Strut options

Hi all. First post here. I recently bought my first Tacoma--a 2003, 4WD, SR5 double cab with the TRD off-road package. I'm looking to change my struts, and would like to get one of the coil/shock assemblies. I've done a lot of searching, but so far information has been confusing/conflicting. Are there any economy options that would work, like Monroe or FCS?

Thanks in advance. I've already found a wealth of information on these forums on other topics, and looking forward to participating.

 

The Monroe quick-struts are a pretty straightforward bolt-in option. The Bilstein 4600s too, I think.

 

Welcome to the forum!

The "economical" shocks are those that you listed; Monroe, also Gabriel, or whatever store brand shocks that are offered. Bilstein 4600's are what your truck originally came with though, in case you went with the factory shock.

Your front suspension is actually a coilover, not a strut.

If your suspension components, such as your coils and rear leaf pack, are factory then it's safe to say they are extremely long overdue.

I've read about people using Moog coil replacements for the front since Toyota OEM are pretty damn costly.

As for the rear, General Springs is one that a lot of members have used when replacing their worn leaf pack.

When replacing suspension components, consider replacing other necessary items such as the u bolts on your leaf pack, shackle bushings, sway bar end links, lower ball joints (upper too if needed), control arm bushings, and steering rack bushings even.

 

0xDEADBEEF, thanks. I'm looking at the Monroe 171352. Is this what you're talking about?

Kwikvette, lots of good information. I'll definitely look into that. Is there a way to check the ball joints? Removing them and checking for play?

Taco critter, Erie County, so unfortunately loads of salt in the winters.

 

Yep, thats the one:
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...on,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174

 

It all comes down to how your truck gets used or abused as the case might be.

I went with the Monroe for what ever reason they are called Quick Struts they are not.

Back about 5 years ago I installed them

I will say due to our Liquid brine all the studs on top broke free and needed to be cut off the only real issue I had so be ready .

 

I went with the

$62 Monroe 171352L Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Toyota Tacoma

Monroe 171352L and R but it says they are not suitable for your double cab. W/O double cab means With Out double cab. I suspect the weight distribution is different for ECs and DCs.

 

Yeah, only had the truck a few weeks and I've already come to expect that most jobs will go like that. Had to cut the front diff drain plug out, and snapped some studs getting the running boards off.

Have you been happy with the Monroes? What did you go with on the rear?

 

Hi Kevins60, where do you see that information? That's part of what had me confused--none of the options on Rockauto mention a double cab. https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...on,strut+/+coil+spring+/+mount+assembly,15174

 

So far I have no issues with the Monroe`s for what I do.

Most of the time at least 500 pounds or more in the bad

I have General Springs Heavy Duty and Super Springs installed in the rear with the Monroe Sensitrac shocks.

The only real off road is my driveway and delivering equipment to job sites before much improvement

 

Edit: I know this says 2000 but if it’s wrong for a 2000 DC it’s wrong for your ‘03
If you go to Monroe’s web site and enter your info it appears they don’t make a Quick Strut for your rig. You would have to buy your springs separately

 

Okay, I see. You have the 2.7 L selected. This is what it looks like for the 3.4 L:

 

I went with the Bilstein 5100 for my 2003. I lifted the front 1 inch and the back 1 inch with a shackle from Maxtrac. I couldn't be happier with the setup. I consider Bilstein to be an entry level alternative. I reused the front coil spring as I have a spring compressor. My truck has 221,000 miles on it so it was due. I also replaced the steering rack bushings. Everything else was tight.

 

Double cab is not listed. I went with 171352 on my EC and love them but It stands to reason there can’t be a one-size-fits-all for all the permutations of single, extra and double cab x 4 or 6 cylinders. Spring rates and maybe dampening have to be different for the DC. According to Monroe 171352 will work for any 1st gen Prerunner or 4WD except 4 or 6 cyl double cabs. Check the Monroe web site.

 

Gabriel for $64.00. I put them on my Dad's truck, and have a set to go on one of mine.

$92 Gabriel Ultra ReadyMount G57010 Front Loaded Strut for Select Models: 95-04 Toyota Tacoma 4WD; 98-04 Toyota Tacoma Pre Runner RWD (1 Pack)

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006ZJ1TX2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

General Spring for the rear. I got replacement grade (no HD or lift), new shackle bolts and nuts, front/rear brackets and hardware. For a set, it was just under $500, incl shipping to Indiana.

 

I am planning on doing the same. According to the parts diagram I looked at, the part numbers for the coilovers are the same (OEM) for DC & XTRA cab. Should follow that aftermarket parts would be also? Please correct me if I am wrong.

 

If you have a v6 4wd xtra cab or double

$62 171352L Suspension Strut and Coil Spring Assembly for Toyota Tacoma

171352L doesn’t fit bc they have the wrong spring rate if you don’t want to spend money
Get 99 4Runner v6 4wd shocks they are the same shock they have the correct spring rate to hold the extra weight

 

here's a good video for checking ball joints, Timmah the toolman has several great repair videos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rteeAOQlrKY