help with finding front shocks/struts for my 2005 Tacoma

so i'm not knowledgable on vehicles at all, i'm just hoping for some advice to help me find the correct stock height shocks/struts for the front end of my tacoma. in most of the stuff i've found so far, the words "shock" and "strut" seem to be used interchangeably which makes things confusing.

i found a pair of Rancho RS5000X Gas Shocks (RS55319) on shocksurplus.com for the rears that i think will work, now i just gotta work out the fronts.

i've got a 2.7L 4cylinder 4wd 2005 Tacoma access cab, base everything (vin is 5TEUX42N65Z058666). i've been going to the same mechanic in Missoula for a while now and they're dialed and have been treating me well, i just wanted to make their lives easier by having the parts for the work i need done when i bring it in in a couple weeks. it'd also be nice to understand how this shit works. I, as someone who hasn't grown up around engines or mechanic type shit, just can't have a coherent conversation with a mechanic which can make things difficult and overwhelming lol. i have coil-overs on the front which I'm assuming probably also need replaced but that seems like a whole different beast. also looking to spend as little as i have to on this stuff cause i'm a seasonal worker with a fairly low budget

tldr: does the suspension on the front of a 2005 base Tacoma got shocks or struts? what do i need to be looking for to get the correct part? would a front strut come with a coil-over or is that a separate purchase? thanks in advance

 

We have struts in the front, and from 2005 to 2021. I believe all the suspension is the same and can be integrated with each other.
So if you found some shocks and some front coil overs off a 2020 Tacoma, they would fit on yours.

 

These are a great choice. Great shock and all you need. Just hand them to your mechanic.

$318 NEW BILSTEIN FRONT & REAR SHOCKS FOR 05-13 TOYOTA TACOMA PRERUNNER & 4WD BASE, 4600 SERIES 46MM SHOCK ABSORBERS, 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

https://www.amazon.com/BILSTEIN-SHOCKS-TOYOTA-PRERUNNER-ABSORBERS/dp/B01AVNA48I

 

Shocks and struts are different. The rear of our trucks have a shock. The front have struts. Getting a fully loaded front strut (which means the struts already have the spring on it) will save you money by not having to pay a shop to build it for you. One of the best deals you will find is someone buying a truck and immediately lifting it. People will sell there take offs pretty cheap. I'm not sure If the six cylinder suspension fits on a four cylinder though.

 

I had those Rancho shocks on a 4Runner, good shocks but harsh ride. I have the previously mentioned Bilsteins now, no complaints at all.

 

As mentioned, if you can find some 3rd gen take offs (front struts and rear shocks) would be the way to go. That's what I did about 4 years ago. I found them in Dallas TX where my son lives so it worked out that I picked them up while visiting. I would not have found any if I only looked in my area.

Another route that would be simple and inexpensive (I'm hesitant to say) are quick struts. Definitely not the best, maybe OK at the most.

 

Differences between shocks and struts can sometimes be confusing, and as you say the terms are sometimes intermingled. I'll be the outlier here this time. Yes, we have shocks on the rear. However, the fronts are not struts, they are coilover shocks on what is essentially a double wishbone suspension.

The video in the following link describes the basics; coilovers are discussed at 1:21. https://www.google.com/search?q=str...#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:1cd33204,vid:SiAIna3MOdM

 

Rancho
negative

use catalog search function vehicle selectors
such as Bilstein
4wheelparts
etc

 

dope, thank you so much dude

 

whatcha mean by a harsh ride? like just more stiff? i was actually just about to buy those ranchos, i think the bilsteins would be worth it

 

I replaced my OEM shocks at about 110K miles several months ago. Went with Bilstein 4600s, front #24-325462, rear #

$84 24-186056 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber

24-186056.

Nice ride & handling improvement over the smaller, worn-out factory Bilsteins on my 2005 Off Road 4x4.


EDIT: Don't worry about referring to the front shocks as struts. That's such a common mistake that everyone knows what you're talking about.

 

I'd probably go with Bilstein 4600 shocks front and rear. I'm glad I picked up a set of four Bilstein 5100s for the 2009 ACLB SR5 from Shock Surplus as the price went up 5% during the week they were on ground freight. The original shocks will likely need to be replaced due to age before mileage (like my tires on every vehicle operated out of western Montana, Idaho and coastal Alaska). The 5100s will stay in inventory until it's time to replace the shocks (with Wheelers front top hat kits). I've been warned that 4600s provide a much better ride, not as stiff as 5100s. Figure the 5100s for trade stock, but the Tacoma SR5 DLT (Dad's Last Truck) is a bit heavier with the Sportsman Edition canopy (from a Missoula dealer in '09), and my additions/accessories (aluminum powder coated front skid plate from All-Pro Off-Road of Victor, MT until 2018 when they became part of the Trail Gear family of companies).

Hey, [OP], send me a PM if you get over this way and I'll buy you coffee. We're all brothers on this road. - Charlie

P.S. I just looked below, and, "Hey, Amazon has a set of four 4600s for 15 bucks more than the 5100s I picked up!"

Update 12 June 2023: Ordered a set of four Bilstein 4600s (30 available) last night from Suspension Lifts at $337.14 with free shipping. Slightly more expensive ($356) and not available from Shock Surplus as I was looking. (They all have that "notify me when available" option.)

 

anyone happen to know what the measurements for a stock height strut and coilover on a 2005 tacoma is? heard that all them should be interchangeable but I've heard that before and then things just slightly don't fit. don't wanna buy some struts or shocks off FB marketplace or Craigslist and get fucked

 

I don't know the actual measurements, sorry. Not sure about 2WD Tacomas either.... but your 2005 4x4 and my 2005 4x4 are the same. Many Gen-2s are interchangeable.

The numbers I posted above (post #11) are correct. You might find #24-188401 listed for the front shocks, but that is an old number. It has been superceded by #24-325462.

 

Thats where I bought mine. Good price. I put the rears in but had my shop put in the fronts. I don't like messing with springs under that kind of tension anymore.

 

Got mine last September for $327 at https://www.suspensionlifts.com/sho...00-front-rear-shocks-05-15-toyota-tacoma-4wd/. I see they are up by 10 bucks now, still a good price. And free shipping.

OP, you asked about length -- info is in the link.