1st gen tacoma 4x4 rear shock recommendations

putting on rear shocks on the taco. was told bilstein 5100's won't work on a stock frame and was advised to go with 4600's. is this accurate? any other rear shock recommendations? looking to keep under $200

will plan on doing the front in a few months. any advice for those?

not planning on doing any crazy off-roading, just logging/mountain roads out here in Colorado

 

Whoever said anything about a stock frame is a moron.

Bilstein 4600s are valved just right for a vehicle that normally lives on road but drives off the beaten path maybe once in awhile.

Bilstein 5100s are valved a bit firmer, according to many, for better off road manners. What differentiates the 5100s offered for 1st Gen Tacoma's versus the 4600s is that they come in a longer length.

That's because they're normally used in a lifted application, so longer shocks won't over-extend and kill themselves during off road articulation.

 

By the way, a simple scrolling through the 1st gen section will yield a ton of answers for you.

Suspension questions are asked on a daily, and you may read and find out more for questions you never thought you had.

 

@Kwikvette
i bought the rear set. says for 1-1.5" lift. will they be fine on the stock frame?
Bilstein 33-247717
Bilstein 33-247724

i know bilsteinlifts.com isn't associated with bilstein but they list the below for the 1-1.5" lift, not sure if this is true or not about being good on the stock frame:

DESCRIPTION
Bilstein 5100 1-1.5″ Rear Lift Shocks for 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
Part: 33-247724_33-247717
Rear Shocks are advertised for 1-1.5″ of lift, but we noticed that they will still work fine with 0″ or stock height
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...-lift-shocks-for-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma-4wd/

 

Ok...let's drop the phrase "stock frame"

Someone used it one time, and now it's stuck to you like glue. It's not even a thing people talk about when talking suspension or the sort unless you went fully custom.

Going back to your question about the shocks though; you can get away with using those shocks but could run into potential issues depending on usage.

Your leaf pack; how old is it and what is the condition of it?

Should take pics, preferably a side shot with the wheel removed.

If your off road driving is really that limited, you could get away without damaging the new shocks. Otherwise, having the stock leaf pack, especially if it's worn, could result in your shocks collapsing when your suspension articulates, causing premature failure. Extended bump stops alleviate this; may not be necessary in your case though.

 

Wtf would an "aftermarket" frame even be? That'd be the worst mod of all time - just buy a different truck

 

Wait. Were you the guy from yesterday?
Bro, if you're that concerned, just get a front lift too. Like an extra 200 bucks
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...ble-front-shocks-for-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma/
https://www.bilsteinlifts.com/shop/...-lift-shocks-for-1995-2004-toyota-tacoma-4wd/

 

You remind me of me

Had a guy on another forum ask about suspension; went full blown into details with part numbers as to what he'd need.

Got asked some off the wall questions too.

Days later, he posts a new thread asking similarly what he asked in his first thread. I'm like, really?

 

That's it.
Make the topic even more mind boggling for the OP.

 

Think I saw that lmao

 

Lol I forget you're on the 4R forum too; it was that brainchew guy wanting a 1" lift on his 4R.

Gave him all the info, part numbers for the '99 Highlander model even, and gave him alternatives and what it would net him.

After all that, he went out and asked the same shit elsewhere

 

The goal is to beat the absurdity out of him. It's like softcore bullying - it works on 99% of people, the rest just game end themselves

 

aftermarket frame = rust mod

 

I can tell you the leaf pack is the original and not in the best condition. the bushings on the rear are trashed, one of the many reasons for the swap. i will upload pics later when i get the wheel off. the pic below is of the lower, rear shock right to give you a brief look at what im dealing with.

in terms of use - it won't be anything crazy. pretty much for camping, skiing, etc. not rock crawling or anything like that. would the 4600's be good for that or maybe some more research needed?

 

Thank you for that picture.

With a stock leaf pack, you are many years long overdue for a new one.

If you wish to retain factory height, I would suggest you get a leaf pack from general springs. Don't forget to include new u bolts as well.

As for the shocks, just buy a pair of Bilstein 4600's; they're affordable as hell.

I'd also recommend buying new Bilstein 4600's up front as well; look for a place that sells the top hat and other parts necessary. I bet you have stock suspension up front which too, is many years past due.

Disposable shocks don't normally last for more than 50-70k miles, even less if they're the cheap kind, and even less than that if they're used outside the norm.

 

I mean you're not wrong... "after"-market lol

 

best thing is it's FREE too!

 

Guess that means its not covered by Toyota's warranty though

 

Get out of my thread

 

I would associate a stock frame with one that hasn't had the shock mounts relocated.

New leaf pack, springs, struts and shocks are in your future OP, if you want anyway.

Will still ride like a truck though.