Replacement Shocks for '02 Tacoma TRD

[DLN]

I'm about to replace the stock Bilstein shocks on my Tacoma with some heavier duty shocks to stiffen the ride. The camper is on the truck full time as I don't have any place to store it so I added a leaf and had the springs re-arched. The Bilsteins are too soft to keep the truck from bucking on the highway joints on hills and sometimes on the flats. My trusted local mechanic is recommending Munroe Sensatracks for the their ability to self adjust to different loads. Does anyone have any advice and/or experience with these or other replacement shocks?
Thanks All.

 

[kcowyo]

I run the Rancho 9K's with the in-cab controls on mine. With 9 position settings I can change with the push of a button, the firmness of the ride.

They are great for an adjustable solution for a full-time truck & camper combo. Great in town, on the highway and off the beaten track. My first set held up for 80K miles of use. I was very pleased.

Pro Comp also makes an adjustable shock but I haven't tried them. I like Rancho's in cab control because I can change settings on the fly as opposed to crawling under the truck at all 4 corners and adjusting the knob on the shock body.

You might also look into adding an airbag kit with the rear leaf springs. That will help with sway and understeer a lot more than the shocks. They are adjustable too and provide a much improved ride.

The following picture shows the Rancho gauges mounted in my dash, just below the radio -

 

[EdoHart]

Rancho 9000

I currently have a set of Rancho 9000 shocks. No in cab adjustment, but I will probably get another set when these are done. The Monroe shocks I had before were OK, the Ranchos are better.

 

[erod]

sweet dash kc! i run the fabtech coil overs in front and the shocks in back and like them very much...especially with the ride rite air bags. some people think they are too stiff...i too leave the camper on full time and have really been impressed with the airbags an highly recommend them. i went for new leafs all together...mine were pretty shot and i was able to sell the old packs pretty easily. old man emu makes a great shock as well and they are the manufacturer of my new leaf packs, been around for a long time, may want to look into them. also, check out summit racing for good deals on shocks, we just got 4 edlebrock shocks for our 86 runner' for 50 bucks and are really happy with em'. good luck!

 

[DLN]

Shocks Update

Thanks all for the response on my shocks question.

I went with the Monroe's for the economy and they have definitely tightened up the ride on the truck. I did look into the Ranchos and they look like a great setup...especially with the on board compressor and control, though a bit pricey for our needs. I'm likely to add a set of Ride-Rite air bags down the road to help level the truck and add some extra support to the springs.

Thanks Again