Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
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Choosing Shocks for your 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma
The first generation Tacoma originally did not have nearly the same amount of aftermarket options as it does now. Brands like Fox, Bilstein, Icon, King, Dobinsons, Eibach all have performance options for the 95-04 Tacoma now that didn't exist up until recently. There's a clear difference in driver needs for this truck, and most of our experience is towards the offroad / overland driver that needs a shock to stand up to the requirements. The bulletproof nature of the Tacoma lends itself to bolt on performance parts to increase work-horse or off-road capability.
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OEM Shock Information
This table of shocks are the current part numbers for the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma truck, across numerous trims. The guide below with our shock recommendations are confirmed to fit without any modification necessary.
| Part # | Drive Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Front Shocks (1995–2004) | ||
| 48511-80030 | 2WD | 1995–1997, without PreRunner. Replaces 48511-80028. |
| 48510-09270 | 4WD | 1998–2004, general 4WD coil-spring fitment. Replaces 48510-39665. |
| 48510-A9080 | 2WD PreRunner | 1998–2004, Xtracab, with TRD Off-Road package. |
| 48510-A9050 | 4WD | 1998–2004, with TRD Off-Road package. |
| 48510-A9160 | 4WD / 2WD PreRunner | 2001–2004, Double Cab, with TRD Off-Road package. |
| Rear Shocks (1995–2004) | ||
| 48530-09B50 | 4WD / 2WD PreRunner | Without TRD Off-Road package (standard). |
| 48530-09E40 | 4WD / 2WD PreRunner | With TRD Off-Road package. |
Introducing
Tacoma Buyer's Guide Video
We break down the pros and cons of the most popular Toyota Tacoma suspension upgrades.
Daily Driver Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give comfort and control on road for your every day driving needs
Overview
While the Bilstein 4600 is pitched as an original equipment replacement for many Toyota models, the 1995-2004 Tacoma did not come from the factory with a monotube shock option. These shocks will ride sportier and more controlled than the factory shocks, and can handle any extra loads that the Tacoma will see in the form of camping or overlanding gear.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent factory upgrade for improved handling
- Long lasting, very durable
- Reduces nose dive and body roll
- Capable for heavy duty use, easy 4x4 trails
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Higher tier shock, higher price
- Yellow isn't everyone's favorite color
Rancho RS5000X Gas Strut & Shocks Set for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD w/0" lift
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Overview
If you're more concerned with daily driven comfort and a softer response overall on your Tacoma, the Rancho RS5000X twin tube is a bit more forgiving than the monotube options available. Billed as an economical-performance shock, the RS5000X for the 95-04 Tacoma is a good budget option that can stand up to washboard use and mild trails.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Thick body, large oil volume, contributes to performance longevity
- Reliable twin tube technology
- Great price for a 2" gas shock
- 90 Day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Ride quality leaves something to be desired
- Mass produced, shows in the details
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
KYB Monomax Monotube Gas Shocks Set for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
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Overview
KYB's Monomax option for the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma is a significant step up in control and damping compared to the stock shocks. If you're primary use is heavier loads or offroad use in your Tacoma, the KYB Monomax is a great budget friendly option that reduces body roll through turns or from heavier loads in the bed.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Excellent heavy duty shock for the price
- Increases handling and performance significantly
- Monotube high gas pressure design, great longevity
Cons
- Not a "smooth riding shock" - increases road feedback
- Red may not match your vehicle well.
