when to replace factory shocks on 02 double-cab TRD

can anyone tell me the life expectency of the factory shocks? I believe that they are Bilsteins but not absolutely sure. The truck has never been off road and has 82000 miles on the factory shocks. Does anyone know what the scheduled replacement mileage is according to the service manuel?

 

I just put KYB Gas-a-just shocks on mine. I drive mostly on the asphalt. Back roads, some gravel and logging roads. They made a big difference but the old ones were so wore out that anything would of made a big difference. The three most noticeable things are; coming out from a stop sign going to my left or right the truck doesn't dip down/roll as it used to; when going down the county road by my house (which is rutted and patched and really bad) the truck runs in a straight line no matter what it hits. Before it wanted to dodge off left or right on multiple bumps and there was to much side sway, shake, whatever. No side sway now. Much, much better. The third thing is I can "feel" the road better. I don't know how to put that any better.

As for stiffness, when I hit a dip to the right and a dip to the left directly following each other I think the truck would handle it better with a little more stiffness, but when hitting something like a bad bridge abutment it levels that out just right.

I guess all things are a compromise. If I was doing some heavy duty off road anymore I might want stiffer shocks, but I haven't tried these out off road and probably won't.

Overall I think they are great but the old ones where so bad that anything is better.

The ones I took off could possible be the originals. That would mean they would have over 200,000 miles on them. They are Toyota shocks. The shocks are badly worn out but 3 of the 4 still have bushings that aren't completely wore out. They are rusted and corroded where the bushings are touching the shocks but still holding there own. The right rear bushings are still in place and doing something but about done. Unbelievable. Toyota shocks must have some great bushing, or did in '97 if they are actually that old.

 

I replaced mine with Monroes at 80,000. Makes a big difference.

 

new OME shocks & 882 springs (since I have an ARB, winch & cable) today - truck rides great!
If it was stock up front OME w/ 881s would be good - my .02