Suspension Reality (shocks)

So, looking for new shocks for my Tundra. Kinda wondering if Bilstein’s are worth is for a daily driver, which will probably see little to no off road activity. Any thoughts?

 

I have Bilstein's on my daily and they seem fine. I installed them several years ago and they're holding up well. To be honest, I think I would have been fine with the cheap stuff as a daily.

 

Yes

 

For a daily though?

 

Why not? These trucks came stock with Bilstein. TRD came with 4900 or 4600, whichever the Bilstein HD series is. They ride nicely.

 

I agree with the other posts. No need to spend a fortune but I probably wouldn't any cheaper. I've not seen many people regret Bilstein and we've had a ton of members go that route.

 

Wasn’t going to go cheap...sorry for not specifying...Was mainly thinking Monroe fully loaded vs Bilstein or KYB even. Plus, with 240k on the truck, wouldn’t new front springs be called for?

 

KYB are always good as well. I probably wouldn't go with Monroe. Nothing against Monroe but I know what to expect from Bilstein and they don'tbreak the bank.

Coils can last as long as the truck, or can become fatigued and need replacement after several years. That depends where you live and how you use your truck. If they don't look rusted to hell and your truck hasn't gotten any lower, no need to replace.

 

I had Monroe on my truck before these Icons. Don't do it.

 

KYB or 4600 bilstein would work well.

 

Definitely replace them if the truck has 240k!

With only daily driving you should change out at about 70k miles.

 

I don’t mean to be a you know what but Toyota did not install the 4600s in the TRDs. The Bilsteins that come stock on Tacoma’s and Tundra have much different valving than the 4600s. The 4600s are excellent shocks but can be very stiff in certain scenarios. The factory installed Bilsteins are much softener but don’t handle the weight as well.

 

Got a part number?

 

No I do not... Bilstein told me this when I called them. I had 4600s on two different Tacoma’s and the TRD Bilstein’s prior. The gentlemen who told me this was spot on...based off my experiences.

 

So, what springs should I look for?

 

Monroe is cheap. They’re not worth the labor to put them on — even if you’re doing it yourself.
Bilsteins will last another 15 years and ride better the whole time. You might get a couple years out of Monroes.

 

I have been running Bilstein 4600 series on my Toyota street trucks ('96 T100, '02 & '07 Tundra) since the late 1990's, they are the absolute best shocks for these trucks if you are going to use them as trucks.

 

I have monroes on mine. Don't use monroes. Absolute garbage.

Also I second that question about springs. Is there a factory replacement out there? What's the one people ask about, OME 855 or something?

 

I highly doubt it...I replaced the front coils on my '07 @275k and they were still in great shape, I wish I had left them in. Now your rear leaf packs are another story, how do they look?

 

I took off Monroes and put on Bilstein. Massive upgrade.

 

I'll 3rd or 4th that the Monroe's are terrible. Also I think the only KYB options are the excel-G which aren't nearly as good the gas adjust. For budget and not lifted, go bilstein 4600

 

My 2006 TRD DC came with the yellow & blue and in 2017, I finally replaced them with the same thing.

 

KYB has struts for with TRD{551119} and without TRD package{KG9026}, are they interchangeable. My 2003 RCLB does not have the TRD option.

 

If anyone can enlighten us on the difference. Would love to upgrade to a TRD based suspension.

 

Best I know is the TuRD came with yellow BillyBob Shocks (insignificant) and heavier front coils (a very significant upgrade).

Both these can be overcome with newer better suspension (Coil/Shocks) options that cost $$$. Trying to figure out the best option for the front suspension seems to trip people up when it comes to combining the new coils to new shocks and vis a vie.

 

Just replace the shocks with Bilstein 4600, keep the coils you currently have.

 

Sorry to beat this dead horse....4600 vs 5100. Work's been crazy (UPS driver) so haven't been online much. Thoughts and best place to purchase?

 

They were 320.00 for the set last week when I purchased them...

https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...DICh0YAQqZEAQYBSABEgJe1vD_BwE#reviews_summary

 

Picked them up for $338. Will all be here tomorrow. Gonna be a pain in the butt trying to get the fronts done....gonna be a weekend job and might have a hard time finding a shop to swap the springs over on the weekend:

 

Get new strut mounts... makes swapping the spring a much easier job, and you don't have to be gentle removing the old struts.

$34 KYB SM5442 - Mount and Insulator

KYB SM5442 - Mount and Insulator got these from Amazon, about 35.00 each. PB Blast the heck out of the nuts and bolts, you may need to heat them up a bit as well. I found using XL length ratcheting box wrench to be the key. Length adds leverage.

Good luck!