Best Shocks For Toyota Tacoma (Suspension Upgrades Guide)

The shocks on your Toyota Tacoma play a critical role in ride quality, handling, load support, and overall drivability. Worn out or inadequate shocks can negatively impact steering, increase stopping distance, reduce stability, and cause excess bouncing and loss of traction. Upgrading to high-quality aftermarket shocks for your Tacoma is one of the best ways to enhance performance and transform the driving experience.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about selecting the best shocks for your Tacoma.

Types of Shocks

There are several types of shock absorbers, each with their own advantages and ideal applications.

Twin Tube Shocks

The most common and affordable type, twin tube shocks have two tubes – one for compression damping and one for rebound damping. Pros: Inexpensive, good for light off-roading. Cons: Can overheat with hard use, limited adjustability. Good for stock or mild lift Tacomas.

Monotube Shocks

Monotube shocks have only one tube and can handle more heat. Pros: Increased durability, better performance, external reservoirs dissipate heat. Cons: More expensive. Ideal for lifted and off-road Tacomas.

Load Adjusting Shocks

Load adjusting shocks automatically adjust stiffness depending on payload. Pros: Maintains proper ride height when hauling or towing. Cons: Pricier, not necessary for most. Good if you haul heavy loads daily.

Air Shocks

Air shocks allow you to customize stiffness by adjusting air pressure. Pros: Fully adjustable, maintains ride height when loaded. Cons: Require maintenance, can leak over time. Best for frequent heavy hauling and towing needs.

Top Shocks for Tacoma by Type

Here are my top recommendations for shock upgrades by type and use case:

Best Twin Tube Shocks

• Premium: Gabriel 49235 Ultra Shocks – Affordable and gets the job done for daily driving
• All Around: ACDelco 54-45326 GM Original Equipment Shocks – Great balance of performance and value
• Budget: Bilstein 24-187442 Shocks – OE manufacturer, optimized performance and handling

Best Monotube Shocks

• Best Overall: AUTOSAVER88 Front Complete Struts Rear Shocks Assembly – Vast improvement over stock, great intro to monotube design
• All Around: Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks – The gold standard, huge improvement for street, off-road, towing
• Premium: Fox 2.5 Factory Series Shocks – Serious performance, built for racing, smooth on and off-road

Other Considerations for Shocks

There are a few other factors to think about when choosing shocks.

Ride Quality vs. Handling

• If ride comfort is your priority, look for shocks focused on compliance and cushioning bumps.
• For improved handling and control, firmer shocks reduce body roll and dive under braking. Determine the balance you want.

Lift Kits

• For lifted Tacomas, adjustable shocks support proper geometry at maximum droop and at ride height. Extended length shocks are usually required.

Off-Road Use

• Shocks for off-road use should resist bottoming out and overheating while allowing full wheel travel and articulation. Monotube shocks are best.

Towing and Hauling

• When towing or hauling heavier loads, shocks that stiffen and support more weight are ideal to reduce squatting and maintain control.

Recommended Shocks by Budget

Here are my top shock recommendations for Tacomas in different budget ranges:

Budget Shocks Under $100

• Gabriel 49235 Ultra Shocks
• KYB Gas-a-Just Shocks
• Monroe Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shocks

Mid-Range Shocks $100-$200

• Bilstein 24-187464 Shocks
• KYB Excel-G Shocks
• Rancho RS5000X Shocks
• Fox 2.0 Performance Series Shocks

Premium Shocks Over $200

• Bilstein 5100 Series Shocks
• Fox 2.5 Factory Race Series Shocks
• King Shocks Tacoma Performance Series
• Icon Vehicle Dynamics AlumaSeries Shocks

FAQ

How many miles can shocks last?

With normal driving, shocks typically last 40,000-70,000 miles. Aggressive off-roading and heavy loads accelerate wear. Inspecting for leaks and bouncing after hitting bumps helps identify worn out shocks.

Do I need a professional to install shocks?

Shocks are relatively easy to DIY install with basic tools. However, having a shop with alignment equipment replace shocks allows proper adjustment and alignment, ensuring optimal tire wear and handling.

Should I get the same brand for all 4 shocks?

It’s ideal to replace all 4 shocks as a set. Mixing and matching brands can lead to imbalanced handling. Stick with the same model and type of shock all around.

How much lift can shocks support?

Most shocks can comfortably accommodate 0-3 inches of lift. Beyond 3 inches, extended travel shocks with more droop and compression are usually required to prevent topping out.

Should I get new springs with new shocks?

If your springs are sagging or broken, replace them along with shocks. But if they are in good shape, new shocks paired with old springs often improves ride quality significantly.

What’s better, foam cell or gas cell shocks?

Polyurethane foam cell and high pressure nitrogen gas shocks each have pros and cons. Foam cell may allow more small bump compliance, while gas shocks resist fading from heat better. Evaluate your needs.

Can I adjust the stiffness of non-adjustable shocks?

Shocks with fixed damping cannot be adjusted externally, but some offer internal valving tuning. Stiffness is inherent to the shock design. Upgrading to adjustable or air shocks allows external adjustment.

Conclusion

Upgrading the shocks on your Tacoma is a transformational suspension modification. The proper shocks can provide tangible benefits ranging from a smoother ride and improved handling to greater towing stability and off-road capability. We covered the major types of shock designs, top shock recommendations for various Tacoma generations and driving needs, and key considerations for selecting the ideal shocks within your budget. With this guide, Tacoma owners can now make an informed choice to maximize their truck’s potential.