How long do OEM shocks last? Should I replace them?

I picked up my 2010 Tundra with almost 80,000 miles. It has the TRD off-road package. I normally replace my shocks/struts/dampers every 70,000 miles or so. There is no leaks in any of them, but I'm wondering if I should replace them anyways to preserve other components of the suspension system and the truck itself (if the shocks are not working, that energy is transferred somewhere). Any thoughts on the topic? I don't know what the new TRD off-road suspension feels like, so it's a little hard to assess the "situation", especially that the truck feels loose in general.

Just FYI, I do not want to install some insane aftermarket suspension. I want OEM type suspension, TRD off-road kind, since I do live in Chicago, and driving on those roads feels like off-roading.

 

If the ride is comfortable and they're not leaking, wait. But my ride on TRD is comfortable, so if yours isn't, it's time. Basically, if the shocks aren't doing what they're supposed to, I can't think of anything bad that'd do to the truck-- more that your teeth and spine will wish for relief.

 

And cause shitty tire wear.

 

Totally forgot to mention that. I am getting new tires because the old ones are worn badly. I am pretty sure part of it is the alignment, which I am going to get it the day I'm putting on new wheels, but I don't want to ruin new tires in 10,000 miles because of bad suspension. I am new to trucks. I need to learn about them as much as I can to minimize the amount of costly mistakes.

 

I always replace if I have the money. Replaced all of my wife's shocks and brakes on her rav 4 at once just because I was under there.

If you have the cash then replace them.

 

I would go ahead and get new shocks.

 

Beware, this forum will make you spend spend lots of $$. lol.

 

Look for some slightly used off road shocks around here. May even come assembled and be a quick swap. And much cheaper than brand new.

 

With normal highway driving, 80K is about the point where original shocks are no longer effective. My 2007 had 270K on it when I purchased it, and the original shocks were still on it. I replaced them with Yellow HD Bilstein 4600 series shocks when I installed new tires. I usually get 100K out the 4600s on the front, and even more miles from the rear shocks before replacing them.

Yellow HD Bilstein 4600 series shocks are TRD Off-road shocks without the red paint.

 

Check craigslist and the forums, there are usually almost new TRD Off-road shocks for sell from people who removed them from their new trucks and upgraded.
I have a set available but shipping costs (from California) would probably be more than what they are worth.

 

Try Tundra Classified. Think I just saw a new set (2000 miles) front and rear that someone was selling.

 

I've wondered about shocks myself. I've got 106K on my stock ones. Was looking to go with a strut spacer kit and then figured, why do that and before long maybe have to change the shocks. Why not just go with new shocks / coilovers now.

So, with 106K, all highway, probably not a bad idea to change out? No problems that I can tell.

 

Buy new shocks. You’ll wonder why you you didn’t sooner... after.

 

If you end up deciding to buy brand new OEM shocks. You should just save your money and upgrade to 5100s set on the lowest setting. It will lift it but minimal. I think it’s under an inch In the front.

 

The plan is to go with the Toytec / Eibach coilovers. Get the lift too.

 

How bad was that job? My wife's Rav4 has 104k but rides fine. Did you go OEM for the replacements?

 

Its four wheel disc so took about 5 hours off and on.
I bought everything at rockauto and went with all powdercoat.

 

You typically don't realize how bad your shocks are until you replace them, mostly because they degrade so slowly.

 

Thank you all for your input. The not leveled looked does't really bother me, but the 5100s are not that much more. Not sure if the 1" will make a huge difference in the looks department. Main concern is the ride quality and reliability. Looking at the 5100s it looks a little scary that the little ring is all that holds the spring in place .

I can't believe how much money I'm already spending on this truck. Just bought it for work around the house and occasional towing and I'm already spending thousands on wheels, tires, brakes, suspension, de-chroming, and even considering repainting some panels that are excessively scratched up .

 

It's like crack, once you start, you can't stop. Lol.

 

As neirbot already said, it always seems like it rides fine until you get new dampers. I was asking because I'm new to trucks, soft suspension, and I was trying to justify not spending more money, but in reality dampers don't last that long, or at least not as long as people use them for. Most people don't replace them until they are blown, which most of the time is too late. In reality it should be a regular "maintenance" item, like tires, although most people drive on tires until they are corded .

 

260000km's (162000miles) on my truck original shocks.
Just bought 5100s all around, havnt installed yet due to one of the front shocks arriving without the installation kit.
They were just as cheap as the 4600s so that's why I went that way, unsure about the ride quality and even which setting to use yet.

 

Are shocks the only thing you have to replace? Or do you need to change springs and other parts as well? I’m looking at the 5100’s for my 2004 tundra and put them on setting 3 I believe, to lift/level it out a bit, and also if an inch or two larger tires under my wheel wells.

 

Welcome to my world......

 

My 2010 CrewMax SR5 with 217k miles is still on the original shocks based on the lack of mention on the vehicle service history which is quite extensive with the same Toyota dealer. One of the rear shocks is leaking slowly from what a good friend of mine who is a mechanic told me. I ordered Bilstein 4600s for both front and rear and also new sway bars as he told me the boots were starting to go. I looked at the 5100s but could not find ones for the front anywhere in stock, plus both front and rear total would have been about $100 more, and my truck isn't a 4WD and the only modification I've done is swap the OEM 18" wheels and tires for 20" wheels and tires that go to the max size I can do without a lift. The 4600s for the front showed as low stock when I ordered them.

 

How did the new shocks do for you? How did you set them up? I bought my truck a couple of months ago with 167k on it and I'm thinking I'll do the same thing. Curious to know what differences, if any, you've seen.