Hey Everyone!

My brother recently purchased a used Tacoma 4X4 with about 100,000 miles on it. I took a long trip in it with him and noticed that it swayed from side to side a lot worse than any vehicle I've ever been in. Is this just the way the Tacoma's ride or does he need new shocks? He put new tires on it, so I cant see any cupping yet that would indicate a need for new shocks. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Jack one front wheel off the ground and see if you get side to side or front to back movement. Side to side = tie rods, front to back = ball joints. Shocks have little to do with driving in a straight line. To test the shocks, get a nice rhythm bouncing on the front or back of the truck and let it go. it should go up, down, and stop. if it keeps bouncing, you need new shocks.

 

You might have better luck on a toyota forum

 

What year Tacoma?

Quite serious, there's a recall out there for '95 - '2000 models involving frame rust - the frame can literally crack in half! I looked at a '97 V6 unit that I could stick my hand through the frame.

Wonder if it's realted. Also, the '01 - '04's use the same frame....

 

oem shocks dont last 100K. two of my frontier shocks wouldn't extend on their own, the other two, was like compressing a spring. snapped right back.

You might also check your swaybar end links.

 

Thanks for the replys guys! I'll relay the information.

 

I had an 02 Tacoma with the TRD option and it rode great. Very nimble off-road.

Tell him to replace the shocks with Bilsteins, that is what they put on the TRD trucks and they make a big difference.