Choosing Shocks for your 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma

With over 400,000 miles on our Tacomas here at Shock Surplus, our goal is to bring you experience and feedback from the trails and highways of America. We've ran many different brands at all levels through our own builds, which stretch from being the daily driver to the adventure tourer, seeing every kind of terrain possible. Here we will explore the different options available, what they mean for ride characteristics on your Tacoma, and hopefully guide you into something that makes sense for your truck.
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OEM Shock Replacements

This table of shocks are the current part numbers for the 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma, across numerous trims. The guide below with our shock recommendations are confirmed to fit without any modification necessary.

Part # Drive Type Description
Front Shocks (2005–2015)
48510-A9640 2WD 2005–2015, without PreRunner — includes X-Runner.
48510-09L90 / 48510-09L81 4WD / 2WD PreRunner Standard fitment, without TRD Off-Road package (2005–2008 / 2009–2015).
48510-A9630 4WD / 2WD PreRunner 2005–2008, TRD Off-Road package (factory Bilstein). Replaces 48510-A9490.
48510-09U61 4WD / 2WD PreRunner 2009–2015, TRD Off-Road package, current. Replaces 48510-09U60.
Rear Shocks (2005–2015)
48530-A9330 2WD 2005–2015, without PreRunner — includes X-Runner.
48530-A9340 4WD / 2WD PreRunner 2005–2008, TRD Off-Road package.
48530-A9680 4WD 2009–2015, 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
KYB Excel-G OEM Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD
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Overview
These KYB Excel-G shocks are the standard replacement from your local automotive shop. These are equivalent to base-model Tacoma shocks (not the yellow Bilsteins), and will ride pretty comfortable, but dont expect much. Shock Surplus is priced at half the cost from your dealership - grab them here and have them install it. These shocks are going to be the softest option available that will still last a decent amount of miles.
Price

