KYB Gas Adjust to repalce OEM shocks?

[DaveM]

Hi all,

I have a 2003 DC Tacoma in the shop right now for standard 90k mile service. The shocks are old and need to be replaced. I'm keeping the ride height stock (can't afford to lift right now). I haul moderate loads for camping and some mild off-roading (forest service roads etc). The shop is recommending KYB Gas Adjust shocks all 4 installed for $690. Are these decent replacement shocks for OEM? For California forum members, how does that install price sound for a reputable shop?

Thanks,
Dave

 

[mattafact]

I'd go with a bilstein if I were you. Much higher quality than the KYBs. If cost is not an issue get the Icons and be done with it. Amazing shocks for the type of wheeling you want to do.

As far as install goes, swapping the springs on the front coilovers is a bit of a pain but if you're somewhat handy it can easily be done at home. The rear shocks are extremely simple.

 

[DaveM]

I'd go with a bilstein if I were you. Much higher quality than the KYBs. If cost is not an issue get the Icons and be done with it. Amazing shocks for the type of wheeling you want to do.

As far as install goes, swapping the springs on the front coilovers is a bit of a pain but if you're somewhat handy it can easily be done at home. The rear shocks are extremely simple.

I keep hearing that Bilstein is the way to go, guess I should start listening. Do I need to compress the coil up front to remove the shock, or does it just drop out?

Is there a lift option in here anywhere? I need a modest lift to clear my 33" BFGs. I've read about swapping in coil-overs from the 4 runner give some lift.

 

[SC T100]

I have the Gas-A-Justs on my T100. I did the install myself (but I don't have coils to deal with), and the shocks I picked up from Amazon for about $140 for all four. $690 seems pretty high. If nothing else, save a little cash and have them do just the fronts (coils), and the rears are extremely easy as stated above. Bolt in the top, cut strap, let shock expand, and jam it into place at the bottom while it's still expanding. Done. I like the shocks...they are firm but not harsh. My 2 cents. On a side note, if my truck were a daily driver I would likely have sprung for the Bilsteins as well. :sombrero:

 

[mattafact]

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/9504tacoadjbils.htm

These are the best bang for the buck if you want some lift and new shocks at the same time.

 

[Dave Bennett]

$690??? Ummm, you're well on your way to a full OME suspension for that price! You'll save a ton by doing it yourself, labor is what gets you.

 

[Caduceus]

Bilstein 5100's are adjustable, I think 4 settings, the highest is 2.5" that being said, you may have a slightly rougher ride at that height, since there'd be some preload on the springs. A set of all 4 Bilsteins should cost maybe $300 - check out DSM (no affiliation, just hear good things)
http://downsouthmotorsports.com/c-62715-off-road-shocks-o-e-m-replacement-shocks.html

I have OME shocks in back and love them. Have 2 additional leaf springs versus the stock Tacoma, granted I own an 09. The "softer" OME shocks do well to offset the stiffness of the added leafs. they're pretty cheap for a rear set only.

Tacomaworld or TTORA have good sections dealing with suspension. The rear is an easy DIY, the front can be with the right tools, or a total PITA if you've got 2 left hands and 10 thumbs like me.

 

[CA-RJ]

There is a fair amount of labor involved in doing the front struts. How many hours labor is the shop quoting you? I'm guessing 3-4? Depending on labor rates that could be $400 right there. KYB makes fine shocks and for a stock application such as yours, they will do a fine job.

You might also be interested in these.

 

[DaveM]

There is a fair amount of labor involved in doing the front struts. How many hours labor is the shop quoting you? I'm guessing 3-4? Depending on labor rates that could be $400 right there. KYB makes fine shocks and for a stock application such as yours, they will do a fine job.

You might also be interested in these.

I can't remember but your probably close, 3 or 4 hours. I was just reading in my Haynes that a shock with the coil pre installed can be much faster to change than doing shocks alone on the fronts, but I can't seem to find Bilsteins with coils pre installed?

I think I can handle the rear shocks so maybe I'll just have them do the fronts for me. I'm settled on Bilstiens since I'm getting a lot of good feedback on them and only so-so on the KYB.

 

[DaveM]

Anybody here know anything about the Wheeler single add-a-leafs?

http://www.wheelersoffroad.com/9504tacoaal.htm

I'm thinking about doing the adjustable Bilsteins set to 1.5" up front for now and add the add-a-leaf in the rear later.

 

[mattafact]

I've heard good things about the 3 leaf pack.

 

[slus]

I'm not sure if it is true for Tacomas, but my 3rd gen 4runner stock shocks were made by KYB, I guess they were an OEM for Toyota during those years. I'd imagine non-trd tacomas to be the same.

I've had KYB Gas-A-Justs and Bilstein Sports on two of my 4runners. I'd pick the KYBs hands down. Bisteins were far too soft on that vehicle, it wallowed like an old buick and the shocks wore quick. I could probably cash in on the warranty and get a new set, but then we'd be back at square one with a crappy riding 4runner. This was on an 02 4wd with the factory "low rider" suspension, when I switch to KYBs on this one I will try to seek out some 96-00 springs. Both my 96 and 99 4runners with Gas-A-Justs rode firm and controlled.

 

[slus]

also, at $690, that shop is trolling for a sucker. The rear shocks are stupid easy to replace. The fronts, I don't have the proper equipment to compress the spring safely (by safely, I do not mean the threaded clamp spring compressors, almost lost my thumb to those) so I unbolt the strut assembly, take it to les schwab, and they will compress the springs and change the shocks for a pretty low fee. I think it was 30 bucks for both last time I did it.

 

[DaveM]

also, at $690, that shop is trolling for a sucker. The rear shocks are stupid easy to replace. The fronts, I don't have the proper equipment to compress the spring safely (by safely, I do not mean the threaded clamp spring compressors, almost lost my thumb to those) so I unbolt the strut assembly, take it to les schwab, and they will compress the springs and change the shocks for a pretty low fee. I think it was 30 bucks for both last time I did it.

Yeah KYB was OEM for my year Taco too apparently. This is actually a pretty decent shop, very honest. I think the price is high because they have to pay more for local in stock parts and the labor cost where I am (SF Bay Area, peninsula) is a good deal more than nearby rural areas. I'm not having him do the shocks and he even suggested I look online to beat their quoted parts prices.

I contacted Wheelers for some info and he suggested I do Bilstien 5100 all around, with OME 881 coils up front and their 3 leaf AAL in back. I'm weighing the options. Probably won't have the cash to do anything until well after Christmas! I'll look into having a local shop do the spring replacements though. That could save me some money and allow me to do all the other work myself.

 

[slus]

Looks like KYB GR2s (OE replacements) are running about 35 a pop on rockauto. Gas A Justs (firmer than stock) are about 45, but they do not have the fronts listed on there for some reason, I ordered mine from there so they should carry them, perhaps they are just out of stock.