This dealer where I get my vehicle(02 Tacoma) serviced for oil change told me that my rear shocks are leaking.
They quoted me $400ish for replacement.
Should I get the front shocks replaced at the same time?
They haven’t told me anything about front shocks so I am assuming they are still ok and I am looking for a stock level setup. I just want the truck to look like it’s stock and not interested in lifting it at all.
Are there any aftermarket brands that anyone can recommend?
Thank you
Shock Replacement Options
- Thread starter LOLVO
- Start date
If the Tacoma still has the OEM shocks should make for an easy decision don't you think?
I replaced the front and rear shocks on my 2012 Tundra that only had 15K miles on them and they were pretty much done.
If you can afford it and both front and rear are original, replace both the ride will go back to original quality. That is if you plan on keeping it awhile.
Originally Posted By: Yah-Tah-Hey
If the Tacoma still has the OEM shocks should make for an easy decision don't you think?
Originally Posted By: LOLVO
Originally Posted By: Yah-Tah-Hey
If the Tacoma still has the OEM shocks should make for an easy decision don't you think?
I agree with the KYB suggestion and replacing all at the same time if you can afford it.
At the same time, I would strongly suggest checking all the other components... tie rods, bearings, ball joints, etc. Good time to freshen everything up if none of it has been done yet.
My dad had the ball joints done on the front of his 98 Ram and I tried to get him to do everything. He decided to save $$$ and now, a few months later, he is having to replace it all.
speaking of KYB vs Toyota OEM.. here's a link..
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4664344/all/KYB_vs_OEM_struts
short version: get the Toyota OEM and don't look back. Save yourself the trouble.
On a pick-up with their generally buck-board ride, I'd go Rancho 5000 in OEM length. They will not raise the vehicle, but the ride will be soooo much better 
Bilstein HD 4600 or KYB MonoMax
I've had nothing but awful ride quality with aftermarket shocks. I go on Amazon/Rock Auto/Ebay and look for OEM parts available at a discount. But I do all the work myself.
Rule of thumb is replace them once they hit 125K (stretch would be 150K).
Having them replaced earlier gives you a better ride and the new ones can go for another 125K.
Replacing all of them is definetly the best option, if you haven't changed the fronts.
Stick with OEM and bite the bullet from a cost standpoint. Shop online for OEM shocks.
Originally Posted By: MaximaGuy
Rule of thumb is replace them once they hit 125K (stretch would be 150K).
Having them replaced earlier gives you a better ride and the new ones can go for another 125K.
Replacing all of them is definetly the best option, if you haven't changed the fronts.
Stick with OEM and bite the bullet from a cost standpoint. Shop online for OEM shocks.
Originally Posted By: LOLVO
Are there any aftermarket brands that anyone can recommend?
Thank you
Originally Posted By: slacktide_bitog
Bilstein HD 4600 or KYB MonoMax
I recommend Bilsteins as well. Put them on my Montero and were very stiff for about 10,000 miles after that ride improved. They are awesome off road and large ruts in roads like winter potholes.
Originally Posted By: eyeofthetiger
Originally Posted By: MaximaGuy
Rule of thumb is replace them once they hit 125K (stretch would be 150K).
Having them replaced earlier gives you a better ride and the new ones can go for another 125K.
Replacing all of them is definetly the best option, if you haven't changed the fronts.
Stick with OEM and bite the bullet from a cost standpoint. Shop online for OEM shocks.
Side note: If you do go KYB, there’s a manufacturer rebate through 4/30 of up to $100 right now.
Toyota OEM rear - about $31 each
Toyota OEM front - about $96 each
Bilstein 4600 rear - about $67 each
Bilstein 4600 front - about $90 each
KYB OEM rear - about $43 each
KYB OEM front - about $64 each
KYB seems to be the cheapest option, then Toyota, and then Bilstein.
The car has close to 200K. I never bothered to looked into shocks until the dealer found out that the rear ones were leaking.
