Replacing worn out suspension

Hi all-

06 DCLB TRD Sport with 163,000 miles. Pretty sure the suspension has never been changed. Currently has a Revtek leveling kit. I think the ride is pretty crap. I was going to pay to have the leveling kit removed, but the guys at the tire shop said the bigger reason the ride sucks is because the shocks are worn out....almost surely they're the originals. One clearly leaked oil a long time ago.

I read something about how you can DIY suspension, but the hardest part is compressing the springs, and you can get around that by buying "full assembly" or something like that....sounds like an easier install. If anyone can point me towards more info on that i'd appreciate it. I'm reasonably handy and am always looking for an excuse to buy more tools.

I don't want any lift of any kind. Planning to run 265/65/R17's (front mudguards are removed).

Not sure if this matters, but I believe the truck qualifies for new leaf springs from a recall that was never acted upon....I'm assuming I should probably remove the leveling kit before I take it to the stealership for the recall.

 

In terms of full shock assemblies, I'd get my shocks at RockAuto.com. they have good prices, good parts, and are pretty good about shipping and returns. They sell the whole assembly for the shock and spring....you'll see something along those lines under their suspension section

 

They have it under Strut/Coil Spring/Mount Assembly...that way you don't have to dick around with spring compressors. Might wanna check your ball joints too while you're at it.

 

Thanks for that.

Everyone raves about the Bilstein 5100's....any idea how the KYB's compare?

 

5100s are loved because they're cheap and adjustable lift.

Nowhere else can you buy 3 different lift heights for $180.

If you're staying at stock height, save the cash and get OEM take offs for cheap. Probably find a whole set with under 5k miles for $100.

 

Or maybe $50-100 more and you'll get new OEM coils with those shocks, and UCAs.

 

This thread below shows you how to replace rear shocks without a spring compressor

www.tacomaworld.com/threads/front-shock-spring-install-without-spring-compressor.311424/

 

Where would you suggest looking for something like that? (and what 'terms' should I use to search?)

 

You can look in 2nd Gen or 3rd Gen Marketplace here on TW, and/or make a WTB (want to buy) thread in either, or in the Oregon/PNW subforum so it's more local.

Shouldn't cost you more than $200 plus shipping costs for assembled front shocks, rear shocks, UCAs. That's the going rate, often less.

You can install an OEM 3rd gen suspension on your 2nd gen, but you'll gain an inch of lift in the front end. If this doesn't appeal to you, stick with 2nd gen take offs. Being those trucks are 2-3 years old now, mileage will be higher (price will be lower, too).

 

I picked up some gently used bilsteins on here, one of the best perks of Tacoma World imo

 

I have shocks and coils for sale that came off my truck with about 50K miles on them. They are yours if you want them...$50 plus shipping.

 

Thanks for the offer, but I think if I'm going to go through the trouble of installation, I'm going to go with something with lower miles.

 

I have a set of OEM springs/shocks front/rear with less than 30k miles from 2013 Tacoma Double Cab TRD Off Road. You are welcome to them in Albuquerque.

 

Any idea when the recommended replacement interval is? (I feel like I Heard something about 70k...?)

 

Depends on driving conditions but 100k is reasonable for a street driven truck