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KYB Gas-a-just shocks worth the buy?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by Ghostly.-, Jan 24, 2021.

  1. Jan 24, 2021 at 8:40 PM
    #1
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    I found a set of KYB Gas-a-roll coil-overs and shocks(front and rear) with 40k miles on them for $80. Was thinking I would offer him $50.Has anybody used these? Are shocks with this many miles on them worth buying? My truck has 133k on it with original, tired shocks all around and I was thinking about snagging these. All input is welcome.
     
  2. Jan 25, 2021 at 1:55 AM
    #2
    PenderBen

    PenderBen Forum lurker…

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    Doesn’t sound worth it to me with those miles on them, not worth the effort to install.
    Unless they’re removed basically new, I don’t personally find used shocks worthwhile.
     
    Oey12 likes this.
  3. Jan 25, 2021 at 3:45 AM
    #3
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Spend a little more and just buy new ones.
     
    artsr2002 likes this.
  4. Jan 25, 2021 at 4:10 AM
    #4
    TundraMcGov.

    TundraMcGov. Your friend. Your foe. Not yo Ho.

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    Bilstein 4600's aren't that much more NEW. I run them on my 1997 T100.
     
  5. Jan 25, 2021 at 4:54 AM
    #5
    Rex Kramer

    Rex Kramer Vinyl Spinner

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    The good people at Bilstein tell me their 4600's are the best shocks made for these trucks, I agree with their claim because I had them on my '96 T100, and I have them on my '02 & '07 Tundra.
     
  6. Jan 25, 2021 at 10:05 AM
    #6
    PenderBen

    PenderBen Forum lurker…

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    I had KYB on my T100, no complaints, they were a good budget shock, I just wouldn’t buy used ones.
    That being said, I have ordered Bilstein 4600’s for my Tundra. Generally I’ve had good service from Bilstein.
     
  7. Jan 25, 2021 at 10:14 AM
    #7
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    Ok, so new it is. Also, for reference, this truck hauls constantly. I carry a 935lb camper in the bed almost constantly, so what would you guys recommend to help all of that weight? Should I replace the coils as well, or just put the shocks in with the original front coils?
     
  8. Jan 25, 2021 at 10:21 AM
    #8
    PenderBen

    PenderBen Forum lurker…

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    I don’t have experience with that, but for the most part I don’t hear about people replacing the front springs.
    I see you have overload springs, since all that weight is in the back, maybe airbags or a sumospring type helper would be good too.
     
  9. Jan 25, 2021 at 10:33 AM
    #9
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    Yeah, even with those overload springs the whole suspension feels squishy. I'd rather not go with airbags because of my local climate. I have looked into sumosprings, but I was thinking it would be better to deal with the tired shocks before anything else.
     
  10. Jan 25, 2021 at 10:39 AM
    #10
    HBTundra

    HBTundra New Member

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    You might also consider a rear sway bar to help with body roll . . . may even help the shocks last a little longer.
     
    FrenchToasty likes this.
  11. Jan 25, 2021 at 11:12 AM
    #11
    Lil Steve

    Lil Steve Living the dream

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    Since the camper is nearly a constant load, I'd opt for replacing your stock leaf springs with heavy duty leaf springs out back, I think you'd be fine with the stock coil springs up front on new shocks.
     
  12. Jan 25, 2021 at 11:22 AM
    #12
    HBTundra

    HBTundra New Member

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    BTW . . . I have KYB Gas-a-justs on my 2006 DC 2WD . . . the previous owner had recently put them on before I bought the truck.
    I hadn't had a set of KYB shocks on a truck since the late 80's.
    I like them, they seem like a good 'overall' shock FWIW.
    We'll see how they hold up.
     
  13. Jan 25, 2021 at 2:12 PM
    #13
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    My prior set were KYB. They were nice shocks. Japanese OE.
     
    HBTundra[QUOTED] likes this.
  14. Jan 25, 2021 at 3:18 PM
    #14
    Captain Tenneal

    Captain Tenneal New Member

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    Not sure if my experience applies, but...

    I've had KYBs on BMWs and they are CRAPPY. Made the cars jittery, valving was all wrong.

    I have KYBs on my wife's RX330 and they are OK. They certainly are better than worn OEM struts.

    I wouldn't use anything but Bilsteins on my truck. Any reason why you wouldn't spend the extra money and then forget about it for 7-10 years???
     
