4" Lift, Want To Replace Shocks (What Length?)

So, I've got a 2nd Gen. DCSB 4x4 Taco with a 4" Pro Comp Lift, running 285's currently. I just rolled over 200k miles and am looking to do some deep maintenance to hopefully get another 200k+ out of this vehicle. Don't off-road much in this anymore as I know have a SXS for that. So mainly on-road driving. As of now, nothing is wrong with any of the suspension system, it just rides like a 200k+ mile lifted truck. Just hoping to freshen things up. Also, not gonna be shelling out thousands on this. It's worth mentioning I have access to a full shop.

My main question: Do I need extended length shocks to replace the existing ones? If so, length?

In regards to the front: Should I replace the whole strut assembly? (Shock and spring)?

Also, should I replace the UCA's or any other components in that area?

 

anyone?

 

Is it a drop bracket lift?

 

Measure the length of the shock at rest height as it sits on your truck right now. That should be your centerline for a replacement shock. i.e. for the rear - If you measure 22" from eye to eye, then your looking for a shock with compressed and extended lengths of approximately 17" - 27" for a 10" stroke shock. That way you get 5" travel up and 5" travel down. For the front, with a 4" lift I think we'd need to see what you have now. Adjustable coilovers are good upto 3" so you must have a spacer on top of that or you have the procomp 4" lift coilovers. Not sure what other options there are as I'm most familiar with 2-3" lifts.

 

I'm in the same boat as you, but 150k on my current setup. I decided to upgrade some items along the way to try to achieve a better on-road feel. But If you're not changing anything and happy w/ the current setup, why not go w/ the same shocks as you have on there now? Or are you just not sure what they are?
Shouldn't be anything wrong w/ the spring. For me, I'm choosing to swap in a whole new coilover. If you're looking to do the least expensive route, just swap shocks.
As for the UCA's, I decided to just put new bushings in mine. If you have 200k on your bushings, that might be an option for you. The control arms themselves should be fine.

 

We definitely need to know more about the lift kit you have on there. Drop bracket kits are very different than a standard kit which will limit your choices for coilovers.

 

In the front there is just a 4" spacer block at the top of the strut. I bought this truck used, so the dealer had already sprayed the fender wells black so I can't see any numbers on the shocks themselves. I figured I could just measure the mounting points, but I was unsure of how much travel would be needed. I've not messed with suspension much.

 

Sounds like you have a 4" DB lift. If that's the case, I'm pretty sure your only coil over options are gonna be whatever pro comp can offer you or the Fox coil overs from the 4" BDS DB kit.

You other option is to bastardize everything and run 2-3" lift coil overs with a spacer on top.

Or you could get new factory struts and keep the current spacer if you just want to freshen it up

 

Can you post up some photos of the side of the coilovers, and the front of the truck? If you really do have a 4" spacer, I highly suggest removing that immediately. Before we jump into options, we need to confirm whats on the truck first.

 

I'm not super concerned with removing the spacer immediately. I drove this truck everyday for 6 years and almost 170,000 miles.... I just want to freshen it up.

Would I be able to just replace the shock and spacer with a shock that is 4" longer than stock?

 

It doesn't look like there are many, if any good options for a new 4" lift strut. Would I be better off to get a 2-3" lift strut and add a 1-2" spacer at the top?

 

That's kinda what I'm asking, what would be my best option. So just swap some 3rd gen shocks and leave spacer? I don't really need King shocks or anything for off-road. I mostly keep her on the road these days in her old age.

 

Your cheapest option is definitely to just swap in some 3rd gen factory struts and keep the spacer. Either that or you can call pro comp and see if they make a 4" coil over. Like I said, BDS also makes a 4" DB kit and offers a coil over with it.

 

Preciate all yous's helps. I think I'm gonna save up for a bit now that she's paid off and just get me some 3" lift coilovers and replace my 4" spacer with a 1" spacer. Same for the rear, gonna save up some and get some 3" leaf springs and some better shocks.