Loaded Struts for 2004 Tundra Doublecab

Hello. My 2004 Tundra (209,000 miles) needs front & rear struts/shocks. I just did struts on my 2005 MR2 and I did NOT enjoy the spring compression required. I bought every tool available and barely got the struts loaded. I am NOT a complete idiot (I can say that because my ex is not a member), I am NOT a mechanic (my greatest claim to fame is putting a clutch in my S2000 when I was 70 years old, and replacing an engine in the S2000 when I was 72.)

I have had no luck finding anyone in central Texas to load the struts so that I can install them (Killeen, Austin, Georgetown, Round Rock). Here is my question. My Tundra has the rather sedate job of transporting me and my bulldog around my property and around the country in Central Texas. No heavy duty work or towing. Are there excellent quality loaded struts that I can buy and shocks for the rear that will serve me well? Or can you direct me to someone to load the struts who I will happily compensate? Tips or advice? I am a newby.

Thanks!

 

Are you looking for any lift at all, like to bring the front up to a more-level stance to tone down the factory rake, or just replacements?

If you go with Bilstein 5100s, you can not only get OEM-like ride, but add a touch of front lift, and get them pre-assembled for under $200 from FirstGenOffroad or a few other vendors, I think Toytec may also offer it.

I haven't seen ayone selling pre-assembled Bilstein 4600, which would be as close to a true OEM swap as you can get, with no lift at all, and similar ride characteristics (if not better).

You fail to give a critical detail: Regular cab, Access cab, Double cab? 2WD, 4WD? These details make a significant difference if you're looking to use a shock that lifts, due to how much weight is on the truck for the strut to compete with.

 

Also, any thoughts on what else I should replace "while I am there"?

Sorry. Doublecab 2WD with TOW package from Toyota. I want no lift at all, just looking to replace the factory specs.

 

FirstGenOffroad is going to call me back with prices. They will load the struts for me. Thanks a LOT!

 

If you can snap some pics of what you've got, ball joints upper/lower, sway bar bushings, just a half dozen pics from each wheel well, we can probably answer that for you. Sight unseen, it's tough to say. We can stab, but that's not a good way to spend money effectively.

Sorry, missed double cab part. But yeah, the weight of your truck is important re: 2WD/4WD.

Yeah, if you either went with 5100 at its bottom-most clip setting and a more-stock-oriented spring, that should get you there with no lift.

But an ideal solution, if 1st Gen Offroad has then and can assemble, would be installing 4600s all around.

 

They said 4600 was doable but to get factory height I would need to buy factory springs. I will post on what happens and post pics for you guys to tell me what I might need to do as well.

I really appreciate all of the help!

 

I think most of what you'll find available is aftermarket springs, and are specifically intended for lift. Either from ARB/Old Man Emu ("OME"), Dobinsons, Eibach, or whatever. The demand for OEM-level stuff isn't very high at all, so not many sell it.

With you having a Double Cab, and 4WD, you've got the heaviest our trucks have to offer, which may be in your favor. These trucks naturally have about 2" of rake, if memory serves. You'd probably barely notice and have no ill effects going with a shorter-lift aftermarket spring on 5100s, if you'd be cool w/the tiniest amount of lift.

Like, maybe 5100s up front with OME 2884 springs should get you in the ballpark of 1-1/4 to 1-1/2" up front, so still having 1/2"-1" of forward rake, making it still look like a stock truck.

You may also ask the guy at 1st Gen Offroad if OME's 2883 spring would be possible with 5100s to get a more near-OEM height, I'm guessing that'd put you around 1/2" of lift, which is what you'd see just by replacing your 200k-mile tired ass front springs.

Just spitballin' here...

 

FYI