Shock replacement

[MR7853]

do I need to do a alignment if I just replace my stock shocks for Bilstein 5100 set a stock positions?

[DWard]

I would say no, especially if your ride height does not change.
D

[Splicer]

^^ I agree -- no need for alignment with shock change and stock ride height.

[redrocket]

I replaced my front shocks with Bilstein's. My repair shop guys told me two things: the front's are not "shocks" but "struts" and that it was a good idea to realign after changing them. So I did. My 2005 V6 Taco DC tracks better, doesn't hunt all over the road like it used to, feels much more stable on the road.
redrocket

[Splicer]

My repair shop guys told me two things: the front's are not "shocks" but "struts" and that it was a good idea to realign after changing them.

A couple things should be clarified. It's good to have alignment checked occasionally (for instance, when new tires are installed, or with new shocks if you wish) and corrected if necessary.

Replacing struts (with stock height units) does not require alignment any more than replacing shocks.

Finally -- 2005+ Tacomas most definitely have front coilover shocks -- not struts. There is a difference, and a lot people who should know better (like your repair shop guys) often confuse the two. Incidentally, Miatas use coilovers at all four corners -- and they are frequently (and incorrectly) referred to as struts.

We have upper and lower A-arms (or control arms, if you like) with coilover shocks attached to the UCAs. A strut assembly replaces the UCA.

This seems to be a hot-button issue with some guys and I'm not trying to start any arguments -- just clarifying.

[anestech*]

A couple things should be clarified. It's good to have alignment checked occasionally (for instance, when new tires are installed, or with new shocks if you wish) and corrected if necessary.

Replacing struts (with stock height units) does not require alignment any more than replacing shocks.

Finally -- 2005+ Tacomas most definitely have front coilover shocks -- not struts. There is a difference, and a lot people who should know better (like your repair shop guys) often confuse the two. Incidentally, Miatas use coilovers at all four corners -- and they are frequently (and incorrectly) referred to as struts.

We have upper and lower A-arms (or control arms, if you like) with coilover shocks attached to the UCAs. A strut assembly replaces the UCA.

This seems to be a hot-button issue with some guys and I'm not trying to start any arguments -- just clarifying.

Correct, also known as a MacPherson strut

[Splicer]

Correct, also known as a MacPherson strut

Anestech*, you may well be agreeing with me, but your reply left me confused as to what you meant. At any rate -- MacPherson struts are commonly used on the front suspension of many vehicles, especially smaller front-drive cars. Just not on Tacomas.


This is a basic illustration of a double A-arm suspension with a coilover shock, which Tacomas have. The coilover is mounted to the lower arm while ours is mounted to the upper arm, but the principle is the same.


And this next one is an illustration of a strut suspension. Notice that the upper A-arm of the previous design has been eliminated, and replaced with the strut assembly -- just as I said in my post #5 above. Tacomas do not have this type of suspension.

There are obvious similarities between a strut and a coilover shock, but it's easy to see the differences in suspension design between a MacPherson strut and a double A-arm with coilovers. Hope this helps clear up any confusion.

[kingston73]

I know this is an old post, but for anybody reading this, I think you shouldn't get hung up over the "correct" term to use. Either way, coilover or Mac-strut, the point is the tacoma and tundra have a front spring/shock assembly that is a single piece, and to replace the spring or shock you have to have a compressor to take the stress out of the system before you can remove the shock.

[1stTacomaTruck]

I work as a mechanic for a company that specializes in steering and suspension related components of cars and trucks and it is highly recommended that you at least get your alignment checked when replacing STRUTS. When replacing shocks an alignment is not necessary because the shock does not hold any part of the suspension system. A good tech CAN put struts on your vehicle without messing up the alignment but you should get an alignment when replacing your struts.

[rikdrt1]

you should get an alignment - the 5100's are a bit taller even with no lift - so i would do it asap -- if your tacoma is a 4x4 -- then i would think twice about even installing them.

4x4 and 5100's have an issue with noises/vibrations ... beware

[Splicer]

you should get an alignment - the 5100's are a bit taller even with no lift - so i would do it asap -- if your tacoma is a 4x4 -- then i would think twice about even installing them.

4x4 and 5100's have an issue with noises/vibrations ... beware

Thanks for the info --- that's good to know.

My 'no alignment' advice was based on the OP's statement of stock position...

But this thread is about a year old, so he probably got it done already

[leach]

I looked at my 2008, SR5 shock absorbers today and the top barrel of the shocks appear to be constructed of cardboard?? I've never seen anything like that. I love the truck but is that cheap or what??