new to this... front strut advice

guys, this is all new to me and i am just reaching out for suggestions and help from others much more intelligent on these matters. i just recently purchased my 1st 4wd tacoma 2005. it is a v6 manual 6spd. i think that it probably (definitely) falls into the category of what most of you refer to as a "mall crawler". my truck was purchased with what seems to be a pro comp stage II 6" lift that has lifting blocks in the rear. i don't intend to do any serious rock crawling of any sort, but would like to be able to ride some mild trails and participate in some less aggressive off road opportunities that won't exceed the ability of my truck. my mechanical knowledge is limited, so my questions may be more entertaining for you guys than anything. so having laid it all out... my truck is in the shop getting a decent overhaul of existing issues from previous owners that were not addressed. i have to replace drive shaft u joints, ball joints, tie rod end, front left axle, a lot of bushings and also the brakes. the front coilover pro comp struts need to be changed as well. pro comp does not seem to be a first choice for many tacoma enthusiasts on this site. should i take this opportunity to change the struts to a different brand? i see a lot of bilstein supporters that praise that brand. does it even matter at all for my intended use of this truck? it won't be my daily driver. it will be my hunting and fishing vehicle where i may encounter some mild obstacles from time to time. i also would like to get out and maybe join in on some tw events as well if mall crawlers are welcome. essentially i would just like to hear others opinions if i should bother changing to different brand of struts and why. i am also open to any other suggestions regarding any mods that i might consider as well without having to break the bank. thanks in advance for any support and i hope to become a little more knowledgeable as i learn from other members on this site.

 

i don't actually see this posted?

 

It's posted

 

Is your speedometer correct?

 

After you go with a 6" lift, I don't think you can go back down... I could be wrong though. I wanna see what others say.

 

well i didn't intend to lower the lift. i would like to stay with 6" lift. excuse my inexperience, does bilstein not make struts for a 6" lift? i was really just wondering if i need to look at other components or do i just replace with the same pro comp assembly? since it's disassembled, this is my opportunity to do so i guess.

i don't know if my speedometer is correct. how can i find out. i was wondering about that also. my mechanic mentioned that it looked as if some individual had performed some of the work on this truck before because the breaks had some issues that would not been handled by a professional. i am really not sure what i got myself into at this point, but my bill at the mechanic is getting bigger with every phone call.. lol. how do i find out about the speedometer question?

 

Available coilover shocks for 6" lifted applications are quite limited. If you don't want to break the bank, get Pro Comp replacements.

Other available brands tend to get expensive because they are built with threaded spring perches for height adjustment (i.e. shock is more costly to manufacture with more machined parts):
Fabtech (just as disreputable as Pro Comp but $1300): http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4H33DJ9990
Icon (high-end brand $1500):

 

Dude, I am as lost as you! I have been asking around since last night because I would like to upgrade my tires to a bigger size. I was just hoping that someone with tires larger than stock could have any input.

 

why do most folks not like pro comp? also, is there an alternative to coilover shocks that i should consider?

 

Why do you think the existing coilovers need to be replaced? Are they leaking? The Pro Comp coilovers are rebuildable. Email or call them ( http://www.procompusa.com/contactus ) for information on where to send it in and rebuild cost.

 

yes they are leaking he said. dude, KenLyns, you are da man!! you prob just saved me about $700. i called the number on the pro comp link you sent and they said 4wheelparts would rebuild them for about $85 ea. i really appreciate the support.

 

correction... $185 ea