Retrofit 3rd Gen Stock Struts to 1st Gen Tacoma

Wuddup Tacoma World!

I just got some stock struts off ChadsPrides 3rd gen Tacoma (Thanks again Chad!) and I want to put them on my 1st gen 4x4. From what I've read, it seems like that will give me a little bit of lift. I'm pretty new to suspension work. Will I need to lower my front differential? Will I need any adapters? Most importantly, will the spring from the 3rd gen struts be too stiff? My current struts are shot and I would love to be able to get these new ones on and net some lift on the cheap. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

They won't work. They 3rd gen shocks are way too long for the 1st gen mounts. Also the top mounting plates are completely different. You may be able to use the springs on your shocks for a slight lift but it's never been done before so no way to know.

 

Quick correction! These are off of a 2015 Taco, so a 2.5 gen rather than a 3rd. Same problems?

 

Is it possible I could modify the mounting plates? I have a lot of metal fab stuff - torch, drill press, grinders, dremmels, you name it.

 

Doesn't make a difference between Gen 2 and 3 for the shocks. Also you would spend way more time and effort to modify the top plates. Be easier to buy new top plates for a Gen 1. Also IMO it is not worth your time messing with them. Use the coils if you want to try them on your 1st gen stuff but the front and rear shocks won't work at all.