1st Gen Tacoma Rear Shock Info (Aftermarket)

I have been doing a lot of research into aftermarket rear shocks for 1st Generation Toyota Tacomas and I wanted to consolidate it so that others could benefit.

Driver Rear Shock Specs:
OEM Part Number: 48541-A9010
Bilstein Part Number: 24-184977
Valving: ???
Travel: 6.81 Inch
Extended Length: 19.61 Inch
Collapsed Length: 12.8 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 19mm ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3S8KuBu

Passenger Rear Shock Specs:
OEM Part Number: 48531-A9020
Bilstein Part Number: 24-184960
Valving: ???
Travel: 7.09 Inch
Extended Length: 20.28 Inch
Collapsed Length: 13.19 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 19mm ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3SdpVEk

These are different lengths because the stock passenger upper mount is a little higher than the driver side. It mounts on top of the frame while the driver side is somewhat inside of the frame.

When looking at aftermarket shocks, a lot of people gravitate towards Bilsteins (since that came stock), and usually start with 5100s. Most people come across these:

Driver 5100 Shock
Part Number: 33-247724
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 7.64"
Extended Length: 21.26 Inch
Collapsed Length: 13.62 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 19mm ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3YI68iq

Passenger 5100 Shock
Part Number: 33-247717
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 8.02 Inch
Extended Length: 22.09 Inch
Collapsed Length: 14.07 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 19mm ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3IyM2BD

As you can see, these are roughly 1" longer than stock. These are advertised as 0-1" of lift, but then you can't really find anything that is specified for lifting taller than that. There are many variables that will come into play when lifting the rear of a 1st Gen Toyota Tacoma, but it is mostly related to the leaf spring pack and how much travel it can actually produce.

Then there are the shocks specified for 89-95 Pre-Tacoma Pickups. The nice thing about these is that they use the same size mounting hardware.

Pre-Tacoma 5100
Part Number: 24-185752
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 9.63"
Extended Length: 25.63 Inch
Collapsed Length: 16.00 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 19mm ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3lNbwm2

Obviously these are a lot longer than stock and provide almost 10 inches of travel. If you are lifted 3-4" in the rear, these may work for you. You need to be careful about the overall collapsed length and make sure they will not bottom out.

Something you should also consider is the shocks valving. Each shock manufacturer will specify valving numbers in different ways, so you really need to compare the numbers to other Bilstein numbers in this case. Bilstein offers the following for eye to eye shocks. These are rebound/compression. The higher the number, the "firmer" the shock will feel:
170/60 - Good if you mostly drive with an empty bed and no weight
255/70 - firmer ride that can handle more sway control or extra weight
360/80 - probably too firm for a 1st Gen Tacoma unless you have a lot of weight

So here is a mostly complete list of Bilstein 5125 shocks that can work on the rear of a 1st Gen Tacoma sorted by travel and valving. You will need to swap the bushings if you are using the stock mounts (see further down) since these come with 5/8" ID bushings.

8 Inch Travel -----------------------------------------
Part Number: 33-230313
Valving: 170/60
Travel: 8.00 Inch
Extended Length: 21.70
Collapsed Length: 13.70
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3YWZcOV

Part Number: 33-185590
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 8.13 Inch
Extended Length: 21.54
Collapsed Length: 13.58
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3IbuJFA

Part Number: 33-230443
Valving: 170/60
Travel: 8.40 Inch
Extended Length: 22.50 Inch
Collapsed Length: 14.10 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/41jN2Bh

Part Number: 33-185606
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 8.45 Inch
Extended Length: 22.58 Inch
Collapsed Length: 14.13 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3ScmmhF

9 Inch Travel -----------------------------------------
Part Number: 33-186542
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 9.24 Inch
Extended Length: 24.35 Inch
Collapsed Length: 15.11 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3lNfhIb

Part Number: 33-230320
Valving: 360/80
Travel: 9.24 Inch
Extended Length: 24.35 Inch
Collapsed Length: 15.11 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3S8UWsO

10 Inch Travel -----------------------------------------
Part Number: 33-104645
Valving: 170/60
Travel: 10.17 Inch
Extended Length: 25.93 Inch
Collapsed Length: 15.91 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3I8j2PX

Part Number: 33-185552
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 10.17 Inch
Extended Length: 25.93 Inch
Collapsed Length: 15.91 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3IwvvNF

Part Number: 33-230344
Valving: 360/80
Travel: 10.00 Inch
Extended Length: 25.90 Inch
Collapsed Length: 15.90 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3k7gAky

11 Inch Travel -----------------------------------------
Part Number: 33-186559
Valving: 170/60
Travel: 11.00 Inch
Extended Length: 28.01 Inch
Collapsed Length: 17.00 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3IC2VM1

Part Number: 33-104652
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 11.00 Inch
Extended Length: 28.01 Inch
Collapsed Length: 17.00 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3IzpXD2

12 Inch Travel -----------------------------------------
Part Number: 33-230382
Valving: 170/60
Travel: 11.94 Inch
Extended Length: 29.70 Inch
Collapsed Length: 17.91 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3XFLUVw

Part Number: 33-185569
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 11.94 Inch
Extended Length: 29.70 Inch
Collapsed Length: 17.91 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3YWYWyQ