  15. Jan 25, 2021 at 5:59 PM
    #15
    thearborbarber

    thearborbarber New Member

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    KYB = keep you bouncing when I had them on my camaro
     
  16. Jan 25, 2021 at 6:06 PM
    #16
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    :rofl:

    Nice one. They reminded me of a Cadillac Type Ride when I had them on the 2002 Tundra for about 75k miles. Boat like.
     
  17. Jan 25, 2021 at 6:50 PM
    #17
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    Honestly, I am a high school student. My wallet already hurts from replacing the ticking manifolds that you could smell in the cab. Just trying to save money wherever I can. Time is not a super huge issue ATM. Just trying to fix how badly it rides right now.
     
    HBTundra and Black Wolf like this.
  18. Jan 25, 2021 at 6:56 PM
    #18
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Chillin' in Alamosa

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    Still in High School? That changes everything. I feel your pain. Offer $50 and throw those KYB's on. Can't hurt and will be good enough for the time being. Save as much $ as you can now. You have plenty of time to fix up your 01. Keep checking in here. We will help you "more realistically" now that we know your situation:thumbsup: Welcome from Colorado.


    With a 935lb camper you might want to find a "newer" used set of rear springs to throw on. We have some very knowledgeable 1st gen Tundra owners here that should have some "reasonable" options for you without breaking the bank.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2021
    tvpierce, des2mtn and HBTundra like this.
  19. Jan 25, 2021 at 6:57 PM
    #19
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Chillin' in Alamosa

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    Toyota used KYB's on Tacoma's. My 09 Taco had OEM KYB's
     
  20. Jan 25, 2021 at 7:10 PM
    #20
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Chillin' in Alamosa

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    Nothing wrong with KYB's.....
     
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  21. Jan 25, 2021 at 7:34 PM
    #21
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    Thanks for the help. Originally I was planning on buying 5100s all around, and LT headers, but money would not allow. Covid kinda ruined that. I did get some OBX shorties that are pretty decent for $400, and hopefully I can get the Y pipe they came with welded in. At least I've got 50k before I'm due for a timing belt. I'll throw him an offer tomorrow.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  22. Jan 26, 2021 at 3:46 AM
    #22
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Go snatch your portion of ‘Stemullus’ from your parents. That should cover your new shocks.
     
    Black Wolf likes this.
  23. Jan 26, 2021 at 11:54 AM
    #23
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    Already tried lmao. Dad has already committed both stimulus checks to a boat. My parents are not the type to support financially unless its an emergency.
     
  24. Jan 26, 2021 at 4:10 PM
    #24
    KNABORES

    KNABORES Sarcasm incoming

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    For safety's sake, save your money and spend it on good struts and good brakes. The KYB's will be a bandaid, and are already halfway dead. If there's any oil on the outside of them DON'T BUY. The Camper in the back would make me lean towards the 4600 or 5100 Billy's for their increased control. The front will dip dive duck and dodge with that extra weight in the back when turning and braking. The Billy's will help with that. $180 or so for the fronts. $340 for a full set. 5100's are a few dollars more, $385 for a full set. Bigger money for sure compared to the $50. Just can't see much life being left in them. Maybe someone on here has a set of good take-offs they would be willing to donate to a young fella like yourself.
     
  25. Jan 26, 2021 at 4:22 PM
    #25
    Richid

    Richid New Member

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    You could also look at an add-a-leaf to support the camper, those are a pretty cheap way to add capacity. You'll probably dislike the empty ride though.
     
  26. Jan 26, 2021 at 4:55 PM
    #26
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    I already have Hellwig 991 overloads on the rear axle, which helped a lot, but the truck still rides like hot garbage all around. When I have the money to pay for it, I'll probably make a buy/sell/trade post looking for shocks.
     
  27. Jan 26, 2021 at 5:56 PM
    #27
    Kcrusher62

    Kcrusher62 New Member

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    I have a set of 5100 billies taking off tomorrow, they are in great shape. Happy to donate them for your ride.you pay for shipping and they are yours. Im in AZ.
     
  28. Jan 26, 2021 at 8:18 PM
    #28
    Ghostly.-

    Ghostly.- [OP] Tragic.

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    Really? That would be incredible. Are you sure you don't want anything for them? I honestly feel bad taking them for just shipping.
     
  29. Jan 26, 2021 at 8:50 PM
    #29
    Kcrusher62

    Kcrusher62 New Member

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    Nope, 2021 is my year to help out when and where I can.My wife gets a break on fed ex shipping through her work so save ya little more.You can pm me and work out the details.
     
  30. Jan 26, 2021 at 9:17 PM
    #30
    Kcrusher62

    Kcrusher62 New Member

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    I will get with you tomorrow
     

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