Introduction:
Your Toyota or Lexus SUV or truck is built to tackle everything from daily commutes to weekend off-road adventures. But even the toughest vehicles need a little TLC, especially when it comes to the suspension. If your ride feels more like piloting a yacht than the rugged 4x4 it should be, it might be time to replace your shocks and struts. Let’s dive into when and why this happens, how to recognize the symptoms, and why replacing them could even be a great opportunity to level up…literally.
When Do Shocks and Struts Need Replacing?
Suspension shocks and struts typically last about 70,000 miles under normal driving conditions. But if you’re hitting the trails or dealing with rough terrain (like some of our fine Colorado highways) on a regular basis, you might find they need attention much sooner. Off-road use puts extra strain on these components, wearing them out faster and leaving you with a less-than-smooth ride.
And while you might be tempted to push those worn shocks a little further, trust us - it’s not worth it. A suspension system in poor shape affects more than just your comfort.
Symptoms of Worn Shocks and Struts:
How do you know your shocks and struts are past their prime? Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Bouncy Ride: If your SUV feels like it's a lowrider bouncing or floating up and down after hitting a bump, it’s time to investigate.
- Excessive Nose Dive or Rear Squat: Does the front of your vehicle dip dramatically during braking or the rear squat excessively during acceleration? Worn shocks could be to blame.
- Uneven Tire Wear: Bad shocks fail to keep your tires in constant contact with the road, leading to uneven tread wear. In extreme cases, you can actually see the tire bouncing up and down rapidly. I hate to point fingers but this extreme case tends to be a Ford Ranger with 400,000 miles on the original equipment.
- Poor Handling: If your truck feels wobbly or has body roll (leaning) more than usual when cornering, your suspension is struggling.
- Leaking Fluid: Shocks contain hydraulic fluid. If you notice oil leaking around the shock or strut housing, they are toast.
Ignoring these symptoms doesn’t just make driving uncomfortable, it can also compromise safety and lead to costly repairs down the road.
The Effects of Neglected Shocks and Struts:
When shocks and struts are worn, the ripple effects extend beyond your ride quality:
- Reduced Braking Performance: Worn shocks increase stopping distances. Due to reduced tire contact
- Tire Replacement Costs: Uneven tire wear means costly replacements.
Lifting or Leveling: An Affordable Upgrade Opportunity
Here’s where things get interesting. Replacing worn shocks doesn’t have to mean simply restoring your suspension, it’s also a chance to upgrade. Many people assume lifting or leveling a vehicle is an expensive, complicated process. But when your shocks are due for replacement, companies like Fox and Bilstein offer cost-effective solutions that can level the front of your truck or SUV without breaking the bank. In fact, they cost about the same or cheaper than some OEM replacements.
These upgraded struts are designed to raise the front end 1-2”, improving aesthetics and handling while reusing your factory springs. The process is straightforward and because you’re already replacing the shocks, the additional cost is minimal compared to a full suspension lift.
Why Choose Fox or Bilstein?
- Fox Performance Shocks: Known for their durability and off-road prowess, Fox struts offer a smooth ride on both the highway and on the trails.
- Bilstein 5100 Series: A fan favorite for leveling, Bilstein’s 5100 series allows you to adjust the front-end height with a simple shock/strut swap, all while maintaining excellent ride quality.
These brands strike the perfect balance between functionality and cost, giving your vehicle a sleek, leveled stance without the need for additional components like lift blocks or spacers. These brands also make your Toyota or Lexus ride better than the factory did.
Don’t Skip the Alignment
After replacing shocks and struts—especially if you’re making height adjustments—don’t forget to get an alignment. Changes to your suspension geometry can throw off your alignment, leading to uneven tire wear and poor handling.
The Bottom Line:
Shock and strut replacement is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be a dull chore. Recognizing the symptoms of worn suspension early can save you from bigger headaches down the road. And if you’re looking for an upgrade, brands like Fox and Bilstein make it easy to lift or level your Toyota or Lexus while keeping costs in check.
