Truck Specs:

2002 Tacoma Extended cab SR5
2.7L Automatic
144,xxx miles

First off, I've been a long time stalker on this site, but never posted before, thanks for the help over the years. I'm currently on my third Toyota truck, and for the first time I need to deal with the suspension. (the ride is a little too bumpy and the back leaf springs are bending in the wrong direction)

Through all my research it looks like the Bilstien 5100's are a popular choice for shocks and struts. I was thinking about combing the rear shocks with the wheelersoffroad HD Leafspring kit for 1.5in lift. (I don't need a lift, but hey maybe it'll help the 4 times a year I'm offroading)

I have a few questions/concerns about my plan, as i don't know too much about suspensions:

First, do i need/want to replace my front coil springs when I do the front struts? If so, what would you recommend to go with the Billies set at a 1.5" lift? If not, can I set the new Bilstiens at 1.5 with my existing Springs?(this doesn't seem like it should work)

Second, I'm not loaded, so I was thinking of doing this in two stages, the rear, then the front. Any reason to do it all at once?

Third, as I don't off road too much, and my truck spends most of its time on the freeway, are there any other products I should be looking at for my Toy?

Thanks for all the help!

-Markus

 

you will probolly get more lift then 1.5 with that spring and shock combo. and i would use a softer shock in the rear sense you have a pick up. and you dont have to do the front at the same time as the rear, and if you use a lift setting on those shocks it will make them stiffer giving you a bumpy ride.