What are the best struts for a 1st Gen?

Terrward,
I went with the 5100s all the way around (front on the 3rd notch), and it rides much better and eliminated the tire rub in the front so I didn't have to do any trimming. I didn't change or switch anything else since it's a pavement only vehicle.

 

Never seen’t these posted anywhere on this site before. These are the TRD Shocks (front and rear). This an exclusive look for you guys.

 

It's time to do mine and this thread was very helpful , thank you guys .

 

I had Billie 5100s. They were great, lasted 12 years. If I did it again, I would go 6000 series. But, I did these. I don’t think you want them, but super sweet bolt ins. And yew!

 

That’s my next upgrade.. but years down the line..
Maintenance on those is more of a pain. (Heims seizing etc) but they’re amazing.

5100s get me by for now. Taco gets the fancy suspension

 

Yeah, I know they need love. I’m good with that. But it’s really more than I need. I got them because I could not buy anything less expensive that was worth while. It’s like when the runs on supermarkets. You could buy all day long at Gelsons or Bristol Farms. Just had to pay. But no regrets here.

 

I've owned my 2002 for four months (96K miles at purchase). I believe the shocks were original and the front rubber bushings were shot. OEMs and advice here was Billies, so that's what I decided on. Rears came right in, front 5100s were out of stock everywhere. The rear 4600s and Helwig sway bar made a real difference in handling, so I pined for the fronts, but the out of stock situation continued. Heard here about Eibachs, so took a look and found the adjustable ones in stock at Summit.

Putting those in, middle setting, with an alignment gave me a whole 'nother truck. One finger steering and Texas Hill Country bumps and sways just disappeared. I can hit a low water crossing without slowing. Speed bumps snivel at being ignored. I couldn't ask for better driving manners from a new truck.

This is not a comparison, because I have no experience with new Billies, but I will say you will be impressed with Eibachs.

 

Pretty sure im gonna want an adjustable setup. Run em loose over the rough stuff, stiffer on the smooth. Can that be done for less than a grand? (Adjustable shocks and struts worth a damn?) i just ran weak shocks in the jeep.

 

I'm wondering if anyone has any info on the replacement coil springs in addition to the struts. I'm the original owner of an 01 Tundra 2WD access cab with the TRD package. I replaced the struts about 5 years ago, and they're worn out again. The problem is the coils are just worn out. Toyota discontinued the parts (4813AF160 left, and 4813AF150 right). Anyone have any luck with any of the quick strut options or have any recommendations on a replacement?

 

What makes you think your coils are worn out?

What were the struts you put in last time that only lasted 5 years?

 

Struts were Toyota replacements. That's the question everyone asks, and then they follow up reply...they never go bad. The front end travel goes into full compression over speed bumps to the point where you feel the strut bottom out in addition to leaning hard into a turn. This was the same situation when I originally replaced the struts 5 years ago, but in that case the strut blew out on a pothole. After replacing them, the ride never returned to the stiff suspension it had after purchase, but rode more like a car on the new struts. I'm just looking for alternatives since Toyota doesn't manufacture the springs any more.

 

Anyone try dirt logic / fabtech
(stainless steel)

Seems better than icon/fox/toyota tec... King?

Lmk... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ #tundrabeasty (emergency/farming/hauling truck)
needs something easy to rebuild and resistant to the elements... Tired of rust and dents and crap rubber bushings...

 

I didn't know fabtech was still around. They were fairly popular around 15 years ago.

 

Speaking of struts, anyone know when it's time to replace the front coil spring? I've got the OEM coils at 240k miles and new 4600s and I swear the front still sits lower than it originally did by an inch or two. Springs still work perfectly, but it's more aesthetics than anything sitting lower than originally.

 

Maybe it's time to measure it and do the leveling/lean correction spacers?

I did a 1/2" and 1/4" spacer on mine. Gives about 1" and 1/2" of lift. Just need longer spring hat studs, wheelers carries them.


If you have the tools/space, you could remove your springs and see if they are no longer at OEM spec length.