Tacoma 4X4 struts & shocks need replacement. What kind shall I get?
I have about 160,000 miles on the struts and shocks on my 96 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4X4. Most of the miles have been highway.But when I had my truck into Toyota last week for an oil change and lube, the mechanic showed me my passenger side rear shock sheared off like someone amputated it. ;-/ Likely due to the 1000 lb weight of a small pop-up cab-over camper I sometimes carry (and also off road sometimes). I have Firestone rear airbags to level the vehicle, but even still, I busted a shock.
So, my question is what brand and type front struts and rear shocks would you get for this vehicle if it were your truck? I plan to keep the truck for an unknown number of years. The motor and trans are solid.
I have looked at Monroe’s Sensatrac and Bilsteins heavy duty B46 struts and shocks and having had no experience in either of these, I find it hard to make up my mind. It seemed these Bilsteins were the best, but then I started reading some reviews about folk being disspointed. I am getting confused.
Any an all advise would be welcomed!! And, thank you in advance.
Walter
I bought a 1996 T100 brand new. The original shocks were AWFUL. I was forced to buy new aftermarket shocks while the truck was still brand new. I put Rancho 3000′s on it. The thing was transformed! Stability was dramatically improved and the ride was better too. It now has 180,000 miles on it and the rear shocks are leaking. I contacted the Rancho dealer and they said that they would be happy to provide me with new ones if I still had the receipt, which I do. I know exactly where I would go if I needed shocks for a truck!
trust your first instinct as bilstein shocks are the top of line but everyone has opinion. They are stiffer then stock as it is a truck not a small tacoma base.