bought a 97 tacoma 4x4 V6 about a month ago with 136k on it. took it to the shop that did the timing belt at 135k for an inspection, pretty much the only thing the recommended was the rear shocks since the bushings are trashed and new tires. ended up putting on the discount tire pathfinder ATs since my brother works there and got me a deal for$600

i am in the process of swapping out the rear shocks with Bilstein 5100, truck is stock and not planning on lifting. Having some troubles listed below.

got the left side off but the mounting rod is pretty gunked up, any suggestions on how to clean this up so the new ones slide on? degreaser and wire brush?

the right side is a pain, any ideas on how to get these suckers off?

 

Welcome. To get the stuck one off you could try a pry bar between the shock and the bracket or just remove the tire and hit the shock with a hammer. For cleaning them up the method I would use is a half worn out or 180ish grit flap disc on an angle grinder but a putty knife or a wire brush should work if the post is not deformed. If it is then you probably want to go the grinder route. Be careful to just dress it and not to remove to much material.

As for lube I use super lube for suspension parts and brake pins.

$13 Super Lube 92003 Silicone Lubricating Grease with PTFE, 3 oz Tube, Translucent White

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Lube-9...ywords=41160+super+lube&qid=1614183898&sr=8-5

 

You could try heating it up with a torch and wiggling it off while grabbing it with a pair of adjustable pliers.

Edit: Ohp, nevermind. Haha I thought that was the bushing that was still stuck on there. Never seen one get all deformed like that. I would probably use a file or a flap-wheel disc to take off the extra material. Be careful if you use a grinder not to take off too much material. That would be no bueno.

 

At stock height, the 5100's are going to be too long. You need at least an inch lift for them to work.

You need to get the 4600's. Basically the same shock, but meant for stock heights.

 

thank you all for the input. i might have to take the rear right tire off and go to town on it with a hammer. as for the mounting rod i am thinking degreaser and a wire brush attachment with the cordless drill.

@jbrandt - i spoke to the manager at 4 wheel parts and he said the 5100s would be fine on a stock. found the below on Bilstein website -
DESCRIPTION
Bilstein 5100 1-1.5″ Rear Lift Shocks for 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
Part: 33-247724_33-247717
Rear Shocks are advertised for 1-1.5″ of lift, but we noticed that they will still work fine with 0″ or stock height
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...-lift-shocks-for-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma-4wd/

I haven't put on the 5100s yet (obviously lol) but you think i need to go with 4600s on the stock frame?

 

Bilsteinlifts.com is not affiliated with Bilstein the manufacturer (look at the bottom of the homepage).

I would default to the manufacturer's specs over a website stating "we noticed they fit just fine"

 

And I would not trust anything 4 wheel parts tells me.

 

I'd go with the 4600's if you looking for stock ride height. I put four on my 03 DC last summer, and I'm happy with them.

 

@jbrandt i was a bit skeptical with that listing. I will go with the 4600s.

thanks for the help everyone

 

Yeah, the "well the manufacturer says this, but we think they're wrong" is usually not a good sign, lol.

 

can anyone confirm these are the correct part #'s for the 4600s

24184960 - rear left
24184977 - rear right

 

I would do the opposite actually.
Manufacturer doesn't test for all scenarios, retailers have that flexibility of providing feedback from other customers.

 

I mean, sure, that's a great way to void any sort of warranty, but you do you.

 

"Yes office of Bilstein, I was using this aftermarket part in an aftermarket way."

 

FIFY


From: https://www.bilstein.com/

 

All in the phrasing my dude

 

I'm not an expert, but that's what I have under my truck. I got the 4600 kit from bilsteinlifts.com a few months ago.