🔧 Tacoma - Rear Shock Absorber Replacement

This covers the rear shock absorbers on your Tacoma. The rear shocks help control bouncing after bumps and should be replaced in pairs so both sides dampen evenly.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and keep the parking brake set.
• Chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands; do not rely on the floor jack alone.
• Rear suspension components may move when the shock is removed. Support the axle if needed with a jack.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Trim clip tool

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber set - Qty: 2
• Rear shock upper nuts - Qty: 2
• Rear shock lower bolts and nuts - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and apply the parking brake.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Spray penetrating oil on the upper and lower shock fasteners and let it soak for a few minutes.
• Raise the rear and support the frame with jack stands. Let the rear axle hang or support it lightly with a jack if needed.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear of the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the Tacoma by the frame.
• Set the truck down on jack stands placed under the frame rails.
• Keep the rear axle supported lightly with the jack if it helps line up the shock bolts later.

Step 2: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is tight, use a breaker bar for extra leverage.
• Remove the shock from the lower mount once the hardware is out.

Step 3: Remove the upper shock fastener

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the upper nut.
• Pull the shock out of the upper mount.
• Keep one hand on the shock.

Step 4: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in the upper mount first.
• Install the upper nut by hand with the 14mm socket, but do not fully tighten yet.
• Align the lower mount and install the lower bolt and nut using the 17mm socket.

Step 5: Torque the fasteners

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the upper and lower shock fasteners.
• Torque to 101 Nm (75 ft-lbs) for the lower shock bolt/nut.
• Torque to 21 Nm (16 ft-lbs) for the upper shock nut.
• Repeat the same steps on the other side.

Step 6: Lower the truck and recheck

• Remove the jack stands and lower the Tacoma with the floor jack.
• Recheck both sides for proper seating and make sure nothing is binding.

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✅ After Repair

• Drive slowly at first and listen for clunks or rattles.
• Check the shock mounts again after a short test drive.
• If the ride still feels bouncy, inspect the front suspension separately; front shocks on your Tacoma are a different job.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $350-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$250 (parts only)

You Save: $200-$400 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1-2 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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