ReturnoftheR

The truck is a 1997 Tacoma 4x4 regular cab.
I noticed that my truck was really low in the back on one side... Upon closer look I beleive the shock has blown.

I want to replaced the back shocks, but I want to upgrade them and the front as well. I plan on doing a minor suspension lift in the future, so if possible I want to get shocks that will work well with the lift and work stock. I was hoping to get a less rough ride. What are my options?

Also, would driving the truck do damage to anything else? The leaf spring is pushed down a good bit.. Should I park it, or would it be ok to drive for a week or two...?

I had trouble searching because I was not sure what other Toyota truck and 4runner suspension would work with my Tacoma...

Thanks,

Paul

ReturnoftheR

Looked into this a little bit more. Where is a good place to buy OME or Bilstein shocks?
What else should I replace when I do this?

Thanks

Nic

Are you sure you don't have a broken leaf spring? You might want to take the shock off just to see. It is easy to do if you never have.

Even before your troubles, I am sure you had the negative arch on your leaf springs-like mine. That alone makes a big difference in ride quality. That has to be addressed somehow before your ride will get better. I put new (Tokico) shocks on the front and back last year. The ones I put on the front helped some, but the ones in the back did nothing because of the poor condition of my leaf springs.

Everyone speaks highly of the Bilsteins. If I could do it again, I would try those. I really don't know of a good place or the best ones to get though.

ReturnoftheR

Hey, thanks for the tip.. The leaf spring dosnt appear to be broken, how can I check so I am sure? Are their aftermarket replacements that are better?

Nic

To be honest, I have never broken one, so I don't know if they can be hard to spot. Maybe try jacking it up to extend the springs and perhaps you can see if there is a broken one in there.

I have thought about totally replacing the leaf packs on mine. 97 and older tacomas have a shorter leaf pack so they are not as readily available as the later models, but places still sell them. You can even have them made . Alcan spring can make them on request, and to whatever specs you want:

http://www.alcanspring.com/

From what I have read, they are top notch.

But, I have thought about doing this. It would be cheaper and from what everyone claims, the ride is better:

http://www.4x4wire.com/forums/showfl...1&fpart=1&vc=1

Mark in MD

I have an '07 Tacoma as well.

I'm curious, what do you suppose you did to blow a shock or break a spring? Thanks

86toysr5

i have a 97 that leans and its broken leaf