New Shocks

[Gamingphreek]

We recently bought a 1995 Toyota Tacoma SX (2.7L I4) (Regular Cab). The car is in pristine condition, however, the shocks are still stock (135,000). I want to buy new shocks for the car but aren't quite sure if I should also look at new Struts or Coil Over Shocks.

The stock shocks are gas filled.

Can someone recommend me a good pair of shocks (I won't be off roading again- at least where there is a hint of water) but I would like Off Road shock not passenger vehicle shock.

At the same time, I saw shocks that said 1-2" lift. Does that mean the shocks fit trucks with that size lift on them, or do they provide that lift? If so I wouldn't mind lifting the truck 1-2" (In fact if possible I would really like that). In doing that am I correct in assuming that I would then need new coils, leaf springs, and struts though?

-Kevin

 

[AmigaMan]

You might be able to get away with some coilovers up front with a lift block or extra leaf in the back. Probably will need to get longer shocks and shackles for the leaf springs in the back too. I've looked at lifting my 04 Taco DblCab, but it's mighty expensive. I was looking at this kit from Sway-A-Way http://www.performanceproducts...d=19&sid=62&pid=110577

 

[Zenmervolt]

Shocks alone will not provide the lift. You would need to replace the springs or add spacers.

Shocks do not hold up the car, the springs do that. All the shocks do is resist motion so that the car does not oscillate up and down a lot after going over a bump.

ZV

 

[Gamingphreek]

Oh, if the shocks prevent oscillation then what do the struts do? I thought that was there purpose.

So if I wanted the car lifted, I would need to buy 4 Shocks, and 4 Springs (Or 2 Springs and 2 Blocks?). Am I right in assuming that the springs/coils will cost A LOT of money whereas if I just stayed at the current lift I would only need to purchase 4x ~$50 shocks?

-Kevin

 

[d33pt]

your truck has struts up front and regular shocks in the rear. you'll need 2 struts and 2 shocks. they will not provide any lift. when you replace the struts, you still keep the same coil springs. so if you want lifts, you either do it the ghetto way with coil spacers and blocks on the rear leaf springs, or you can get coilovers for the front and new leaf spring packs for the rear. not worth it if you're not going offroad. just get standard replacement struts and shocks and you'll be fine.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Gamingphreek
Oh, if the shocks prevent oscillation then what do the struts do? I thought that was there purpose.

A strut is a shock that includes additional hardware allowing it to be used as a piece of the suspension that actually locates the wheel. A shock alone is not strong enough to provide a positive location, but a strut is and is used as a load-bearing piece of the suspension.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacPherson_strut

A strut contains a shock absorber within it, and when the shock absorber wears out, the entire strut must be replaced.

For comparison, here's a shock absorber without all the strut hardware around it:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_absorber

ZV

 

[Gamingphreek]

Ok I haven't looked much, but at this site they only have a new leaf spring that provides a 4" lift. Unfortunately I don't have the money to buy a 4" lift kit, nor are my tires quite big enough (31's) to look proper.

So for the rear I could get these (Fifth one down) #E37419500

And for the front I could get these (The first one)

You said I would need new leaf springs along with the rear though? Would an add a leaf kit work- or do they not provide enough lift?

-Kevin

 

[Sluggo]

I have never heard anything good about Pro-Comp shocks. A friend has them on his Jeep and he has to replace them every 12 months since the rubber bushings wear out. They do have a lifetime warranty, but its still a hassle to trade them out every year.

I like the Rancho 9000 series since they are adjustable, they are the only ones that I have any personal experience with. The Rancho 5000 series is a pretty stiff riding shock...IMHO

 

[Gamingphreek]

I thought there was a reason they were so cheap. Well if I can't afford more expensive lift equipment, can someone recommend me replacements for what I have now. Do I only need to get 4 new shocks now since I don't want to lift the truck?

-Kevin