Upgrades to Original Suspension?

I just got a 2006 double cab, 4x4, with 153k on it that has had very little updates done to it. The ride is rough and my first instinct is to get some Bilstein's in there as step 1.

Given the miles, what else should I be looking at?
Coil Spring?
Control arms?

I'm not looking to break the bank and will be doing the work myself (not a whiz but can follow youtube vids pretty well).

Thanks!

 

Welcome!
What kind of tires are you running?
Bilstein 5100's are good replacements, although for rough rides people look to changing the tires first or maybe looking at the tire pressure you're running. If you have stock coils, then that's probably the softest you'll get for the springs. No need to start looking at new control arms unless you're lifting the truck.

 

Tires are on the list--though a pricier purchase for sure. Currently have some pretty rugged BF Goodrich's on there. Not sure which model exactly, but it says Baja. I can check when I get home to be sure.

And no, not lifting. Just want to do the sensible things while I have it all apart.

 

Update: I installed 5100’s on the rear and it’s a big improvement. I’ll do the fronts next. The original coil springs are on there and flaking a little on the bottom. Is this worth swapping out while I’m under there?

 

I'm in MA, so we get lots of snow/rain and salt.

 

In that case you should definitely prepare for the situation I found myself in a couple of months ago - LCA frozen on the cam bolts. The solution to this problem often involves a reciprocating saw and a supply of metal cutting blades. Mine was bad, even the mechanic who knew going into the job that it was frozen said it was a major pain.

If you do search here on TW you'll find many threads about what to buy. The main recommendation is to buy OEM LCAs since they have the bushings and ball joint as part of the assembly. As long as you're staying close to stock, this should serve you well for a lot of miles.

If you're doing the job yourself and you follow the replacement instructions on the site (and in several Youtube videos), you'll find out pretty quickly if the LCA is frozen. Up to you whether you want to do the R&R at that point. Please do update the thread with what you find.

 

Thanks for the pointers. I had to cut the rear shocks off, so if the LCA is anything like it, I'll be replacing them as well. I'll search the forums and report back.
Thanks again!

 

see if there was a TSM for the leaf springs. my 09 had them replaced.

 

Anyone know if 17 trd suspension is compatible a 15 base model 2.7? I apologize if this comment doesn't belong here.

 

Is there any sense in replacing the bushings and ball joints or is that a waste of time? I don't really have the $ to buy higher quality LCAs. All I see on Amazon in my range are Detroit Axle. Not sure if those new are better than replacing bushings on the oems?

 

The math I saw regarding LCA replacement indicated that the cost of the bushings plus quality ball joints (OEM are excellent but can't get them separate from Toyota IIRC) and perhaps needing to pay to have the bushings pressed in was north of $300 and OEM LCAs from McGeorge or another dealer that discounts the parts are $400 or thereabouts, so the consensus seems to be to go with new OEM. If you're pretty sure the ball joints are okay, doing just the bushings will save you some buckazoids. You can always replace the ball joints later if needed, although you'll likely need to pay for another alignment after that.

That is, of course, assuming the LCAs didn't get damaged while cutting the damned frozen cam bolts, should you be in that situation. Mine did get damaged. Turns out a Sawzall is not a surgical tool after all.

 

Also, do a search for threads regarding LCAs, you'll find which brands of bushings and ball joints are considered best. There are a couple of brands to stay away from, multiple reports of short life spans of ball joints in particular.

 

Update: I spent three days under the truck and replaced:
Shocks (5100s)
Mounts
LCA's
Sway bar links
Tie rod ends

A big learning curve since I've never done suspension work before, but glad I did. The ride is SO improved. I probably spent $350-$400 (I had to get a rush order of alignment cam bolts). The Toyota estimate the previous owner had in the paperwork was nearly 3k for LCAs and sway bar links alone. I reminded my wife of this massive savings when the Rockauto cc bill came in...not sure it helped.

Now I have some used parts as back-up or to sell if anyone wants to get new bushings.