Alright, it's time for some new shocks, as the bilstiens are shot on my truck...been on there for over 100k miles now, as the previous/first owner installed them. i'm looking for a good shock that won't break my wallet too bad, as i am a college kid working his butt off during the summer for a little extra cash. so, something not too expensive, but defintiely not budget-beater shocks, and that perform well...thanks in advance on any suggestions!

 

I like the Tokico Trekmasters I just put on mine-- about $215 shipped from eBay. You'll get lots of votes for Bilsteins too, they have firmer valving than the Trekmasters. Depends on how you use the truck... for the limited wheeling and mostly on-road use for my rig, the Trekmasters provide good damping and a nice ride.

 

If you had the receipt for the Bilsteins, you could get them for free. I like the Bilsteins, they are not too expensive & have a lifetime warranty.

Paul

 

im not a shock pro but i know a lot of people like the rancho rs5000's

 

that's what I'm running. They're nothing special, but they get the job done. They often have a buy 3 get the 4th free promotion, so wait around for that.

 

I'm currently running the Rancho RS5000's too. They're a pretty decent shock and are not as stiff as the Bilsteins, but are firmer than a Monroe or Trekmaster would be. The Rancho's have given me a decent on road ride and do alright off road too. I'm in the process of replacing the fronts with OME N91SC's, with are the softer valved shocks. I'll be running OME 882 springs up front with them.

Another thing to keep in mind: if you plan on running a longer spring up front, such as the OME 882, the Rancho's won't work because they have a relatively short extended length. My Rancho's only advertise ~2.75" of travel max, while the OME's I'm getting advertise ~5.5" of travel. Something to keep in mind if you plan to lift and wheel your rig.

 

Rancho shocks are garbage


Go for the Bilsteins/Toyota OEM.....

 

If I replace my shocks (which are stock on my '01) do I need to replace the springs or anything else? Can I just buy new shocks?

 

I'd replace the coils too since they will tire just liek the shocks and you don't want to pay for labor twice.

 

Gotcha, makes sense. Thanks

 

Pay for labor? Its a couple shocks........ can easily be done in the comfort of your own garage in an afternoon

Why replace the coils unless they are sagging?

 

Tokico Trekmasters

 

OME HD or Rancho RS9000XL with in cab controls

 

x2 regarding the labor. I did mine with a friend in an afternoon. It was super easy. It did take maybe like 3 hours, but that was because of a bunch of rust getting in the way and making it tough to get the old ones off. On a new truck like yours it would be way easier.

 

X 2!! And in an afternoon? More like an hour or 2.

 

Well, that estimate would be for someone who has no mechanical knowledge

 

I agree with the Bilstein's and maybe the OEM's, but to say Rancho shocks are garbage is painting with a pretty large brush. They've done fine by me for 40K+.

 

Happy with rancho rs9000xl on both my 02 tacoma and 97 4runner...

 

my ome's are the best shocks i have ever tryed, the rs5000's on my last truck sucked compared to the nitro ome's i have now

 

i have both Toyota/Tokico and Old Man Emu. I like both. I've ran a few different setups, and I like the OME best. Course, If you don't want to spend the money, I'd just go with Bilstein again.

Changing out the fronts take a while since you've got to disassemble the strut assembly. I've done it about 10 times now and I wouldn't do it w/o an impact wrench and quality set of coil spring compressors. The rear should only take about an hour tops.

Last time inbetween moves, I just took my new coils and shocks and brought them to a place to get assembled. (Need the top coil plate as well). They charged me $75 which I thought was ridiculous. Might get a good deal somewhere else.