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replace/upgrade suspension without lift

Discussion in 'Suspension' started by 04SR5, Dec 4, 2011.

  1. Dec 4, 2011 at 12:06 PM
    #1
    04SR5

    04SR5 [OP] New Member

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    Hi all, 1st post newbie here.

    I am a new Tacoma owner, and have a new to me 2004 xtra cab SR5 that is bone stock. The ride is a little rough and bouncy, and I'd like to improve it, but I don't have a need to lift the truck. I am a Marine and spend some time on ranges on base, but I'm not seriously off roading, and don't have any plans to. I am moderately mechanically inclined, and have a robust auto hobby shop available to me on base, but I am completely unfamiliar with truck suspension and how to replace them. I read some of the sticky threads about suspension, but they all seem to be for lifting a truck, and I just don't need that. I'd like to do this fairly cheap, but not at the expense of quality.

    I am open to any and all suggestions to improve my ride. Thanks.
     
  2. Dec 4, 2011 at 12:08 PM
    #2
    tacoman15

    tacoman15 Boobies

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    5100's all around and have the front set to the 0" setting. won't lift your truck but will give it a much better ride quality
     
  3. Dec 4, 2011 at 1:28 PM
    #3
    04SR5

    04SR5 [OP] New Member

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    Looking around the web the 5100's don't appear to be made for my truck. Even billstein's website takes me to the 4600's when I enter make and model info.
     
  4. Dec 4, 2011 at 1:31 PM
    #4
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Welcome!

    What do you think is wrong with the ride as it is? If you need new shocks because the ride is bouncy, then go with the 5100's. If the stock suspension is shot, then look into a replacement leaf pack and see if you can find new coils without as much wear. Alcan can custom make a set of leafs to your specification, meaning no additional ride height but brand new. We need more information as to what is wrong with your current set up before blindly recommending replacement parts.
     
  5. Dec 4, 2011 at 1:39 PM
    #5
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    These two places list them: Others (like DSM) probably have them too.
     
  6. Dec 4, 2011 at 1:45 PM
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    04SR5

    04SR5 [OP] New Member

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    Mostly the ride is rough and bouncy, even on road. Got the truck used with 190K on it, and as far as I know they are the original shocks, leafs, and coils, so they probably just need to be replaced, but if there is something better than OEM out there I am interested in hearing about them before I do anything.
     
  7. Dec 4, 2011 at 1:50 PM
    #7
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    Check out Downsouth motorsports for Bilstein 5100 series shocks. That will help with the bouncy feeling but your suspension as a whole is probably sagging pretty bad with that kind of mileage. How much are you looking to spend for this whole thing? You don't need something like 5100's, the 4600s will work fine for stock height and will probably be a little cheaper. Are you bottoming out on the road? The issue with putting new shocks on a badly worn suspension is it will wear out the shocks quicker. If I were you, go for new shocks first and see if that fixes the ride. If not, you might be in for a more expensive endeavor of replacing leafs and coils.
     
  8. Dec 4, 2011 at 1:52 PM
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    Norton

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    Welcome to TW!

    Shocks will help, and 5100s are a great choice. DSM offers a TW member discount for the best price available. Look here for the specific ones you need. Given the age and mileage of your truck, however, new springs are probably in order. For those, I recommend you check out . Stock height is available from their .

    If you haven't done so, spend some time reading the Suspension Lift Info and Tacoma Lift FAQ/Guide threads. LOTS of good info to help you decide what you want to do.
     
  9. Dec 4, 2011 at 2:23 PM
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    04SR5

    04SR5 [OP] New Member

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    I'd love to spend under 1K on this, but I don't know if that is realistic. Rather than keep putting the truck into the shop if shocks alone doesn't fix it, I'll probably have springs and coils done too. Any idea on a ball park cost? Any recommended shops in the Southern OC area?
     
  10. Dec 4, 2011 at 2:43 PM
    #10
    tacoman15

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    Just order from Downsouth Motorsports. They are in your area and i ordered some of my suspension parts from them. Great people and they really know their stuff. You can get 4 5100s, coils (if you want them), and a new leaf pack right at 1,000 i think
     
  11. Feb 4, 2014 at 1:33 PM
    #11
    SaltSlasher

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    Factory Upgrade Package's: -Alloy Split Star 5 Spoke -P265/70R16 Tires -Overfender -Hood Protector Add On's: -Black License Plate Cover -Heavy Duty Floor Mats
    @04SR5

    Yo bro, I am with you. I just got my 04', and it is not comfortable at all, just like Jeep Wranglers.

    What I am doing is upgrading to Corbeau/PRP bucket seats. I have the regular cab, so I have this 3 seater bench which is absolutely awful (and beat up), but I have the stick shift, which indents in the middle, so no full size adult would ever sit in middle ever, not even a dog could sit there unless your talking a purse dog like a yorkie, even then your cutting it.

    As far as the Blistein's the 5100's (which are another thing I am upgrading first because of "bouncy" ride, as in uncomfortable bouncy), from what I read, will fit on pretty much any Tacoma gen 1 or gen 2, if it will fit my 04' it will fit yours! What you might have read was, that at one point in time the 4600's were only ones that would work on all Yota trucks, cause I know I found places that said the 5100's wouldn't work on mine. I also know there website only pulls up 4600's for my truck, but it isn't the only one that works.

    If you go to any of the packages offered from a handful of places, like Toytec, some of their packages for my Gen 1 Tacoma, includes Blisteins 5100 series (along with coilovers and leafs). The point is, they would work.

    Also, from what I read about my Taco 2004, the back is actually higher than the front. So you might want to consider suspension or at least a leveling kit. I would at least look into that. I am still new to tacos, and not 100% on it, it is just stuff I read.
     
    Last edited: Feb 4, 2014
  12. Jun 15, 2014 at 10:11 PM
    #12
    C Simpson

    C Simpson Active Member

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    None, I need help deciding what to
    Sounds great keep us psoted!
     
  13. Jun 18, 2014 at 9:29 PM
    #13
    BEBO2014

    BEBO2014 New Member

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    any info on lowering, 2014 access cab.

    BEBO2014
     
  14. Apr 13, 2015 at 6:47 PM
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    Roblo

    Roblo Active Member

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    i can get you 5100 for great price pm me
     

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