Choosing Shocks for your 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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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. 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
  • Restores off-the-lot ride characteristics
  • Softest riding shock available for most applications
Cons
  • Lifespan is typical of factory shocks
Bilstein 4600 Monotube OEM Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD
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Overview
One of the aftermarket ride control standards in shock absorbers, Bilstein has designed these shocks to improve handling and ride control, while maintaining relative comfort compared to a softer factory-like shock. Exceptionally long life and dependability, the Bilstein 4600 is not only great for the daily driver, but also capable of towing, hauling loads, and easy offroad trails.
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 Monotube Adjustable Strut & Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift
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Overview
One of the best selling shocks for the Truck, SUV, and Jeep market, the Bilstein 5100 excels at daily drivability mixed with off-road capability. Slightly firmer than the 4600 series, and firmer than a stock-like shock, these high-pressure gas shocks offer improved handling on lifted vehicles and improved response with larger wheels & tires.
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 Monotube Adjustable Strut & 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 Lift System Stage 1 Kit for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/2.5" lift 6 Lug
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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

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Height adjustable shocks allow for leveling your truck
  • Monotube design provides consistent fade free performance
  • Perfectly matched springs and shocks in a single package
Cons
  • Still requires coil spring compressor
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.
Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Sport Gas Strut & Shocks Set for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0-2.5" lift
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Overview
Old Man Emu's Nitrocharger and nitrocharger sport shocks are developed in some of the toughest off-road conditions around the outback of Australia. Old Man Emu and ARB have developed a comfortable daily-driver ride, with the ability to eat up washboard roads, rutted trails, and unpredictable terrain.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Exceptional durability
  • Excellent for adventure vehicles
  • Improved handling and performance
Cons
  • Not a smooth riding shock
  • Firmer than factory replacements
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 IFP high performance shocks are for a go-fast attitude offroad, providing significant handling improvement on & off-road over typical street-shocks. These shocks excel in aggressive terrain and the dirt, and are a great performance upgrade over factory or Bilstein.
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 Coilover Kit Front Coilovers + Rear Reservoir Shocks for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma w/0.7-2.7" lift
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Overview
Eibach's Pro Truck shocks have delivered a balanced feel we didn't know existed when compared to other brands. Through our own staff tests these shocks have performed great, not too firm, not too soft, but just right.
Price

2 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • 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
Icon 0-3.5" Suspension System Stage 1 Kit for 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma 4WD
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Overview
Shock Surplus has ran Icon systems on our own Tacomas for over 100,000 miles with flawless experiences. Meant for the sportier and aggressive driver, these shocks get smoother the faster you go. Icon is a great option for heavier vehicles, overlanders, and those that want a sportier on-road ride, while also pushing hard offroad and needs that tight handling when the terrain gets tough.
Price

3 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • Complete systems front to back, numerous stages for increasing needs
  • Sportier / Firmer on-road ride, but not harsh - excellent handling
Cons
  • Requires servicing for optimum performance
  • Off-road focused, may be too firm for daily-driver only
Old Man Emu BP-51 Bypass Coilovers + Rear Internal Bypass Shocks Set for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma w/0-3" lift
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Overview
The rebound and compression adjustment is already class-leading features for OE fitted shocks. Add in the internal bypass ports of these shocks and coilovers, and you can see why these are some of our new favorite shocks. The BP51 achieves the ultimate in both comfort and offroad control through the massive amount of ride control tuning.
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 Performance Coilovers w/ Remote Reservoir + Rear Reservoir 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 B8 8112 ZoneControl CR Coilovers & Rear 8100 Shocks w/ Reservoir Set for 2005-2023 Toyota Tacoma 4WD RWD w/0.4-2.2" lift
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Overview
The newest damper from Bilstein has arrived to challenge the top race companies in the offroad space. These coilovers feature high tech internals such as jounce cutoff and rebound stops within the primary coilovers, giving a huge improvement to all forms of ride control needs on the trail or in the desert.
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
SDI E-CLIK Shocks - 05-23 Toyota Tacoma
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Overview
Until now, there wasn't a "Best Shock" - it always came down to use case for the driver, there was always compromise between comfort, handling, and performance. With SDI's EClik system, the driver has direct and immediate control over damping profiles according to terrain or use-case, delivering onroad comfort, tighter road handling, or high speed offroad performance.
Price

4 dollar signs out of 4

$$$$
Pros
  • No compromise between comfort, handling, or performance like other brands.
  • Custom modes to suit driving style or needs, controlled in the cab.
  • On-the-fly automatic damping according to vehicle signals and terrain input.
Cons
  • Cost is the only drawback here - to have the best, it'll cost you.