14 Inch Travel -----------------------------------------
Part Number: 33-185576
Valving: 255/70
Travel: 14.30 Inch
Extended Length: 34.90 Inch
Collapsed Length: 20.75 Inch
Mount Type/Size: 5/8" ID bushing
Link: https://amzn.to/3IzhWhk

Like I mentioned above, these all come with 5/8" ID bushings, which are too small to fit on the Tacoma mounts. You need 19mm or 3/4" ID hourglass bushings. One thing to note, a lot of people on here mention using Energy Suspension 9.8108G which claim a 3/4" size. However when I ordered them and measured they were 5/8" ID and would not work. Therefore I recommend the following:

Daystar KU08007BK (pair)
https://amzn.to/3YIBa9Z

Nexus SBS190130360 (pair)
https://amzn.to/3KAJVyX

Nexus SBS190130360 (2 pairs)
https://amzn.to/3lL4sGD

It is pretty easy to swap out the bushings, you just need to press the old ones out using a large socket in a vice or c-clamp. Put some lubricant on the new bushing and pop it in place.

Now, just to make it easier for people here are some "kits" you could put together yourself:
1.5-2" Lift-----------
Valving: 170/60
Driver Shock: 33-230313
Passenger Shock: 33-230443
Bushings: Nexus SBS190130360 (2 pairs)

Valving 255/70
Driver Shock: 33-185590
Passenger Shock: 33-185606
Bushings: Nexus SBS190130360 (2 pairs)


I plan on updating this thread as I learn more info. I also plan on posting Fox 2.0 shock options as well since they are also "budget friendly".

 

Reserved for future info

 

Thank you Sir for all your hard work!!

 

There are 2 or 3 different 5100's valved for 1st Gens and they vary slightly in length.

I'll have to dig up the Fox 2.0's I used as you've got a set meant for 1st Gens, and another set that offer a bit more travel but offered as a 'universal' shock.

Just requires pressing out the bottom bushing.

 

I just added the 5100s specified for pre-tacomas. I haven't been able to find any other part numbers for 1st gen rear shocks. Maybe they were the RCD (Race Car Dynamics) ones?

I have a list of various Fox 2.0 IFPs going, but haven't done as much research on them yet. Once I collect more info I'll post that as well.

 

I just got my shock absorbers in the mail:

• BIL BE5-D559-TO 5100 Rear Shock, 95-04 Tacoma, Driver Side, 13.9" x 21.6"
• BIL BE5-D560-TO 5100 Rear Shock, 95-04 Tacoma, Passenger Side, 14.7" x 22.6"

When I first opened the package and saw the shock absorber I thought it was perhaps bootleg based on the build quality. I then did a high res img search and noticed the same gap on the stock img I found. Maybe manufacturer practices have declined over the years but I still feel a bit hornswoggled.


stock photo


What I received.

I see that I accidentally cut off the top but it's a solid ring.

P.S. no install notes included is there a specific torque level or nah?
P.P.S. New shock absorbers say RCD. Maybe there was a merger or something and they are just made differently now :shrug:

 

Eh, i half-assed this several years ago (not as encompassing as your list but tables look better)

 

Hey, what's the deal with bushing and washer orientation? I can only find a diagram for 2005+. I thought it would be straightforward but here I am. I still have the passenger side shock absorber on and the top washers cup outwards and the bottom ones cup inwards around the bushing. I'd use words like concave and convex but I think things are confusing enough as is.

I've looked at several youtube videos and not only have I seen the washers installed either way, but I have also seen the shock absorbers mounted upside down. I am only more confused. :/
I found this video and hope its correct (though it doesn't mention the top washers):

 

The cup washers should have the concave side facing away from the shock to accommodate the shock leaning during articulation. That way the washer doesn’t dig into the bushing.

 

Nitrogen shocks can be run shaft up or shaft down. Will not effect their performance. I prefer shaft down to keep the shock body up, out of harms way.

RCD has been around for a long time. IIRC, RCD makes certain applications (including Tacomas) for Bilstein.

 

top and bottom or just on the bottom? Thanks for confirming what the video was explaining!

 

Top and bottom washers go the same direction.

 

This is correct

 

Awesome post @nzbrock

Quick question: I didn’t realize there was a difference between drivers side and passengers side part numbers. Is there really a difference in the part itself?

I ordered two (2)

$108 33-230443 Monotube Shock Absorber, 46mm

33-230443 because I wanted the softer valving - but in your data above you show that this is passenger side specific and that there’s a different part number for the equivalent drivers side.

FYI - I bought these shocks three years ago and haven’t installed them yet. Long story…

 

3 years is nothing, I am too embarrassed to admit to what's lingering in my garage that should have been installed ages ago.

 

This would be an interesting anti-flex battle…

 

Difference is only in length. That extra .4" won't create any problems.
I've been running 2 identical extended length shocks for years, no problems.

 

It's only because the passenger side upper mount is higher. As long as you won't bottom out your shocks you are fine.

 

I can get the ext length for my rear shocks but the compressed whats the easiest way to? Do i get on rhino ramps on one side?

 

Best way is to remove all but the main leaf from the spring pack and compress it until your bumpstop hits (or something else).