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Rough Riding 96 tacoma 4x4, need recommendations for fix.

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Wingokidd, Sep 18, 2015.

  1. Sep 18, 2015 at 4:55 PM
    #1
    Wingokidd

    #1
    Wingokidd [OP] Member

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    Hello All,

    I've had my 96 tacoma 4x4 garaged for the past 10 years and now it's back to my daily driver. Driving it now daily, i'm realizing how rough the ride is. It's got 185K miles so pretty low for the years but i need to fix the ride in the worst way. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I've contemplated putting a lift on it but don't really want to break the bank or increase tire size.
    Thanks for help.

    Wingokidd
     
    Wingokidd, Sep 18, 2015
    #1
  2. Sep 19, 2015 at 2:27 AM
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    Wyoming09

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    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    What have you been driving??

    Give yourself time to get used to it again after all it is a truck and most likely your driving around empty
     
    Wyoming09, Sep 19, 2015
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  3. Sep 19, 2015 at 3:58 AM
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    Dagosa

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    Dagosa Well-Known Member

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    96 Toyota Taco. 4x4 was a buck board, especially if were the standard cab. The shorter the wheel base the worse the ride. Check each corner and see if the shocks all respond the same. Other then that, adding a couple hundred lbs of weight ( four bags of tube sand ) to the back can calm it down a little. That is the cheapest fix.
     
    Dagosa, Sep 19, 2015
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  4. Sep 19, 2015 at 4:22 AM
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    TACO TX

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    TACO TX Well-Known Member

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    Being a 98 and pretty high milage it could probably use shocks. Check everything for movement, steering rack, tie rods, ball joints and make sure the alignment is in spec. Tires and pressure can play a part as well.
     
    TACO TX, Sep 19, 2015
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  5. Sep 19, 2015 at 4:29 AM
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    Wingokidd

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    Wingokidd [OP] Member

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    I drove this truck as a daily work vehicle from 98-2005 and loaded it pretty heavy so the leaf springs were taxed to say the least, so i know those could stand to be replaced and i'm planning on replacing the front coil strut assembly as well. Don't get me wrong, I'm willing to invest some $$ to get it riding better, looking fore some recommendations on good proven parts and to hear what has worked for others. Thanks for replies.
     
    Wingokidd, Sep 19, 2015
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  6. Sep 19, 2015 at 4:44 AM
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    TACO TX

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    TACO TX Well-Known Member

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    You can get a set of Moog coils from Rockauto for about $50 and then a decent set of shocks. Wheelers progressive mini pack added to springs and take out overload in rear works good if you need some extra capacity.
     
    TACO TX, Sep 19, 2015
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  7. Sep 19, 2015 at 5:29 AM
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    devinzz1

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    devinzz1 Well-Known Member

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    Those coils, springs, bushings have been supporting weight for 20 years. Went through all the suspension on my 96 last year with a toytec lift and new leaf pack. Rides pretty damn good compared to what it did. Gona start going through the bushings with the poly ones.
     
    devinzz1, Sep 19, 2015
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  8. Sep 19, 2015 at 8:02 AM
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    CD20H

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    CD20H Well-Known Member

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    What is your tire size and air pressure? Big tires can make the ride horrible. Too much air can make the ride much worse.
     
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2015
    CD20H, Sep 19, 2015
    #8
  9. Sep 19, 2015 at 11:18 AM
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    Janster

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    Janster Old & Forgetful

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    After sitting for 10 years ??

    At a minimum, I'd take the eyebolts out of the rear leaf springs and the bolts / shackles off / out. Inspect & clean the bushings and grease the shit out of everything. or ....buy new bushings & hardware. Check your rear shocks too...make sure they're not 'frozen' in place.
     
    Janster, Sep 19, 2015
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    Wingokidd[OP] likes this.
  10. Sep 19, 2015 at 11:27 AM
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    SlipperyTaco

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    Great suggestions above from everyone, You just need to pick and choose what you want from here, I would suggest air down your tires for now it will help and go a few pounds less in the rear then the front. But if you get 5100's all around and any leaf pack it will be a huge difference for you in ride quality and comfort.
     
    SlipperyTaco, Sep 19, 2015
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  11. Sep 19, 2015 at 11:32 AM
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    Mush Mouse

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    Mush Mouse Club Soda Not Seals

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    where ever you want me to be
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    its a Toyota truck and that's all the modifications needed
    Mush Mouse, Sep 19, 2015
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    Wingokidd[OP] likes this.

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