1 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Budget level factory replacement shocks for the Tacoma
  • Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics; less slop, more comfort over small bumps
  • Softest riding shock available for the Toyota Tacoma at this price point
Cons
  • Short Lifespan that is typical of factory-like shocks
  • Will not improve performance or handling over stock shocks on the Tacoma
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD
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Overview
These Bilstein 4600 shocks are the beefier version of the factory yellow twin-tube Bilsteins that come standard on TRD models. These are a larger bore shock, which provides more support, and more consistent damping over larger bumps, and under increased loads, or offroad terrain in your Tacoma. Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. If you want a factory refresh, with a slight improvement on your 05-15 Toyota Tacoma, these are the best bet.
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
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift
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Overview
The go-to standard for a factory upgrade and leveling kit on the Toyota Tacoma platform. Re-use your factory springs to achieve up to 2.5in of additional front ride height to clear larger tires, and be on your way with a solid well rounded ride. Not known for being the softest shock on the block, the Bilstein 5100 are a good choice for those that like to feel more of the ground and terrain in their Tacoma.
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
Hauling / Towing Shock Recommendations
The following shocks give you the on-road stability and control necessary for hauling and towing loads
Bilstein 5100 Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift
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Overview
Bilstein is hands down one of the best options for towing and hauling a trailer or extra gear. The 5100s are appropriate for leveling the vehicle, along with tow/haul requirements, otherwise you can run the 4600s if you're sticking at factory height.
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
Eibach Pro-Truck Sport Strut & Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift 6-Lug wheels
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Overview
Eibach has a balanced approach to comfort and handling. Where some brands like Bilstein lean into handling and that sporty feel, there's sometimes sacrifices to comfort. Eibach's approach balances the handling improvements while maintaining road comfort.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Teraflex Falcon Sport 2.25" Tow/Haul Spacer Lift System Kit for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.25" lift
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Overview
Teraflex’s Falcon shock systems have a 2.25" shock body, which is a step up in oil volume and piston size compared to competing shock options. The digressive piston within these shocks means significant improvement in handling on the roads while loaded or unloaded, along with off-road capabilities that keep the tires planted in hard terrain.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Reduced Body roll and bottoming out action
  • Leveling Height capability
  • Exceptional build quality, aluminum shock body
  • All-in-one Kit
  • Ride Control adjustment, soft / firm response
  • Serviceable & Rebuildable
Cons
  • Not budget friendly
  • Not much else
Off-Road Shock Recommendations
Shock Surplus' staff does extensive tests on all these offroad shock options, these recommendations are driven by a huge amount of experience in the mountains, desert, and forests. We have reviews and videos to match nearly all options here to provide in-depth overviews and reviews of these shocks.
Fox 2.0 Performance Series Coilovers & Shocks Set for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD 6 Lug
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Overview
The Fox 2.0 was the first offroad performance-oriented coilover we tested on our Tacoma. The first impression for us was noticeably more comfortable than the Bilstein 5100s that came off, and was almost too soft under the extra weight of our aftermarket bumper and winch. These coilovers or the Fox 2.0 Snap Ring option are known to be softer than a digressive option.
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
Eibach Pro-Truck Stage 2R Coilovers & Reservoir Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD 6-Lug w/0.7-2.7" lift
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Overview
Eibach's Pro Truck 2R kit for the Tacoma give a balanced upgrade to the factory platform, as well as ride height gain (if needed) up to 2.5". These shocks provide a forgiving response offroad, giving you confidence to push harder, or take it easy while remaining comfortable. This Eibach option, or the standard stage 1 shocks, are one of Shock Surplus' most recommended options for Tacoma drivers.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 0-2.5" Leveling ability, typically with greater height gain than the competition
  • Comes with a spanner wrench to adjust height while on the vehicle
  • Million Mile Warranty, excellent durability
  • Great comfort without sacrificing handling
Cons
  • Haven't found any, these are one of the best deals around for the Tacoma
Bilstein 6112 2.5" Lift System - 05-15 Toyota Tacoma 6-Lug
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Overview
The Bilstein 6112 thicker body and piston is aimed entirely at offroad performance. Meant to take bigger hits and handle more aggressive driving compared to the 5100s.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 60mm piston gives improved rebound handling compared to the 5100s and other 2in shock options
  • Meant for the more aggressive offroad driver, these are high performance shocks
  • Various heights available for vehicles with different gear loadouts or height requirements
Old Man Emu BP51 Shocks - 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
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Overview
Across all the shocks our Shock Surplus 2006 Tacoma has ridden on, the Old Man Emu BP51 shock has been the most pillowy feeling setup we've tested. Through the compression and rebound settings on the shocks, you the driver can affect the ride quality to be extremely comfortable for the daily drive, and then tighten up the response for performance needs in the dirt or changing loads.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Compression adjustment to handle varying vehicle loads or tough terrain
  • Rebound adjustment to pair against compression for comfort control
  • Internal Bypass addresses comfort in every-day driving conditions
Cons
  • Compression/Rebound Adjustment is slightly tougher to change than competitors
Fox Performance Elite 2.5 Lift System - 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma
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Overview
Fox 2.5 Performance Elite features dual speed adjustment to address various terrains and speeds. Turn those settings soft during the week, then adapt them on the weekend for more gear, more speed, or a little of both.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Adjustability for more gear, more speed, or both.
  • Custom Tuneable; more comfort for the daily drive, or more performance for offroad activities
  • Serviceable for exceptionally long life and investment
King Shocks 2.5 Shocks Set for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 6 Lug 4WD
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Overview
King Shocks are unique not only in their blue color, but also in their valving and response. Known for being both comfortable with good handling, these shocks are meant for high speed offroad performance. The beauty of these shocks are the ability to custom tune to the Tacoma's driving style, which Shock Surplus staff gets into upon ordering.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Unique valving that delivers good comfort, support, and performance
  • Custom Colors and Tuning available
  • Top Tier of Offroad Performance
  • Serviceable and Rebuildable for long life and investment
Cons
  • Not every driving style is suited to run Kings
  • Requires servicing and rebuilds to run their best, between 20-40k miles
Bilstein 8112/8100 Shocks - 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma
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Overview
If you want the most advanced shock absorber available for your Tacoma, the Bilstein 8112 should be at the top of your list. These shocks are purpose-built for high speed offroad performance; traction, composure, longevity - all performance standards that Bilstein knocks out of the park with these shocks. The 8112 still delivers very soft and compliant daily driven feel, while being capable of faster speeds than what most drivers operate at.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Premium german engineering, USA manufacturing
  • 60mm piston with high tech internals
  • Height adjustment up to 3.5"
  • Top of the line offroad ride control for the Tacoma
Cons
  • Limited rear shock lengths, not a good idea to run with 2.5" rear leaf packs