You might wonder, what are the best shocks for the Toyota Tundra? Considering that you already own one, you’re in good company because it was Motor Trend Magazine’s Truck of the Year for both 2000 and 2008. The Tundra has also been nominated for the North American Truck of the Year Award.
But like any other vehicle, it undergoes wear and tear, and the Toyota Tundra is no exception. After a while, your factory shocks will need to be replaced with aftermarket parts that could be as good as or better than them.
I’ve put up a list of the top replacement shocks for the Toyota Tundra. I hope that by the end of this article, you’ll have all the information you need to make a smart purchase!
Image Preview | Product Name | Quick Links |
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Bilstein 5160 Series 07+ Toyota Tundra Rear 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber (Top Choice) | Check Price On Amazon | |
Rancho RS9000XL RS999040 Shock Absorber (Runner-Up) | Check Price On Amazon | |
KYB 349054 Excel-G Gas Shock (Best Price) | Check Price On Amazon |
Best Shocks for Toyota Tundra
1. Bilstein 25-237429 B8 5160 Reservoir Shock Absorber
These aftermarket shocks for the Toyota Tundra are designed as direct fit solutions for your truck.
Compared to the ordinary shock absorber, these Bilstein remote reservoir shocks will offer your Tundra increased cooling capacity and wheel travel, which optimizes the overall performance.
It features a monotube design, which is more expensive to make but way better when it comes to conquering the harshest off-road terrain!
The Bilstein B8 5160 Reservoir Shocks also use velocity-sensitive digressive valve settings that are fine tuned to your truck’s needs for sudden surface changes.
With all that being said, there is clearly no doubt why the first spot in this best shocks for Toyota Tundra guide is secured for none other than Bilstein.
2. Foxshox 980-24-673 Pair of Front Performance Shock Absorbers with 0-1 Inch Lift for 07-19 Toyota Tundra
These Tundra suspension parts made by Fox are called the 2.0 Performance Series IFP smooth body shocks. They contain the latest in shock technology, which is sure to improve the performance of your Toyota Tundra. Ideal for Tundras with no suspension modifications or up to a 1″ rear lift system.
They use race-proven damping control, that provides you with a comfortable on-road ride and predictable off-road handling even when your Tundra is in the midst of the toughest conditions.
The precision metal impact aluminum body of these Fox shocks increases cooling capacity and never rusts.
3. Rancho RS9000XL RS999040 Shock Absorber
Premium control and performance are what you get from these Rancho shocks. These Tundra suspension replacement parts are recognized as the first nine-position manually adjustable ride control series for the off-road market. This makes them ideal for both on and off-road use, towing, and much more.
Nitrogen gas is pressurized to 120 PSI to minimize air to oil mixture and reduce damping performance fade and foaming. The 18 mm nitro-carburized piston rod resists scuffs and corrosion.
Its 2.75 in. tri-tube body handles extreme temperatures due to all weather fluid, which allows cooler operation and increased vehicle control. It also features a double welded loops at stress areas for enhanced structural integrity.
The Rancho RS999040 shocks are ideal for your Toyota Tundra, whether it is stock or lifted and when it does a lot of work like towing and hauling.
4. Sensen Rear Pair Shocks for Toyota Tundra 2000-2006
These Sensen Toyota Tundra best replacement shocks are precision engineered to provide the highest level of performance and safety. They are proven to serve you for many years because of their durability.
Nitrogen gas charged and twin tube design that is calibrated to help restore your Tundra’s original ride, handling and control performance.
Sensen shocks are manufactured and tested according to the strictest OE standards for incomparable performance.
They are 100% visually inspected and quality tested for your trouble-free ownership. Sensen shocks have become the preferred suspension brand of professional automotive technicians everywhere.
5. KYB 349054 Excel-G Gas Shock
When you install this KYB shock, which is another perfect Toyota Tundra suspension upgrade, it restores the truck’s originally designed stability and even shortens its stopping distance when you suddenly step on the brakes.
