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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

Pros

Adjustability for more gear, more speed, or both.
Custom Tuneable; more comfort for the daily drive, or more performance for offroad activities

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

$$$$

Pros

Unique valving that delivers good comfort, support, and performance
Custom Colors and Tuning available
Top Tier of Offroad Performance

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

$$$$

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

$$$$

Pros