🔧 Shock Absorbers - Rear Shock Replacement

Assumption: This guide covers the rear shock absorbers on your Tacoma. The front suspension uses struts, not simple shocks.

The rear shocks control bounce and help keep the tires planted. If one is leaking, clunking, or worn out, replace both rear shocks together so the truck handles evenly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Support the truck with jack stands; never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• Keep the rear axle supported with a jack before removing the shock bolts. The axle can drop suddenly.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves. Rust and dirt fall when the bolts come out.
• Do not overextend the rear brake hose or ABS wire if you raise the axle too far.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

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

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear shock absorber - Qty: 2
• Rear shock mounting hardware kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground.
• Set the parking brake.
• Block the front wheels.
• Spray the upper and lower shock bolts with penetrating oil and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the rear of the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear of the truck by the rear axle.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Leave the floor jack under the rear axle with a little pressure on it. This helps control axle movement.

Step 2: Remove the rear wheel

• Use a 17mm socket to remove the lug nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 3: Support the axle

• Use the floor jack under the rear axle housing.
• Raise or lower the axle slightly until the shock bolts are easy to reach.

Step 4: Remove the lower shock bolt

• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the lower shock bolt and nut.
• If the bolt is stuck, use a breaker bar for extra leverage.
• Keep one hand on the shock.

Step 5: Remove the upper shock bolt

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the upper shock bolt.
• Pull the shock out of the wheel well once both fasteners are removed.

Step 6: Install the new shock absorber

• Position the new shock in place by hand.
• Start the upper bolt first using the 14mm socket, but do not fully tighten it yet.
• Line up the lower mount and install the lower bolt with the 17mm socket.

Step 7: Torque the shock bolts

• Use a torque wrench to tighten the upper and lower shock fasteners.
• Torque to 100 Nm (74 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts with the 17mm socket.
• Lower the truck, then torque the lug nuts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 113 Nm (83 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the other rear shock the same way.
• Always replace shocks in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Check that both shocks are seated correctly and all bolts are tight.
• Test drive slowly over a few bumps.
• Listen for clunks or rattles.
• Recheck lug nut torque after the test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$700 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$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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