Wheel alignment is maintained and tire life is prolonged. It’s an OE replacement shock that equals or even exceeds the quality of the original factory shocks.
Lane change responsiveness and handling, which are critical features, are very much felt when KYB shocks are underneath the Tundra.
It makes use of a seamless working cylinder matched with a Teflon coated piston band for a positive seal and longer life.
6. Rancho QuickLIFT RS999923 Strut and Coil Spring Assembly
One of the best aftermarket shocks for the Tundra is this assembly from Rancho. It’s an all-in-one solution that levels and lifts late model Tundras.
These shocks simplify the installation process while leveling the front suspension and also provide additional lift of 1 inch to 2.5 inches to accommodate larger wheels and tires up to 35-inch for a customized look.
The fact that it levels the front suspension removes factory rake to give your truck an aggressive stance. Overall, a wonderful aftermarket shock replacement that will be with you for years to come!
7. Tuff Country 61302 Rear Shock Absorber
If you need a Toyota Tundra suspension upgrade, these Tuff Country nitro gas shock absorbers will reduce fade and give a quicker shock response to your truck.
These shocks feature twin tube construction, polyurethane bushings, and a ⅝ inch bushing rod. They are sold 1 shock at a time, so you need 2 orders of these suspension components per axle.
As we already know, the use of nitro gas in conventional shock absorbers, increases overall performance and dampening ability. This product is no different than the others on this best shocks for Toyota Tundra.
Even though its low price, Tuff Country has made a damper that is very durable and robust option acceptable for nearly every truck driver!
8. Monroe Shocks & Struts Quick-Strut 171347L Strut and Coil Spring Assembly
If you’re in the market for the best aftermarket shocks for your Tundra, get these Monroe upgrades with optimized vehicle design, which restore the ride and handling experience.
You will get everything you need for replacement in a single fully assembled unit without the need for a spring compressor. This Monroe product, through its premium upper strut mount, ensures smooth steering precision (as if brand new).
Reduced noise, vibration, harshness, and memory steer is something that this product has to offer for all of its customers.
With the application of Monroe Quick-Strut 171347L Assembly, you will immediately restore ride height and bring back the factory-ride feel again!
9. Detroit Axle – Front Struts Replacement for 2007-2020 Toyota Tundra Coil Spring Assembly – 2pc Set
These Tundra suspension parts have a coil spring that’s made of premium grade steel-based material that ensures a long-lasting life cycle. Its quality reduces the amount of vibration in your ride.
Also, the upper strut mount is made of top-grade bearings and SAE-graded nuts and bolts.
The life of the assembly is also increased by the rubber boot, which keeps debris off the absorber tube.
However, due to the highly rigid piston rod, it offers a safe and pleasant experience while driving at high speeds. There is no doubt that after 30 years of experience, Detorit Axle has acquired millions of satisfied customers.
So who knows, after reading this best shocks for Toyota Tundra article, you might be one of them too!
10. Bilstein (24-100144) 5100 Series Shock Absorber
The Bilstein 5100 Series Shock Absorber has the industry’s leading monotube design, which provides superior tube strength and, at the same time, maximizes heat dissipation.
This increases the shock’s life.
It has a high-pressure nitrogen gas system that maintains constant pressure against the floating dividing piston and column of hydraulic oil. That being said, it eliminates the possibility of oil foaming and performance loss.
When this particular Bilstein model is installed on your Toyota Tundra, it will significantly improve the quality of the ride, overall comfort and handling control. Consider devoting higher amount of your saving with the peace of mind that you will have for the next couple of years.
Things to Consider Before Purchasing the Best Shocks for the Toyota Tundra
What Exactly Do You Use Your Toyota Tundra For?
Are you a city person or an outdoors enthusiast (whenever you have the chance, you go out of the city)? Do you have vibrantly heavy loads at the back of your Tundra, haul a trailer, or do you only frequent well-paved city streets?
