Feedback Appreciated : Old Dad wanting to buy shocks for son's truck

Thank you for your input - we certainly have a better understanding.

 

All I have in that pic is the toytec boss series set at whatever they are out of the box. Nothing in the rear so it sits pretty level.

 

looks good

 

I mean, the upside is ... in the event the 2884 sag too much with that bumper - which is entirely possible - getting a pair of 2885 springs to swap in, you're looking at under $250. And I have zero doubts by the time you get there, you'll have been a member on here for 30 days, and probably have more than 50 posts, so you could likely sell them on the local 1st gen marketplace once you hit 30 days + 50 posts and recoup some of those $$.

 

Might be in for more work too.

I really wanted the Bilstein's but couldn't really justify the spend for no real reason. Found a set of Rancho's on FB for $50. Leveled right out. Turns out the cheapo struts kept the front axles nearly straight but at the new angle, tore the crap out of the boots (one actually ripped all the way through). So another $180 for new front axles too. I guess 22 years on the old ones was a pretty good run.

 

Lots of suspension options here->https://www.1stgenoffroad.com/

 

Not only that, but Rancho products are notorious for blowing through the lower front bushings in a matter of months. We've seen about a half dozen cases of it here. I'd never use their products on our trucks. I dunno if it's the lower balljoint design that puts more force on things than Rancho can handle, or if they just make as-shitty of a product as Rough Country.

 

Have ever dealt with Shocksurplus? I'm thinking of going 6112 (2") and 5100 rear...they give a military discount - looks like the will cost right at 1K.

 

I know many might say this, but if you are thinking going 6112/5100, hit up @memario1214 and see what he's got in stock for you.
I am not saying he's the cheapest all the time, but factor in tax and shipping, sometimes you come out ahead.

 

I mean, there've been multiple sets of 6112 for sale over in the 1st Gen Marketplace. Currently one there now, I think the owner is selling for $650 but maybe won't ship. https://www.tundras.com/forums/1st-gen-tundra-parts-marketplace-2000-2006.4/

 

ShockSurplus and www.SuspensionLifts.com (formerly BilsteinLifts) are both known entities for folks here on the forum, with roughly the same reputation as 1stGenOffroad, but without the personalized touch Josh is usually able to offer.

 

Thanks - do you think it is worth the extra money (about 500 bucks) to get 5160 vs 5100 in the rear?

 

Not $500. Unless he’s doing high speed off road stuff. The 5160 has remote resis to keep the shock oil cooled during rapid oscillation scenarios. Driving your ranch will likely not create any issues that the 5160 will solve.

 

I wouldn't overthink or overengineer this. 5100 with some OME springs, rear lift if you plan for OME 2885, some extended swaybar links, and call it a day. If you're lifting 2" or more, consider going with an aftermarket upper control arm. For maintenance reasons, I'd stick with SPC (but buy them with Eibach branding to save $$$) or the JBA uppers, since both of those have greased/booted joints versus delta-style joints which require extra maintenance, are prone to squeaking.

 

^^^THIS^^^

 

We just built an 03 Sequoia for my son (same front end as your son's) and put 6112's with 1/2" spacers and JBA upper control arms. I've been very impressed by the ride, plus they are adjustable if he adds a bumper and needs to raise them and would take anything your ranch throws at them.

I'd also suggest a phone call with Josh at 1st Gen, he was incredibly helpful over multiple phone calls and ultimately where I bought from. As a fellow dad, your pics of the accident sure are scary, glad to hear your son was well protected, its the same reason mines in the Sequoia.

 

left a message for Josh - waiting for a call back - thanks

 

Again we appreciate the help...Josh called us back and talked with my son. He's going to send him 6112s for up front and add the 700lb springs for when he adds the bumper/winch. Josh suggested he go with the 5100 for the rear. He's shipping them Friday I believe. My son will probably wait and replace his leafs after he commissions with the Army (year and a half) as the salary of a lieutenant is a bit more than that of a college student.

So at least his truck now will have new shocks to go along with all the other new stuff (radiator, alternator, timing belt/water pump and all tensioners and such as well as serpentine belt - all OEM). He will put a set of KO2s (we have them on all of our vehicles) and then be looking for a bumper/warn winch setup...that is a MUST for him and what he does. It's not the tacoma he had but it is getting there.