Is there a definitive answer on which shocks are closest to OEM?

As my profile says, I have a 1998 TRD V6 extra cab. Suspension bits are all original, and it’s time for new shock absorbers.

My TRD still has its factory Bilsteins. Can anyone tell me exactly which modern Bilsteins (also open to other suggestions) will preserve the truck’s ride quality and height?

It’s my daily driver, off-roading is limited to forest and fire roads to trailheads.

Thanks for any insight.

 

These should be exactly oem replacements, or exactly the same ride height using your oem springs.

https://www.shocksurplus.com/produc...bP0Ya4-wOg-DPpixPWiSX0Ox-CnNH8ZBoCC7AQAvD_BwE

 

Those aren't the OEM shocks. They are stock replacements, but aren't the same as what is supplied from the factory. There's an older thread floating around where a guy compares them. The "OEM" ones are smaller diameter.

4600's are still far and away the best shock to replace the OEM's with, however.

 

If you want to preserve your truck's original ride and height, and if you plan on continuing on fire and forest roads, replace your shocks with Bilstein 4600s front and rear. Will set you back around $300.

 

Thanks for the replies. Out of curiosity, what would you say is a reasonable price to pay for installation labor on all four corners?

 

It'd probably cost a few hundred bucks.

Rear is super easy, a total no-brainer to DIY. The fronts are a little more complicated, but still DIY.

It's not that hard. You can rent all the tools for free from most auto parts stores. Plenty of write-ups about it, too. Should only take a couple hours.

 

Hey I see you have a 1998 TRD. It's a bit of a rabbit hole, but consider doing a full suspension refresh if you plan on keeping the truck. It makes a big difference! Replacing the worn-out old springs made a huge improvement on my '99. New ball joints, new control arm bushings, new springs and shocks. It can be done while keeping it looking factory.

The reason I mention it is I tried doing new ball joints, bushings and bilstein 4600 shocks and it did tighten things up a lot, but the upgraded springs and shocks took it to a whole new level by eliminating body roll and keeping the wheels planted while accelerating.

There are a lot of resources here on the forum, if you want to learn about what others have tried. I'm very happy with my Toytec Boss kit.

 

Depending on how many miles are on your truck and considering the age of everything on the truck. Post #8 gives you some really sound advice.

 

Are your springs 'W' shaped? https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/stock-leaf-spring-replacement.533418/page-3#post-17455804

 

Unfortunately, yes...

 

Oof

Long due for replacement.

General Springs offers an OEM replacement, as well as u-bolts and bushings to go with.

 

Well thanks for posting those pics, @CoastieTX those are looking pretty worn out to me (but still driveable).

Suspension gets expensive, so only you can decide if it's worth it. To give you an idea how much I spent, it was about $2000 on new springs and shocks on all four wheels, and I had spent about an equal amount on having a shop install new ball joints and control arms (bushings) on the front end, which you'll want to do if you're still on the originals.

I can promise you it was the best money I've spent on my truck because it improved the ride so much.

 

For what it's worth, when I was replacing my front struts with an OME lift, using spring compressors and all that was so awful that if I ever do it again I'll bring the assembly to a shop (with a wall mounted compressor or something) to assemble and I'll just put the entire assembly back in.

 

So, I got an estimate or two today and got the distinct impression that they’d rather not touch the springs and just install shock absorbers. Basically, they said if none of the rear leaf springs were actually cracked and broken, and the truck wasn’t sagging, to just leave them alone.

As far as replacement shocks go, they also said that if I used Bilstein 4600s, they couldn’t really guarantee my truck would ride like it did originally. For $480, I could order OEM shock absorbers from the local Toyota dealership and have the garage install them. I’m assuming they’re the exact same Bistein model the truck came with. The Toyota dealerships parts department told me they were Bilsteins.

So at this point, I’m left wondering if I should take the advice I was given and just replace the shock absorbers with OEM units.

 

It's up to you. I've run Bilstein OEM and 4600's on my truck before I upgraded the suspension and they're the same. I'm baffled by the guy telling you to keep the 23 year old springs until they break. Did he just not want to do the job?

I'd keep researching and reading on tacomaworld, unless you have to make a decision quick.

 

for what it's worth. I just installed 4-4600 shocks on my 03 DC last year. My truck is completely stock, and I've had no issues with these new shocks. thicker body than the factory tokico shocks. Definitely improved the ride. But only you can decide. My rear springs are getting flat, haven't gone completely "W" just yet. But that's another project down the road.
The 4600's will get you as close to factory without creating any lift.

 

Call me crazy, but I’m actually contemplating just using the local Toyota dealership to do this job. Especially if they can use an OEM spring set on all four corners, in addition to an OEM shock absorber set.

I get the impression all the local garages are just extremely busy right now, and can afford to be choosy on which jobs they take on. To me, from my research and just the way the truck rides, it really does seem like it needs new leaf springs in the back, too.

 

how many miles are on your truck. I can show you a video to install the front shocks and coil springs that really make it simple. Look at my avitar. I truly am a crippled up old man, and I did mine following a video that was simple as hell. I even re used my front coil springs. The rear shocks are really pretty simple to do. just take a little muscle and elbow grease. You can save a ton of money by not having the stealership do this job. Anyone here will be willing to walk you through any questions you might encounter.

 

You've been given the advice you need plenty of times over in this very thread.

Buy the Bilstein 4600's

Buy a new leaf pack, General Springs offers an OEM-replacement

Buy new u bolts to go with

Buy new bushings for your shackles

Buy front coil springs to go with your front Bilstein 4600's

Install yourself, it's super easy. If not, post up on the regional section and I guarantee someone will offer help.

If you were in CA, I'd say let's knock the whole job out in a few hours.

 

For what it’s worth, those rear springs might be sure for replacement, but don’t expect positive arch. My brand new SDs look pretty close to that