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift
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Overview
BIlstein's 5100 adjustable height shock is one of the go-to options to level your 1995-2004 Tacoma, using factory springs. If you're going this direction on an older vehicle like this Tacoma, its suggested to refresh the coil springs when doing this shock package, whether with a factory replacement, or an aftermarket stock-height option from Old Man Emu or Eibach.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Leveling-Kit ability for certain apps
- Great off-road capable shock upgrade
- Durable, long lasting
- Improved handling on & off-road
- Heavy Duty, Tow, Haul capable
Cons
- Firmer than stock-like shocks
- Performance Shock, higher price
Rancho RS9000XL Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0" lift
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Overview
The RS9000XL adjustable shock for the 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma is one of the softer performance-oriented shocks available for this truck. The twin tube nature of this shock is more forgiving on the road and rocky trails than other options in this guide. With 9 stages of adjustment, the shock's response can be geared towards a very soft response for the daily drive, or a very firm response for heavier loads or offroad damping needs.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Control for soft or firm compression damping
- Thick bodied, large oil volume
- Excellent adjustable shock for the price
- 90-day Ride Guarantee by Rancho
Cons
- Knobs prone to breakage, we replace them for free
- Adjustment settings are imperceptible for some drivers
Recap of the Hauling / Towing Shocks
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
The following shocks have the durability and longevity you need for tough terrain
Overview
Bilstein's 6112 adjustable height shock for the 1995-2004 Tacoma brings big-bore damping in a compact and affordable package. This shock provides one of the best values in this entire guide, delivering a 2.6in adjustable height shock, for less than many 2.0 coilover options - and delivering arguably the longest lifespan as well. These shocks are geared for more aggressive offroad use in your Tacoma, but still delivering decent on-road comfort for the daily drive.
Price
2 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD 6 Lug
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Overview
Fox's 2.0 shocks on the 95-04 Tacoma are the intro-level performance option that gives a more forgiving and smoother response in the dirt, subduing trail chatter and rough pavement very well. We've tested numerous Fox 2.0 options on our own Tacomas, and they've consistently been one of the more comfortable solutions across the brands.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Coilovers provide Leveling-kit ability
- Excellent High Performance entry level shock
- Handles hard hits well
- Improves handling and traction in all terrains
- Rebuildable / Serviceable
Cons
- Higher price point compared to similar offerings
- Requires servicing for optimal performance
- Firmer than factory and other factory-like upgrades
King Shocks 2.5 Performance Coilovers Front Pair for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug 4WD
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Overview
If you're building your 1st Gen Tacoma to be a desert prerunner, or just want one of the best and most reliable offroad shocks around, then King Shocks are probably on your radar. Out of the box these shocks provide significant onroad support, with good comfort. In the dirt and faster offroad environments is where these shocks shine for your 95-04 Tacoma, with progressive damping support as the speeds ramp up.
Price
3 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- One of the highest performing shocks available for OE apps
- Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
- Compression adjustment and reservoir options
- Badass Blue color
Cons
- Lacking on features from competitors
- Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Icon 0-3" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
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Overview
Step into improved handling and comfort for your daily drive and dirt activities. Through ICON’s digressive valving, this leads to improved handling without sacrificing too much ride comfort in the pursuit of spirited driving and high performance.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Improved handling on and off-road
- Built for moderate to high speed
- Rebuildable and serviceable
- Can upgrade through higher stages
Cons
- Requires servicing for optimum performance
- Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Fox 2.5 Factory Series Coilovers w/ DSC Reservoir Front Pair for 1995-2004 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-3" lift w/UCA
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Overview
The Fox 2.5 Factory Race Series are geared towards high speed offroad use, we wont sugar coat it - these are not a pillowy or plush solution for on-road use. Your 95-04 Tacoma will be a handling machine on-road, especially with the compression adjusters featured with these shocks. Through the multiple levels of adjustment, these shocks are designed to handle a wide range of vehicle loads, or offroad speeds when the terrain gets bumpy and unpredictable.
Price
4 dollar signs out of 4
$$$$
Pros
- Huge improvement to road comfort and off-road handling in one package
- Adjustable & Reservoir options
- Serviceable, Rebuildable, Custom Tuning Available
- Excellent handling in high speed environments
Cons
- Requires servicing between 30-50k miles for optimum performance
Recap of the Off-Road Shocks