Well, you don’t anticipate where you’re headed to every day, so to maximize the benefits that your Toyota Tundra can give you, opt for the best aftermarket shocks for Tundra, which adjust conveniently between smooth roads and potholes or rock-filled off-road paths.
Read more: Best Shocks for Towing a Travel Trailer (Heavy Duty) Review and Buying Guide 2022
Monotube or Twin-Tube?
Monotube shocks compared to twin-tube shocks give you better damping control.
Monotubes have single-valve mechanisms that spread out pressure equally. Their piston is much wider than the twin-tube.
Twin-tubes have several valves on one piston.
If you have enough money, go for monotubes. But if you’re on a budget and need to replace the old shocks on your Toyota Tundra, settle for the twin-tubes. They can still smooth your truck’s ride decently.
Is the Shock Absorber Self-Adjusting?
The shocks should work so that as the load increases (like cargo and passengers), the pressure increases for the shock’s displacing fluid from its internal reservoir going to its valving system.
This increases the spring rate, which essentially prevents your Toyota Tundra from squatting. This is the ideal self-adjusting shock.
Price Range and Overall Quality and Durability
There are Toyota Tundra replacement shocks, which you can get for as little as $50. But there are also those that set you back nearly $200.
It depends on your budget and also on your preferences in the way you use your truck. If you’re mostly driving in the city, you can settle for the less heavy-duty ones.
There is the cost of the material used for the coating that protects against corrosion. You should know that your shocks will experience the worst: debris, mud, splinters, snow, rocks, potholes, and everything dangerous that you know will be encountered on the road.
A protective coating will surely protect your shocks and increase their life span of service to you.
Ease of Installation
All the best replacement shocks for the Toyota Tundra are listed here. They each have their own degree of customization with regard to ease of installation on your truck.
They were manufactured to the dimensions needed for your Tundra. The only difference is that some of them require certified technicians to assist you in their installation, while some of them can be fitted in with you as the main installer with only a few basic tools needed.
Maybe you just need a friend to assist you in some moments of installation, but surely you would prefer not to spend more for the installation of the shocks.
Brand Reputation
Some aftermarket shocks are more well known as the preferred brands for the Toyota Tundra. Many of them have made a name in the shock market for being reliable replacements for off-road situations, which is mostly the expected scenario that your truck will encounter.
Many brands have been in the aftermarket realm for decades now, and there’s no question about their reliability. But they are the pricier ones.
The newer brands trying to make a name for themselves in this niche have decent features and try to compensate by being sold at lower prices. It’s actually your choice based on your budget and also your capacity for experimentation.
Warranty
Some replacement shocks on the list have only 1 year warranties, but the ones that truly trust their products’ quality are willing to be challenged by offering lifetime warranties.
What’s My Choice & Final Words
When I was looking through the list and also researching some videos that show the best reviews of each replacement shock, I came up with a final criteria on what to look for in the best replacement shocks for Toyota Tundra. That is: less vibration, less temperature gain, more dampening, a good warranty, and just the right price for the quality you get.
That being said, the Bilstein Reservoir shocks stood out. It vibrated the least when put to the test on rugged roads and dampened so deeply that it was so obvious in the video. This translates to the best possible comfort for the passengers onboard.
If you have noticed the price, it’s the costliest item on the list. But, in my opinion, it is well worth it.
Runner-up honors go to the Rancho RS9000XL shock absorbers. I like its feature of an adjustable knob, which has 9 positions. These selections allow for customized damping control and firmness, with the flexibility for smooth and rough road situations.
Rancho has always competed with Bilstein when it comes to high-quality truck aftermarket shocks. They are also ideal for your Tundra, whether it is stock or lifted, or even when it does a lot of towing and hauling. And it’s a bargain because it sells for $105, which is a reasonable price.
There you go, my recommendation for the best Toyota Tundra shock absorbers. I’d like to hear more from you, yes you. the reader!
What shock absorbers are your favorite on the list or simply just share some good or bad experiences you have with any of these brands listed. Thanks for reading!