1st Gen quick strut options?

2002 Tundra AC 2WD with 170k miles. Looks like very old kyb excels on there. front end is horrible over rough surfaces.

Im a Bilstein guy normally, had Icons on Tacomas etc, but this is just a work truck purchased recently. I dont need fancy, but I do want a decent, even firm ride, not wallowy or bouncy.
I just want a quick solution with new springs/struts/top mounts
Ive found Gabriel/Monroe/Moog and then there are all the straight Chinese options (maybe these are all Chinese now?)

Please, any help from people that have actually used these brands is appreciated. If they are all crap, I will get bilsteins, but Im afraid the springs would need replaced, on and on. thanks!

 

Yeah, you get what you pay for. Go with Bilstein!

Yes, you may need new leaf springs as well. Head over to the What Have You Done to Your First Gen Today thread (or the First Gen Lunch Table thread) and search for leaf springs to see what others have done. There’s a core group of guys on here who have basically done full renovations of their 1st gens. A lot of info here... and not a lot of us chime into individual threads requesting info already documented on the forum. I hope this helps.

 

@wcooperider3rd just put moog “quick struts” on his truck and reports they are pretty good quality. Per his feedback, I’m going to put some on my 06 at some point this year. The question is, what condition are your factory coils in?

 

Summit racing has good prices on the moog struts.

part #’s
ST8607L
ST8607R

 

Thanks guys! the coils condition is the big question. I pulled the struts apart weeks back to attempt installing 3rd Gen Tacoma Shocks I had on hand (different thread and a NOGO!) Coils seemed ok, but Visual inspection cant tell everything about their tension, etc.
That is what Im trying to avoid, by installing Bilstein 5100s(which Ive used for years) and then having the coils or top mounts be bad, and spending more money on coils, tophats etc. that gets pricey, and I just need this for work travel. I have an Tacoma TRD with Pro Bilstein setup for other stuff.
Again, appreciate the advice guys!

 

Exactly! Just need a quick solution at this point. I do look at reviews, but dont know How much these people are dialed into their vehicles. Im constantly paying attention to every single thing as I drive. Which is a problem. Im also hoping the left front “squeak” I have is from the coil setup.
if not I will be chasing other bushings, ball joints etc as Ive read on this forum.

 

If you were to attempt to use the Tacoma coil, you would still need to purchase tundra shock/struts to pair with the coil. But, instead of coubling something together, might as well get everything already assembled for an easy install. For a work truck/daily driver, I think the moog brand would be just fine.

 

Thanks! Yes agreed, the tacoma coil was too long. I could not get it to fit when attempted. I think it would have added at least 2” of lift, which Im not after

another poster mentioned rear leafs replacement as well, and Im sure that is true. They are rough looking! I do have my tacoma trd sport shocks in rear. They fit and function fine. As well as Hitachi shocks CAN function anyway. Which kind of tells me...moog/monroe etc cant be much further down the scale than those cheapaxx hitachis.
@revtune thanks
I did just go to Summit and Moog and Summit brand ( guessing also moog??) are shipping in october. Guess will buy elsewhere

 

I did a search too and they seem to be on back order or something. Here is another option that might be worth looking into.

 

Thanks. Just ordered Monroes, as it was just crazy finding any available for ft right in moog. im thinking probably all similar quality. I will report back on my thoughts after putting miles on.
I was hoping kyb made the quick struts for tundra, but I couldnt locate any. They have newer applications only

 

Save your OEM coils for future put back.

 

Haha. I gotcha. Thanks. i will send these back if crap.
then bilsteins for sure. trying to get this done quick n easy.

 

Update
These Monroe quick struts are pretty good actually, coming from a ride oriented guy (usually sports cars)
The are not Cadillac wallowy, decently firm with good response to sharp suspension hits. Turns out my old kybs were shot as well, Leaking/squeaking, after inspecting again
If people are interested in a quick solution to front setup, I definitely recommend.solved my front end squeak, as others have reported
My Powerstop rotors/pads solved some issues as well. My old Tundra is coming along well