Suspension Freshen Up

I have a 2006 TRD with over 215K miles riding on original everything. No lift, all stock. I'd just like to freshen up my suspension.

The rear shocks have been shot for years. The fronts are probably just as shot. I'm planning on just going with Bilsteins 4600.

I'm assuming with this many mileage, I should just go ahead and do:

Tie Ends
Sway bar links and bushing

With regards to the balljoints and upper/lower control arms, I assume I have to just replace control arms altogether for new ball joints and bushings. Is there any need to first see if I need to do this, or is it pretty safe to assume they are done after 2015K miles... and replacing them would not only be a good idea, but will be noticeable in the ride?

Toyota OEM parts are so expensive, but I've read for the LCA, I should stick with Toyota genuine parts. Is there really any issues with going with an aftermarket part?

And lastly, what OEM-style aftermarket brand would you recommend? I hear mix reviews on MOOG, but I have no first hand experience with them (or any other brand either).

 

Replace only as needed.

Inspect your rack and pinion, the tie rods last forever, but the racks fail and leak into the boot, dont bother changing them unless the boots are dry.

As for ball joints, jack the control arm up and pry up and down on the wheel, if there's play up and down on either joint then change them.

For control arms we've had bad luck with all aftermarket brands, I wouldnt suggest any.

For steering rack just any remanufactured with warranty.

Shocks 4600 is a good choice, I'm on year 5 of mine and I beat the ever living hell out of them.

 

For sway bar end links I'm happy with my Moog greasable ones. Much cheaper than OEM and they have a nice flat for a wrench for easy removal instead of the stupid tiny allen key hole in the stud on the OEM design. Barely take any grease compared to the u joints on the driveshaft I think I do a pump or two ever few oil changes and they're very accessible.

That being said my OEM ones were in fine shape at 175k or so, I only replaced them because I had to cut them off when doing some other suspension work.

 

You have a 19 yr old truck and most parts are just worn out. You may be at a point where you need to analyze your investment.
At some point you need to realize that throwing money at something old never ends.

 

It's like anything else. An '06 with 215k miles on it might have 10 more years and another 100k miles left in it, but the cost of getting there may not be worth it.